Over the past five years, we have been blessed with over 1000 visitors per year (including a number of repeat visitors).  We have hosted Alpha weekends, men and women’s groups, church leadership teams, youth groups, ministry groups, church picnics and many individuals.  As we observe who God is sending us, we also pray to discern where God wants to use Bethesda to serve His purposes.  One area that we’ve seen a subtle, yet steady, increase is the number of Pastors who are coming for time away to pray, rest and be renewed by time alone with God.

From Webster’s dictionary, the definitions of renew: 1. To make new or as if new again; make young, fresh or strong again; to bring back into good condition. 2. To give new spiritual strength to.

We believe that we are to become more proactive in the encouraging of Pastors to come to Bethesda to be refreshed and renewed.

Why is this initiative so important? 

 “Pastors and full-time ministers…clearly play a vital role in spiritual leadership, since they are the one who, through their examples and Bible-centered teachings, equip the saints for the work of the ministry.  Their God-given role cannot be overemphasized – it is crucial.  We would not be the church without them.” (Anointed for Business, Ed Silvoso. ISBN 0-8307-2861-9).

So how are our pastors doing?  Please read the attached excerpt from  ‘Life-Line For Pastors’ entitled ' Statistics for Pastors' - a publication of Maranatha Life.  (The complete article by Richard A. Murphy can be found at http://maranathalife.com/lifeline/stats.html).

As someone with a heart for Pastors I have had the opportunity and privilege to meet and pray with many Pastors over the past few years.  It distresses me to say this but Pastors in the Ottawa area can closely identify with many of the disturbing statistics of the enclosed article.  They are too busy, exhausted, under too much stress, do not enjoy enough support from their church and yet they know God has called them to their respective positions.  I have also had the privilege to interview and discuss Pastor care needs with over 30 Pastors from various denominations, various ages and various years in ministry.  Some of the information from those interviews can be read by clicking here.

As Pastors have visited Bethesda, they affirm that they are blessed by being in God’s presence and they leave with renewed energy.  How is your Pastor?  Do you know any Pastor who could use some time in the country, being still and know that God wants to love and renew them?

†        We believe that Pastors must come as part of their workweek and not using up their precious vacation (family) time.

†        We believe that Pastors should come for renewing annually and at least 3 days (2 nights).

†        We believe we must honour our Pastors by gifting them this time and covering their costs of staying here.

†        We believe we must protect our Pastors by praying for them while they are here (and we pray their flock prays for them daily already!)

Bethesda will be making changes to be more accommodating to the Pastors needs, and we look to prepare a number of self-study opportunities to enhance their time with the Lord.

Imagine what might happen as a Pastor gets renewed and reinvigorated for ministry.  Imagine as he or she ministers out of God’s love to his or her leadership team and then they help minister to the flock.  What kind of an impact might that have for God’s Kingdom?  Imagine if 10 Pastors were renewed and strengthened, what might happen? Imagine 50!!

Bethesda needs your help to get this critical ministry improved and sustained.  We ask you to pray and ask God how He wants you to support this ministry and the Pastors who serve so unselfishly.

We ask that you print and fill in the Pledge form and the Terms and conditions Form and return it to us to tell us what you have heard.  (All gifts over $10 are tax deductible.)