Providing you a safe space to rest
If there's one thing we all know about ministry, it's that it is ongoing and oftentimes relentless. We know you work tirelessly, rarely taking time to stop.
And when you do stop, that pause is interrupted.
We want to help change that. Because going nonstop, especially in ministry,
is not the way God designed us to live and flourish.
And if there's one thing we want you to do, it's to flourish.
But flourishing means we have time and space to rest and recover ourselves. And that's precisely what we want to offer you . . . a space.
After a particularly difficult ministry endeavor by his disciples, Jesus invited them to "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest awhile."
We believe Jesus extends that same invitation and permission to us. Yes, he sends us out and empowers us to join him in what he is at work already doing, but he also cares more for us than what we can do for him.
The Retreat
Come Away Retreats operates on family property in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. And if you've never been here (the UP), you're in for a treat.
It's quite an incredible story of how our parents snowshoed in to discover this piece of tree-filled land where they would build their home and grow their family.
It's that legacy we want to expand by offering these wooded acres as a safe space and place of refreshment for those in ministry. There is shade within these trees and quiet in these woods--perfect for being with the Lord.
The vision we have is to build tiny cabins for those in ministry to come and stay for a time of rest, refreshment, and renewal.
There is stillness and peace to be experienced and these woods are here for you to once again have the sacred space to practice the presence of God.
If you've spent any amount of time in the woods, you know what an invigorating experience it can be. Many of us can recall early memories of being in the woods how it was filled with wonder. A wonder that soon, in our own hearts and minds took up residence in us. That same wonder and the peace that often accompanies it are something we often find as we walk among these trees and foliage.
Whether it's the stillness itself, the rustle of the leaves in the wind, the faint glimpse of a bird fluttering by, the white flash
of a deer's tail, or just the sense of God's presence, a slow
walk and some deep breaths in the woodsy air can fill more than merely our lungs. We find ourselves wondering again, captured by the simple beauty of slowing down.
It feels good to be here now and know that God is, too.
Who We Are
Brett and Kim have served in multiple ministry capacities for the last 25+ years in Ohio, Washington, Michigan, and Wisconsin. During these years and experiences they have developed a heart not only for God and people, but also for his Church and her leaders.
Brett has served in various associate pastoral roles over the last 25 years, both on staff and as a lay leader. He is gifted in leadership and values team collaboration and empowering others. He loves the outdoors and spends his time reading, running, camping, and finding any excuse to take a hike through the woods.
Brett & Kim Shilton
Co-founders
Kim has served alongside Brett in many of his ministry roles and has unique and strong gifts and ministry all her own. She is trained as a nurse and is a baker with a growing small business. She excels in hospitality and fostering community through relationships. She enjoys traveling and getting outdoors with the family.
Mark 6:31
And Jesus said to them,
"Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)
