Georgia Baptist Mission Board partners with Baptist Resource Network to host couples retreat in Gettysburg

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — The Georgia Baptist Mission Board extended its Pastor Wellness ministry beyond state lines this month, sponsoring The Battle Belongs to the Lord Ministry Couples Retreat in partnership with the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey. Nearly 30 ministry couples gathered Aug. 18–20 against the historic backdrop of Gettysburg, Pa., for three days of renewal, encouragement, and fellowship.

Chris Reynolds, lead strategist for Pastor Wellness, said the retreat reflected the GBMB’s commitment to supporting pastors and their families. “It was a privilege to partner with the Baptist Resource Network to serve pastors and wives from Pennsylvania and South Jersey. Our goal was to give them space for spiritual enrichment, rest, and meaningful relationship building—and the Lord did just that.”

Expressing his gratitude to the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation for the funding that made this event possible, Thomas Hammond, the GBMB's executive director, said, "Thanks to their generosity, we had the opportunity and ability to go beyond Georgia, and minister to pastors outside our state in partnership with BRN."

The retreat featured keynote messages from Dr. Hance Dilbeck, president and CEO of GuideStone; Dr. Barry Whitworth, executive director of the Baptist Resource Network; and Hammond.

Worship was led by Joy Stevens and Craig and Caroline Dale, who Reynolds noted, “brought a spirit of unity and encouragement. It was a vital part of creating an atmosphere where couples could rest in God’s presence and be strengthened for ministry.”

Whitworth described the atmosphere as one of unity and revival. “We have worshipped. It’s just a sense of renewal. You could see it welling up and happening. A lot of camaraderie, couples exchanging their information about each other, getting to know each other for the first time. And although they’re separated by miles, God just used this as a moment to bring our BRN family together with these 30 couples that showed up.”

“The retreat was a picture of kingdom partnership,” Reynolds added. “To have leaders like Hance Dilbeck, Thomas Hammond, and Barry Whitworth pour into these couples made for a truly refreshing and Christ-centered gathering.”

“Seeing Georgia Baptists and Pennsylvania/South Jersey Baptists come together in this way reminds us that we, as Southern Baptists, are part of something bigger than ourselves,” Reynolds explained. “We share the same mission and the same heart to advance the gospel, and care well for ministry leaders.”

Reynolds credits Hammond's leadership for making the gathering possible. “What I appreciate about serving Georgia Baptists and Southern Baptists under the leadership of Thomas Hammond, is that he dreams big and equips his team to make the dream a reality. Both Thomas and Kerri have a deep heart for those who serve the Kingdom, and they back that up with an investment of time and resources. Their leadership makes gatherings like this retreat possible.”