Shepherd's Refuge has a no-pet policy.
There are no exceptions other than guide dogs for the visually impaired.
Although we love children, we ask that you find someone trustworthy to take care of them so that your time at Shepherd’s Refuge is most beneficial to spiritual and physical renewal. If you or your spouse are a nursing mother and baby, please contact us.
The few exceptions we made early in the life of the ministry, allowing children to accompany the parents, have resulted in being more of a distraction than help for the grownups to really benefit from a time in solitude and spiritual meditation.
Ministries like Fairhaven, and EdenRidge are called to meet the combined needs of a family vacation and spiritual retreat. Then there is Shepherd's Fortress Ministries that connects Pastors and their families with Retreat Facilities. We hope that you will be able to take advantage of what they offer.
Please use our Reservation system to reserve accommodation with us.
We accept reservations on a first-"call"-first-served basis. We will need to be able to verify your church/ministry/mission’s affiliation.
The minimum stay in the Upper Room is 2 nights, and the minimum stay in the Cabins is 4 nights. Important: both arrival and departure dates have to show as being available on the calendars! In consideration for others to benefit, please limit your requested stay to 7 nights, and only 1 visit every 12 months.
There are other ministries that can help those who are going through the tough times of burnout. Check out some of those sites using the links page. We find the following especially informative:
There have been well documented studies done by the Barna Research Group about issues faced by church leadership.
We find the following websites especially informative:
There is no charge for accommodation to qualified guests since they are sponsored by the generous gifts from ministry supporters such as individuals, churches, and businesses.
Qualified Guests are:
Vocational/Bi-Vocational Christian Pastors and their spouse. If retired or in transition, email details for our board to review your situation.
Full-Time Church Staff in a Leadership Position and their spouse.
Full-time Christian ministry staff in a leadership position and their spouse.
Missionaries who are under the umbrella of an accredited mission organization and their spouse.
A refundable reservation deposit in the amount of $250 is required.
Shepherd’s Refuge is located about 1 ½ hrs drive North of Atlanta, GA, more specifically, 13 miles North of Historic Dahlonega, 5 minutes from Turners Corner.
Our physical address is 181 Whisper Ridge Road, Cleveland, GA 30528
We would like to commend you for offering your pastor a few days of rest!
Pastors, Ministry Leaders in a full time position and missionaries are sponsored by partners who have a heart for their well being, so, their stay is at no charge to them, except for a refundable reservation deposit.
They will need to determine dates from the calendar found on our website, then complete the reservation form below the calendars, keeping in mind that there are minimum nights required, 2 for the Upper Room and 4 for the Selah Cabin. Transportation and pocket money would of course be something they could be helped with by you or the congregation.
Feel free to contact us with any other questions.
