Comments From Retreat Participants
"Any minister's family that experiences the pain and rejection of forced termination is passing through their most difficult hour. If ever a friend was needed, it is then. MTM came to us as that friend. They sought us out. What the retreat provided for us was like an oasis in an emotional desert. There we found those who shared our pain. There we found those who would listen and genuinely care. We know of no other group that has established itself as an advocate for hurting ministers.
We have commended this group to others in our circumstances. The heart and soul of MTM are the leaders. May God continue to bless their ministry."
~ David and Mary Turner
"The retreat was very helpful to my wife and me in processing the painful act of forced termination. Through the retreat and exceptional retreat personalities we were better able to understand and evaluate the thinking of those responsible for forcing me to resign.
Sessions dealing with spirituality, anger, self-esteem, dispute resolution, and family systems were right on target to help in the healing process.
Forming new acquaintances with fellow sufferers and hearing about their painful pilgrimages on the pastoral pathways was also helpful. The same dynamics were at work in all our situations."
~ Kenneth D. Hall
"Thank you for the ministry of the Ministering to Ministers Wellness Retreat. I attended the retreat just before a storm of controversy erupted. I am convinced that it was through your ministry and the ministry of the retreat that I not only survived, but the church also survived and we all came through it stronger.
As I listened and shared during the retreat I experienced truths about myself that caused me to reevaluate my actions and leadership styles. As I reviewed by personality inventory, I became aware of strengths I needed to utilize and weaknesses I needed to address.
Not only did your ministry help me to continue serving as pastor, but your ministry also provided the lay leadership with resources to address some of the actions taken by others."
~ Jim Donahue