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WinShape Retreat - Rome, Georgia

Refresh & Renew Retreats

Five-day Marriage Retreats serving senior pastors, ministry leaders, and international missionaries by providing them a place to unplug, so they can nourish their marriage

R&R Description

Those who work in ministry give their lives in service to others, so they may hear and experience the good news of Jesus Christ. However, we recognize this can come at a cost to your own self-care, relationships, and even marriage. We know that you often feel burnt out, yet we trust that Jesus came so that you may have life and life abundantly. Therefore, we’ve created R&Rs, a retreat that provides an extended time period as well as a physically calming environment for you and your spouse to experience what a week away from your day-to-day routines looks like. 

You’ll have the opportunity to fully unplug and be served in a safe environment (not do the serving!), so that you can truly focus on each other and the Lord. From Monday evening until Friday morning, you’ll slow down and rest, play and laugh together, eat delicious meals and desserts, and have ample time to simply reconnect with one another and grow in intimacy. The experiences throughout the week are designed to nourish your soul and strengthen your relationship with God and your spouse. Our prayer is that you’ll leave refreshed, energized, encouraged, and renewed in order to thrive in your God-given calling. 

At an R&R, You’ll Experience:

  • Plenty of margin in the schedule to explore our sequestered campus, enjoy a cup of coffee at the Café, and simply be present with your spouse, free of distractions.
  • Space and time to enhance your marriage and hear from the Lord individually and collectively. 
  • The chance to connect and form new friendships with other couples who are on a similar journey in ministry. 
  • A wide variety of optional experiences and activities to tailor the week to your preferences. 

Who Can Attend An R&R?

Senior Pastor R&R

  • A senior or lead pastor of a local church congregation for 3+ years 

Ministry Leader R&R

  • A director or associate pastor in a paid, full-time formal ministry role of a local church congregation (i.e. family pastor, executive pastor, worship pastor, etc.) 
  • An executive director or CEO of a parachurch ministry/nonprofit organization
  • A full-time, international missionary for 3+ years
  • Domestic missionaries are taken on a case-by-case basis. Preference is given to international.

NOTE: Administrative and supportive roles within organizations are not a fit for this experience. We encourage couples that fit this description to look into our weekend Marriage Retreats or Romantic Adventures.

Due to demand and wanting to give everyone the opportunity to attend, we limit attendance to R&Rs to once every four years.

R&R Cost

2024 R&R: $400/couple
2023 R&R: $150/couple
(All applicable taxes included)
Includes lodging for four nights, all meals, and programming
Due upon acceptance of application

Your R&R Registration Includes:

  • Comfortable accommodations featuring a private room with a king-size bed and a private bathroom with a shower and dual sink vanity  
  • Fresh meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, coffee, and desserts (including endless Icedream®) curated by our world-class dining team 
  • Access to the beautiful Berry College campus, dotted by 27,000 acres of peaceful pastures, tree-lined trails, wildlife, and a tranquil lake 
  • Christ-centered experiences designed to propel your relationship with your spouse and the Lord forward during the week and beyond 
  • Serene spaces to truly unplug and connect with your spouse—time to relax in a hammock, read a book by the fire, play sports, and more

Choose the Appropriate R&R

Choose the R&R based on your role. Each week is designed specifically for each audience. They are not mixed.

Submit an Application

Complete a short application and submit your Letter of Support. Our team will review your application and be in touch.

Strengthen Your Marriage

Attend your five-day getaway, where you’ll renew your mind, body and soul, feeling closer to your spouse and the Lord.

Apply to Attend an R&R

Select the R&R you qualify for based on your role and complete the application.

Ministry Leader R&R

R&R Full. Join the Waiting List!

November 13-17, 2023

Ministry Leader R&R

R&R Full. Join the Waiting List!

December 4-8, 2023

Ministry Leader R&R

Full for Ministry Leaders, Availability for International Missionaries

March 18-22, 2024

Senior Pastor R&R

May 6-10, 2024

Senior Pastor R&R

October 14-18, 2024

Ministry Leader R&R

November 11-15, 2024

After a R&R, You'll Be:

  • Strengthened in your relationship with the Lord 
  • Renewed in your intimacy with your spouse 
  • Inspired to continue prioritizing your marriage 
  • Encouraged by others walking similar paths 
  • Rested and rejuvenated to return home 

Testimonials

couple walking down path during a winshape marriage retreat

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

The R&R was a much-needed time to rest and reflect on our journey with the Lord. We felt His presence and care for us in the gracious hospitality, the beautiful setting, and the company of new friends.

- Claire B.

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

My husband and I attended a retreat this past spring at WinShape, and we had a life changing experience. It's such a safe place to grow and connect with your spouse. They've literally thought of everything to make you feel comfortable and cared for. We didn't want to leave!

- Lindsay H.

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

We were exhausted and in need of rest for our bodies and souls. The R&R gave us that rest through the warmth and kindness of the hosts and WinShape staff, the incredibly beautiful setting, and lots of time to connect with fellow laborers who fully understand the unique burden of pastoring a church. It was a true gift.

- David B.

FAQs

Why do we ask for a Letter of Support?

WinShape Marriage believes in the transforming power of community through the work of the Holy Spirit. Senior pastors, ministry leaders, and international missionaries need more than permission to receive care and rest from their church or organization. They need intentional support and the empowerment of their communities to see this as a vital movement in the well-being of their marriage and relationship with God. The Letter of Support acknowledges this participation in blessing and sending you and your spouse into a week of sabbath.

NOTE: The Letter of Support will need to be completed and uploaded with the the R&R Application.

Download the Letter of Support

If we sign up and must cancel, will we get a refund?

Tap here to view our full R&R cancellation policy.

Can I register for another R&R and be on the waitlist?

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot allow couples to register and take a space on the waitlist. If you do not get off the waitlist, you can reach out immediately to register for another R+R date with availability.

What is our itinerary for the week, and will we have free time?

You will receive your itinerary for the week upon arrival, but you can expect daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The programming portion is intentionally light to align with our intended outcome of rest, nourishment and renewal. Individual soul care and other couple activities will be available for sign-ups during the day. Additionally, you’ll have ample free time throughout the entire week. During your free time, you’re welcome to explore the beautiful Berry College campus on one of the many walking or biking trails. Please feel free to bring your bikes, or you can check out ones we have available. We also have a variety of other activities and games—fishing equipment, discs for our disc golf course, yard games, tennis rackets, basketballs, board games, etc.

Can we go offsite?

The R&R is intentionally designed to help you engage in a slower pace of life and embrace rest. Heading offsite can be a distraction from what God’s purpose is for you and your spouse during the week. We strongly discourage offsite excursions during your time at WinShape Retreat.

What is the role of soul care at the R&R?

One of the greatest commandments is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37)

Soul care is intentionally growing our awareness of what’s happening within our soul so we can learn to love God with more of it. One form of soul care that is practiced during the R&R is the opportunity to receive the ministry of spiritual direction.

Learn More About Spiritual Formation & Soul Care

Where are you located?

WinShape Retreat is located on the campus of Berry College in Rome, GA, approximately 1.5 hours northwest of Atlanta, GA.

What do we need to bring?

The dress for our R&Rs is casual. Please bring comfortable clothing. We recommend a light jacket as well as layers in case of colder weather, rain, etc. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning activities, during which you’ll need closed-toe/closed-heel shoes (preferably athletic shoes). You will not need any money during your stay as all lodging, meals, snacks, and programming are included in your registration fee.

Can we bring our kids to an R&R?

While we love kids (and even have summer camps for them!), our R&Rs are a place for parents to get away and focus on their relationship. Therefore, no infants or children are permitted at these events.

Have Questions? Contact Our Customer Experience Team