The 2025 Pastors’ Family Retreat held July 14-16, 2025, at Camp Alamisco in Dadeville, Ala., was a vibrant celebration of spiritual renewal, family bonding, and practical training for ministers and their families across Gulf States Conference.
The annual retreat, organized by the Ministerial Department, provided an uplifting atmosphere where pastoral families could pause, reflect, and reconnect. With a theme centered on “Renewal and Growth,” attendees participated in insightful workshops, dynamic recreational activities, and powerful moments of worship and fellowship.
Central to the retreat were presentations by David Sedlacek, Ph.D. and Beverly Sedlacek, D.N.P., of Into HIS Rest Ministries. Their sessions on “Preventing Pastoral Trauma” and “Healthy Boundaries in Ministry” offered biblically grounded tools to foster emotional and spiritual resilience in ministry. Families also engaged in sessions led by departmental directors focused on building a “Future Focused Church.”
Josh Murillo, Gulf States Conference vice president for ministerial, emphasized the heart behind the retreat: “This is more than a professional event; it’s a space where pastoral families are reminded that they are seen, valued, and cared for. The retreat reflects our Conference’s commitment to nurturing the shepherds who lead our congregations.”
The evenings featured fellowship opportunities like an “Evening Fair by the Lake,” complete with food and games, and creating memories that extended beyond the professional into the personal.
“This retreat was a refreshing oasis. My son made new friends, my wife found sisterhood, and I left with tools to better care for my flock and myself,” said Junior DeSouza, a pastor who attended with his family.
The Pastors’ Family Retreat is a critical part of the Gulf States Conference’s strategy to ensure the health and effectiveness of its pastoral workforce. As the demands of ministry grow, so does the need for intentional spaces of rest and renewal.
Gulf States | September 2025
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