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17 Discounted and Free Opportunities for Pastors, Church Leaders, and Their Families

You don’t choose a career as a pastor for the money. Being a pastoral family can be extremely rewarding, it can also be financially challenging. My husband has been a youth pastor since 2016, and while he probably makes more than many other youth pastors do we are definitely not rolling in cash over here!

As a youth pastor’s wife and an entrepreneur, I have found it extremely beneficial to have a solid budget. We don’t have a large income, and on top of that, my own income varies from month to month due to the nature of my own job. Budgeting with an irregular income is already pretty challenging! 

Over the years, I have found that there are places that offer discounts for pastors and church leaders which has been a huge blessing for our family! In fact, there are several places that offer scholarships or discounts for pastors and church leaders as a way to show appreciation for their service. While specific discounts may vary depending on the location and the establishment, I have compiled a list of places that offer discounted and even free opportunities for pastoral families and full-time church leaders. 

Below is a long list of numerous camps, retreat centers, bed and breakfasts, and others that have discounted and free opportunities for pastors, church leaders, and their families to take some time away from home, away from everything that surrounds leading the people of God.

I have verified the prices and availability of many of these opportunities, but it should also be noted that prices, scholarships, and discounts are subject to change. As I was doing research for this article I came across old articles that had been published with similar lists that had different prices than the official websites. As such, please go to the website provided and contact the organization and ask if they have a discount for pastors (or missionaries) and what that is. Most of these links go directly to the web pages that mention the pastoral discounts and scholarships! 

Some of these opportunities are also subject to availability or even time of year. Be sure to double-check the details for each one before attempting to book. 

Finally, if you know of any other discounted or free opportunities for pastors, church leaders, and their families please feel free to comment below with some details and preferably a link or email me at katie@agapeinvests.com Thanks!

Free Opportunities for Pastors and Church Leaders

Weekend to Remember  (Nationwide)

If you’re a senior pastor, either full-time or bi-vocational, or a full-time associate pastor, including executive, worship, youth, care, etc. you and your spouse can receive a scholarship to any Weekend to Remember event! (Hotel and meals not included) This is a fantastic discount for pastoral couples and a chance for them to build up their marriage because even though one of you may be employed full-time by the church, it can be a lot of stress on a marriage. 

My husband and I have successfully used this scholarship to attend a Weekend to Remember conference in Colorado Springs. 

Eight Degrees North (Panama) 

Take a trip down to Panama and stay at Bethel House, a fully furnished 2-bedroom, one-bathroom casita for FREE for 7 days! The hosts, Gary and Barb are called to minister to pastors teaching the Word of God by hosting them along with their families in their beautiful Panama getaway. Includes transportation to and from Enrique Malek Airport in David, Panama. 

In writing this article I reached out to Gary and Barb via email and they confirmed that they do still offer this experience to pastors and their families! They expressed how much they would love to bless you and your family with a relaxing vacation in Panama!

Beulah Land Retreat (Michigan)

Beulah Land Retreats exists to strengthen churches by strengthening leaders through offering their guest house free of charge to church leaders. They are located in Beulah, MI near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 

I had to add this to the list because Beulah is actually the town my parents live in! I HIGHLY recommend planning a getaway to this area of Northern Michigan as it is beautiful. If you do happen to head that direction please reach out to me and I’d love to connect you with my parents who live on a lake and would love to have you for dinner!

En Gedi Retreat (Colorado & Wyoming)

En Gedi Retreat offers two free vacation homes for pastors and missionaries; one in Colorado and one in Wyoming with the purpose of keeping pastors and missionaries “Rested, Refreshed, and Renewed” in their service to the Kingdom. It is available to pastors who need time alone with God, then to pastors, missionaries, as well as their families. 

LeTourneau (New York)

At LeTourneau we offer FREE retreat lodging (includes spouse and dependent children up to age 21). Lakeside and Hilltop Cottages are available for ministry retreats. Lodging may be reserved up to 2 nights per calendar year for free from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Definitely check out this Rushville, New York retreat.

Eagles Rest Retreat (New York)

Located in the Finger Lakes Area of New York State, Eagles Rest Retreat is a ministry to people in Christian ministry. It is a place of rest and renewal for pastors, music ministers, Christian artists, youth ministers, missionaries, and their spouses and families. Lodging and breakfast are provided free of charge for pastors, missionaries, and their immediate families.

Ridge Haven

In Brevard, North Carolina, Ridge Haven continues exploring ways to support those who serve in ministry. When space allows (typically in the winter and spring months), they offer complimentary individual retreats for pastors and their families.  They desire to host as many pastors as possible, therefore complimentary retreats are offered for 2 consecutive nights. However, reservations may be extended with a discount of 50% off lodging for additional nights when available. 

Bloom Tree Ministries (Wisconsin)

Out at Green Lake, Wisconsin, Broom Tree Ministries is providing FREE 5-day spiritual retreats for pastors and their spouses. The retreats are designed to provide uninterrupted time with God in rest, reflection, and beauty. They prioritize good food and lots of couple time. Guests consistently experience “aha” moments that bring clarity and challenge for the next season of ministry. Since 1997 they have been strengthening the church one pastor at a time.

Discounted Opportunities for Pastors and Church Leaders

YMCA of the Rockies (Colorado)

Faith leaders, either alone or with their families can receive 2 nights in any lodge room (up to 4 people per room) for $174. This deal also includes all meals! You must be compensated faith leaders/staff at Faith Based Organization and be able to provide proof of employment at the time of check-in. 

If you happen to be a foster parent as well, there are ways to receive 50% off of many activities and lodging at the YMCA as well. 

Check out your own local YMCA to see if they offer pastoral discounts!

Christian Leader Vacation Program (Worldwide)

Need a vacation?? Quiet Waters Ministries has a partnership with Wyndham hotels and resorts around the world. Pastoral families can enjoy a full week of accommodations for a flat price of $299, obtained through the purchase of the voucher. The voucher is a one-time use voucher, and once purchased, you have an entire year to book your stay. 

Certificates can be purchased by pastors or para-church ministry leaders and used for personal travel or may be purchased as a gift to a Christian leader. Certificates may also be purchased and used by missionaries (however, you must use a US or Canadian-based credit card).

This couple successfully used this vacation program for their vacation to Florida. 

Hospitality Homes (Worldwide)

Hospitality Homes’ vision is to link Christians in many nations who feel called by God to open their hearts and homes in the spirit of Romans 12:13 “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” with God’s weary workers who are in need of doing what Jesus commands in Mark 6:31 “Come away with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” They offer getaways for as little as $22 per night. They have homes all around the United States and a few in other countries including Germany and Mexico. 

Ridgecrest Conference Center (North Carolina)

Located in Black Mountain, North Carolina, the Ridgecrest Conference Center offers minister getaways for those in full-time ministry positions. Their Minister Getaways provide the rest and renewal you’ve been looking for individually or as an inexpensive vacation with your family. They offer an incredible room rate of $79.00* per night, per room, and all Minister Getaways now include access to their Pastor’s Study with over 300 books and commentaries. 

Beside Still Waters (Florida)

Beside Still Waters at Playa Del Sol is a program that provides a place of retreat for rest and refocus. The four-unit, two-story complex is about one hour south of Tampa, Florida This program is offered to pastors, ministers, missionaries, bishops, priests, or rabbis, etc. (Applicant must have three years or more service in good standing.). All Applicants pay a $250 deposit, in addition to a minimum donation of $250 per stay and an application fee of $25.

Shalom Home Pastor’s Retreat (Florida)

The Shalom home is a Pastor’s Retreat and place of refuge to relieve the stress and anxiety caused by ministering to others. You and your spouse can relax in the quiet country setting just south of Pierson, Florida. They have a suggested donation of $50 per night for a regular room and $65 per night for the Master Suite, and also request a $100 reservation deposit that is applied to your stay when you reserve your dates.

The Springs (Indiana)

The Springs: A Place for Retreat is a donation-based ministry. Located in Southern Indiana, The Springs welcomes Christian ministry staff and leaders for personal or small group encounters with God away from the distractions of daily life.

Lighthouse Christian Camp (Tennessee)

At Lighthouse Christian Camp in Smithville, Tennessee they offer their Pastors Retreat Home at very low costs for pastoral families or groups throughout the year. They ask for a small deposit depending on the number of nights you plan to stay. $120 for a 2-3 night stay and $180 for a 4-6 night stay. 

Christian Hospitality Network (CHN)

CHN is the largest growing network of bed and breakfasts, country inns, wilderness lodges, vacation cottages, cabins, and boutique hotels that are owned by Christians who are willing to offer these enchanting places of rest at discounted rates to church workers and missionaries. This network consists of a wide variety of unique lodging choices across the world and we encourage you to take a look at them, even if you aren’t a ministry worker. Each of these places is owned by individuals that are filled with kindness and generosity. Second, CHN hosts free Get Aways. These free vacations for missionaries have become the heart and soul of CHN. They bring together a team of people, consisting of everything from hair stylists to doctors, who are passionate about serving those who serve. CHN hosts these Get Aways throughout the year at gorgeous resorts around the world and dedicates every second, from the moment missionaries arrive to restoring and empowering them so that they can continue to do what they were called to do.

Choosing a career as a pastor often comes with financial challenges, but there are numerous opportunities that offer discounts and even free experiences for pastors, church leaders, and their families. I hope you enjoyed this range of options, from serene retreats to affordable vacation programs, designed to provide rest, rejuvenation, and support for those dedicated to serving their faith communities. If you end up using one of these options please let me know in the comments below! 

So what do you think of these discounted and free opportunities for pastors and church staff? Do you know of any others to add to this list? Drop them in the comments below!

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