February 14, 2025
BUFORD, Ga. — The Pastor Wellness ministry of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board welcomed the wives of more than 230 ministry leaders to Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge in Buford last month for a retreat designed specifically to cater to their needs. The ladies gathered on Jan. 23-25 to be renewed and fed spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Chris Reynolds, the GBMB’s lead strategist for Pastor Wellness, said, “It was inspiring to witness a multigenerational gathering of women share stories of faith and encouragement.”
Glenda Torres, whose husband pastors Iglesia Bautista Victoria en Cristo (Victory in Christ Baptist Church) in Riverdale, described the weekend as a “blessed time with my fellow pastor's wives sharing God's love, praising Him, and listening to His voice through God's loving speakers.” She added that she made new friends and is looking forward to future events.
The weekend began with the Game Changer, a large arcade and game room at the lodge on Thursday night. Friday was filled with breakouts, haircuts, health services, and massages.
Joy Stevens, a Pastor Wellness ministry coordinator who led the worship at the event, said, "One of the most beautiful things about this retreat was hearing the voices of over 200 women of faith united in worship. God’s power and presence filled the room as these women, who carry immense responsibility, laid it all down at the feet of Jesus and worshiped Him with abandon. For some of these women, this retreat was more than just an event; it was a lifeline. A moment to breathe, to rest, and to be poured into after spending so much time pouring out for others. I’m so grateful to have been a small part of their refreshment!"
Pastor Wellness mobilizer Lauren Walker, whose husband Kyle is pastor at Cartersville First Baptist, said, “Our goal this year was to meet some very specific needs a lot of ministry wives have, as well as create chances for the ladies to build relationships with other ministry wives. We held breakouts where they could meet other women in their regions and areas of ministry. Being a ministry wife is definitely a sisterhood that only ministry wives can understand, and we wanted these ladies to know they were not alone.”
Some of the breakouts were designed for specific ministries, such as church planting or Hispanic churches. Others, such as one on praying for your children and grandchildren, were more general.
“It was a wonderful weekend,” Walker added, “where friendships were formed and God was glorified. We praise the Lord for our ministry wives and all they do for our Georgia Baptist churches.
Brea Gotthardt, wife of Sherwood Baptist Church Senior Pastor Paul Gotthardt, was grateful for the opportunity. “Thank you for creating the space to be still, have fun together, bond with our teams, connect with other ministry wives in Georgia, and dive into the Word together,” she said.
