ABOVE PARADISE RETREAT
A Place of Rest, Reflection, and Renewal
ABOVE PARADISE RETREAT
Above Paradise is a place for a pastor and his wife to come and experience rest, reflection, and renewal.
Jesus said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Mark 6:31a (NIV)
ABOVE PARADISE RETREAT AT A GLANCE
Above Paradise is a non-profit ministry located south of Livingston, Montana and about 40 miles north of Yellowstone National Park at the end of Paradise Valley. It exists to provide a place of rest, reflection, and renewal for pastors and wives. Above Paradise is an non-denominational ministry that welcomes any evangelical ministers.
This ministry was born from the heart of Tommy and Charliene Price who served many churches nearly 40 years of their marriage. They have experienced many challenging circumstances in their ministry and desire to love and encourage others who serve the Kingdom of God as fellow ministers.
At the end of 2021 (https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-well-being/), 38% of pastors were considering leaving full-time ministry. Because of the challenges that ultimately lead to pastors leaving ministry, our number one priority is to those who are struggling with their call. There is no charge for food and lodging for pastors and ministry leaders and their spouses who find themselves in need of retreat from ministry.
PURPOSE
Rest, Reflection, Renewal
Above Paradise is a secluded place in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of Montana.
Ministers and their families serve in the midst of ever increasing stressful environments. Christ knows His servants need to get away periodically for rest.
REST
Rest for the body is an absolute necessity to get rest for the soul. The Above Paradise setting provides enough seclusion for quiet time. Whether sitting by the wood stove with a book or on the front porch viewing the beauty of God’s creation, walking the mountain trails, or just listening to sounds of the wild, Above Paradise is a place of rest.
REFLECTION
Pastor’s families encounter a lot of different and sometimes challenging circumstances. The wisest thing we can do when faced with issues that seem to drain us is to look within before we are critical of others. The pastor and their wife are a team and need to take time to communicate what is real in their relationship with each other, the family, and the church or field where they serve.
RENEWAL
Renewal is the ultimate goal of Above Paradise Retreat. When the pastor and their wife return to their place of service, it is our prayer they will have a renewed sense of purpose, vision, and energy to accomplish their work of service in the kingdom. This can only be accomplished through total surrender to the work of Christ in their life.
OUR APPROACH
Above Paradise Retreat is located on a mountain in a quiet place, away from traffic and busy schedules. We are not a vacation destination, but rather a place for a couple in ministry to come and experience a break from everyday life. Only married couples are allowed to come and stay as our guests. No children or pets are allowed.
It's our desire that couples spend most of their time on the mountain. There are opportunities to walk the trails around the property, hike the wilderness trails in the mountains, sit on the porch and look at the beautiful scenery, or enjoy the wild flowers in the meadows. You may even see some wildlife while you are here.
We don't have a set schedule or program for couples. We encourage couples to use their time at Above Paradise Retreat for spiritual renewal and marriage refreshment. Renewal can happen when God is invited to be a part of the couples experience at Above Paradise.
All meals are provided, except for any snacks a couple wants to provide for themselves.
The main lodge currently can host two couples at a time. Our ministry is open June through September.
If you are interested in applying for a time to come stay with us as a guest, please contact us with the email link below. With your request, give us 3 possible dates you could come.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Blessings!
Jonathan & Avia
"Thank you isn’t enough to cover the gratitude we have for the ministry of Above Paradise. By providing a distraction free environment you blessed us with the opportunity to hear from the Holy Spirit as we sought Him through prayer and simple Bible study. You don’t know it, but this week blessed our marriage, our family, and our church for generations! You didn’t just minister to us, you ministered to everyone we will be ministering to!"
Matt & Tanya
"Thank you so much for giving us an opportunity to come to this beautiful place. It was exactly what we needed...to get away from all the noise of life. The Lord used you as hands and feet to minister to us by listening, laughing and serving us, and crying over life circumstances. This ministry is definitely a must to help people in ministry to get away and rest in the Lord."
Tim & Sandra
"Thank you for the wonderful fellowship, rest and care you have so graciously given us during our stay in this beautiful place! It is certainly a place where many hearts and souls will find peace and refuge from the storm."
Josh & Amy
"Thank you so much for a great relaxing time. We enjoyed our time here and the fellowship as well. Thank you for taking such good care of us!"
Check our calendar for available dates starting in June and ending in September.