Kerith Center
We exist to see ministry leaders heal, thrive and finish well in their emotional, spiritual,
relational and ministry lives.
We offer week-long retreat intensives for pastoral couples or individual ministry leaders struggling with marriage challenges, mental health issues, burnout or church hurt. Attending an intensive allows ministry leaders to free themselves from distractions to focus on their emotional, relational and spiritual health. Leaders receive 12+ hours of individual counseling throughout the week from a professional counselor, as well as follow up services from an after-care coach. This allows leaders to make significant gains in a short period of time.
Our guests stay in a fully furnished retreat house located in Central Illinois, in the town of Washington, Illinois.
Our hospitality team takes care of providing a relaxing environment, while also providing for daily needs such as meals. Guests are invited to arrive on Monday afternoon and check out on Friday. Mornings are set aside for counseling (up to three hours per day), while the remainder of the time can be spent relaxing, reading, fishing, hiking, shopping, napping, eating, sitting at the fire pit, or exploring Washington’s quaint downtown.
Cost is dependent on services provided but includes everything with the exception of transportation to and from our location. Costs and scheduling can be discussed during a free consultation. Fill out the interest form below to be contacted with more information.
Marriage Tune-Up
Proactive attention to marriage strengthens a couples’ bond. All marriages encounter stress, but pastoral ministry presents unique and specific stressors to marriage and family life. Kerith offers support and encouragement for pastoral couples to talk confidentially with seasoned ministry couples and therapists, while providing couples the tools to grow in their relationship.
Online & In-Person Counseling
In addition to intensive retreats, Kerith Center offers ongoing counseling, either in-person or via telehealth. Our experienced therapists offer treatment for those struggling with depression, anxiety, and marriage difficulites, as well as ministry-related challenges such as burnout, church hurt, trauma, and termination. We also offer coaching for specialized areas of need such as pornography addiction and pre-marital work.
Respite
Refreshment retreats are available by request when space and schedule are available during non-intensive retreat weeks. Whether part of your sabbatical or a personal retreat, Kerith Center is the perfect place to rest, do sermon planning or practice spiritual disciplines. Counseling is not provided, however spiritual direction can be arranged. Contact us for costs and scheduling.
Soul Care Retreat
Soul Care is about being mindful and intentional about caring for the whole person. This 3-day retreat is a place to unplug from the busyness of ministry life to refresh and replenish. It allows a pastor to set time apart for deep rest, playing, reading, and enjoying God’s creation. Group work with a coach, counselor, and spiritual director is also included. These retreats are scheduled throughout the year and are typically with 3-4 other pastors.
Philosophy & Values
Values
Christ-Centered - We are committed to integrating theology into psychological practice, believing that personal wholeness and spiritual maturity work together.
Collaborative - Our therapists, spiritual directors and aftercare coaches work together to care for our clients in a manner that brings about healing and ongoing health.
Evidence Based - Our team uses therapies, practices and assessments that are informed by the most current research for the best in client care.
Hospitable - We demonstrate the love of God by valuing our guests and by providing a safe and caring environment.
Financially Reasonable - Made possible by friends of our ministry who underwrite a portion of the costs to ensure quality care and affordability for ministry leaders.
Vision & Name
Vision - To see ministry leaders heal, thrive and finish well in their emotional, spiritual, relational and ministry lives.
1 Kings 17:2-6 "Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: 'Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.' So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook."
Elijah has announced an unpopular prophecy to King Ahab and now the Lord has commanded him to hide himself away for his own safety. In the solitude, Elijah is learning dependence upon the Lord before returning to his ministry. F.B. Meyer wrote of this story, “We must not be surprised, then, if sometimes our Father says: ‘There, child, you have had enough of this hurry, and publicity, and excitement; go and hide yourself by the brook -- hide yourself in the Kerith of the sick chamber, or in the Kerith of bereavement, or in some solitude from which the crowds have ebbed away.’"
Give towards scholarships
Help a pastoral couple cover their expenses to attend an intensive retreat or a week of respite
Feedback from our guests
- "Our time at the Kerith Center was renewing and encouraging. They offer just the right amount of warm hospitality and counseling! Whether you need intensive counseling or just a time of soul renewal, it’s waiting for you at the Kerith Center."
Pastoral Couple
(September 2023)"I needed a place for set apart time with God and rest, and Kerith Center was the perfect place. The house was a great space for rest, reading, and writing. The counseling was very helpful. A great spot not too far from home to get away!"Pastor from Chicago
(October 2023) - We had a great time at Kerith house getting away from everything with just the two of us. Heidi and Kurt were great to visit with and just tell some of our story to. They made us feel completely at home right away.
Pastoral Couple from Central IL
(September, 2023)This was a fantastic experience! Everyone was kind and helpful. The house was relaxing and a great environment. I love the town too.Pastor from Southern IL
(August 2023) - Exactly what I needed to get away to unplug and unwind. Special touches all throughout the house that made my stay extra special. Snacks were such a nice bonus! Very cozy atmosphere.
Children's Pastor
(September 2023)
