What is a pastoral care school?

Pastoral care is the proclaiming, healing, and freeing work of the Spirit of God.  Jesus announced His ministry by reading from the scroll of Isaiah, and He sends His Spirit into the Church today:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

—Luke 4:18-19a

This school offers pastoral care through worship, teaching, and personal prayer ministry. You are invited to come and receive from the Lord, and in doing so you’ll grow in your capacity to offer this care to others. This school will address barriers to knowing God’s presence with us, equipping you to more fully collaborate with Him in every part of life.

Who should attend? 

All seekers of the kingdom of God are encouraged to attend. Those who are struggling with the wounds and compulsions that are common in our world today will find real help. Ministers and lay leaders from all denominations, and those in lay and professional caregiving roles such as counseling, medicine, and prayer ministry will be refreshed and equipped to help others. The school is designed for ages 18 and up, and young adults are especially encouraged to take advantage of this life-changing opportunity.

What is MPC?

We build up the Church through the cross of Christ by helping his followers reach maturity in him. Our work is inspired by the writings and ministry of Leanne Payne. Our team is led by Sarah Colyn, a seminary-trained psychologist with a passion for the gospel. This retreat will be staffed by a team of musicians, speakers, and prayer ministers who are seasoned witnesses to Christ’s power to remove barriers and set His people free.

What topics are covered?

We desire to see the full healing power of the gospel active in the Church, and so we bring the Good News to bear on the challenges that believers face today.  Key issues we address include:

• Practicing God’s presence and listening prayer in Christian obedience

• Removing barriers to wholeness in Christ: the need to forgive, receive forgiveness, and accept ourselves in Him 

• Healing attachment wounds, finding personhood and wellbeing in Christ

• Affirming wholesome sexuality, gender identity, and relationships

• Enriching Christian symbol, liturgy, and the language of the heart 

• Renouncing common manifestations of idolatry and becoming truer worshippers of God

What’s the best way to prepare for the school?

We encourage all attendees to read The Healing Presence and Restoring the Christian Soul by Leanne Payne as preparation for the school. The Broken Image and Crisis in Masculinity by Leanne Payne are also recommended. The books are published by Baker Book House and are available from Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, and BakerPublishingGroup.com and the audio books are available from audible.com and audiobooks.com.

How do I register?

We have an online registration here.  We ask you to complete a registration form and also to share a reference from a mentor or colleague — this information helps us prepare to serve you at the school. All information you share with us is confidential. 

Given the limited space at the Cedar Springs facility, we anticipate that this school will reach full capacity, so early registration is encouraged. MPC reserves the right to decline any registration.

Deadline

Registrations will be received through June 26, 2024.

Walk-in registrations will not be accepted.

Fee

The registration fees are:

$1100 per person, double occupancy

$1500 per person, single occupancy

This covers your full participation in the school, including meals and accommodations. For double-occupancy lodging, the registration form provides a place to request to room with a spouse, same-gender friend or family member, or we will pair you with another same-gender participant.

If the registration fee is prohibitive in your circumstances, we encourage you to share your need with your church or other community for sponsorship. You may also request a partial scholarship from MPC. To request a scholarship, first complete your registration including the reference, and then submit your request for scholarship using this form. Scholarships are given based on need and availability of donated funds.

Payment of the full school fee is due when you receive notice that we have processed your registration. You may pay online or by check.

We will email you a confirmation of your registration to attend this school. Please do not make non-refundable airline reservations until you have received this confirmation from us.

To pay for a group, please contact registrar@ministriesofpastoralcare.com

Checks can be mailed to: MPC, P.O. Box 60255, Shoreline, WA 98160.

Where is the school being held?

Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center in Sumas, Washington, USA. Cedar Springs is in a beautiful, natural setting in the Cascade foothills within eight acres of gardens, ponds, and hiking trails. For a video tour of the retreat center, click here.

Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center is located 110 miles north of Seattle, WA at 4700 Minaker Rd, Sumas, WA 98295.

Travel to Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center

If you are traveling to Washington State by air, we recommend flying into Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac).

Optional transportation to the retreat center will be offered by chartered bus from SeaTac Airport on Sunday morning, July 14, 2024, returning to SeaTac on Friday, July 19 in the morning.  More information about this transportation package and the option to purchase is here.

If you are driving to Cedar Springs in your own vehicle or in a rental car, free parking is available on site.

Accommodations

Cedar Springs accommodations offer comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms with showers, and free wifi.  Linens and towels are provided. Each room has a view of the beautiful gardens and forested hillsides nearby and easy access to the dining hall.

Meals

A full meal service is provided for those attending the school. Meals will be served in the Lakeside Dining Hall beginning with lunch on Sunday, July 14, and ending with breakfast on Friday, July 19. Cedar Springs offers gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Cancellation and refund policy

Up to May 18, 2024, 90% of your fee will be refunded

After May 18, 2024: No refund available

Written requests for cancellation must be emailed to registrar@ministriesofpastoralcare.com