About Us
In a world where many Christian leaders are burned out and spiritually exhausted, Whispering Pines offers a gentle invitation: come away and find rest. Through weekend retreats and single-day experiences, we create a space for Jesus-followers to slow down, breathe deeply, and encounter God's restorative presence. With experienced inner healing practitioners on-site, guests are guided through healing heart wounds, invited into stillness, and reminded that renewal is possible.
Whispering Pines is more than just a beautiful retreat — it’s a strategic opportunity to invest in the healing and renewal of those who lead, serve, and shape the spiritual landscape of our communities.
In today’s fast-paced world, where “instant” has become the norm, we’ve lost the art of waiting on the Lord. The constant rush of life, now deeply woven into the Church, has left both paid and volunteer leaders spiritually depleted. This rapid pace is not only unsustainable; it’s damaging. At Whispering Pines, we invite leaders to step out of the chaos and into the peace that comes from pausing in God’s presence, where true renewal begins.
While we’ve been deeply moved by the personal stories of burnout and exhaustion within the Christian leadership community, the statistics reflect the overwhelming scale of this issue. Research consistently shows that a significant percentage of pastors and church leaders are facing mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion —challenges that affect not only individuals but also the communities they serve.
Here’s what the data reveals:
75% of pastors report being “extremely stressed” or “highly stressed” (1)
90% work between 55 to 75 hours per week (2)
90% feel fatigued and worn out every week (1)
70% of pastors say they have a lower self-esteem now than when they entered ministry (1)
70% constantly fight depression (2)
50% feel so discouraged that they would leave their ministry if they could, but can’t find another job (2)
80% believe their pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families, and 33% said it was an outright hazard (1)
These statistics are based on research from the Fuller Institute of Church Growth (David Ross and Rick Blackmon’s “Soul Care for Servants” workshop, 1991) and the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute of Church Leadership Development (1998 & 2006).
If you're ready to experience the healing and renewal that comes from stepping away and finding rest in God’s presence, we invite you to join us at Whispering Pines. Explore our upcoming retreats and single-day experiences today!
“Our stay at Whispering Pines was a restorative time of refreshment. From the moment we arrived, we were met with warm hospitality that made us feel immediately welcomed and cared for. The hosts went above and beyond to make sure every detail was taken care of, and their kindness never felt forced—it was genuine and deeply appreciated.
The retreat is truly a hidden gem, nestled in a peaceful, natural setting that offers a perfect escape from the busyness of daily life. It was quiet, restful, and exactly what we needed to recharge. At the same time, there was no shortage of things to do, even for my teens! They especially enjoyed time swimming and fishing in the pond just outside the house we stayed in.
One of the most meaningful parts of our visit was the intentional support shown to ministry families. Whispering Pines is more than just a getaway —it's a place of restoration and encouragement. They understand the unique challenges of ministry life and provide an atmosphere where pastors and their families can truly rest, reconnect, and be refreshed.
We look forward to visiting again!” —Jason and Jenni Baker, GUALALA BAPTIST CHURCH
