Eligibility & Requirements

Who is eligible for a pastor getaway, and are there any specific requirements?

Our getaway program is designed for paid church leaders, either full-time or part-time, in leadership roles such as lead pastor, executive pastor, campus pastor, or pastors/directors responsible for areas like student, children, worship, or discipleship ministries. If you are married, you must attend the getaway with your spouse.

What does "paid staff leadership role" mean exactly—does bi-vocational ministry count?

Yes! Both full-time and part-time paid church staff are eligible. Whether you're bi-vocational or in full-time ministry, as long as you're in a leadership role like lead pastor, executive pastor, campus pastor, or director-level positions (worship, student, children's, discipleship ministries), you qualify.

Can single pastors or pastors without a spouse apply?

If you are married, you must attend with your spouse. The getaway program is primarily designed for married pastor couples to rest and reconnect together. Single pastors are eligible as well.

What if my spouse isn't in ministry—can we still apply?

Yes! The getaway is for you and your spouse together, regardless of whether your spouse serves in a paid ministry role.

Can we bring our children or pets?

No, getaways are not available for children or pets. This is intentionally designed as a time for you and your spouse to rest and reconnect without the responsibilities of childcare and we do not allow guests’ pets on our getaway properties

Application Process & Timeline

When does the application process open?

Our application process opens briefly each year—typically the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, with occasional additional opportunities if new getaway dates are added. It may feel quick, but that's the only hurried part of your journey; once selected, your experience will be fully restful and unhurried.

How long does it take to get a decision?

We aim to notify selected applicants within 30 days of their submission date.

What information is required on the application and how long does it typically take to complete?

The online application asks for basic contact information, your church's website and social media links, some details about your church, your preferred dates for the getaway, and open-ended questions about your hopes for this time of rest. The form typically takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Do we need to write a lot about our ministry situation in the application?

The application includes open-ended questions about your ministry and hopes for the getaway. While it only takes 10-15 minutes to complete, applicants who share more of their story help the review team understand their situation better. You don't need to write pages, but thoughtful responses beyond one-word answers significantly improve your chances of selection.

What criteria do you use to review and select applicants?

Our team reviews each application for eligibility, alignment with our program's purpose, availability for the desired dates and locations, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we thoughtfully and prayerfully consider each applicant's story and needs.

Is there a way to increase our chances of being approved?

Yes! Share your story. Applicants who give only one-word or brief answers don't provide our review team much insight; we encourage you to tell us about your ministry, your church, your marriage, your victories, and your challenges.

Choosing more than one location (e.g., Nashville and the Ozarks) and providing a range of date options can also improve your chances of approval and scheduling. Once approved, responding to our scheduling emails promptly will help ensure your getaway is secured. Please note that while scheduling is the only "quick" part of our entire process, we may need to move on if responses are delayed for a few days.

Scheduling & Logistics

How far in advance will we know our getaway dates?

After your application is approved (within 30 days), the team will work with you to schedule dates that fit both your availability and the location's calendar. Getaways typically occur throughout the year based on host availability. Depending on your situation and availability, your getaway might be as soon as 6 weeks or 9 months away.

Are all locations available year-round?

Getaways are typically scheduled between March and November, though exact availability varies by location. When you apply, you can indicate interest in multiple locations and provide a range of dates to increase your chances of approval and scheduling.

What happens after we're selected—how quickly do we need to respond?

Once you're approved, you'll receive a scheduling email. This is the only "quick" part of the process—we ask you to respond within a day or two to secure your dates. After that, everything slows down and you can fully rest in the experience. Applicants to do not respond promptly may miss out on the opportunity.

What if something comes up and we need to cancel or reschedule?

Life happens in ministry! Contact our team as soon as possible if you need to adjust your plans. They'll work with you and the hosts to find an alternative solution when possible.

What's Included

What exactly is included in a free Pastor Getaway?

Each getaway includes up to 5 days/4 nights of private lodging, restaurant gift certificates or grocery gift cards, snacks, coffee and drinks, a welcome meal with your caring hosts, a possible activity with hosts, and optional fireside conversations. You'll be the only couple on the property, giving you complete freedom to rest and reconnect. Transportation to and from the getaway, some meals, and any additional activities are your responsibility.

Are there any costs or hidden fees we should know about?

There are no costs, fees, or charges for the getaway itself—it's completely free. You're only responsible for your own transportation to and from the location, some of your meals (though gift cards are provided), and any optional additional activities or sightseeing you choose to do during free time.

The Experience

Do we have to interact with other pastor couples during our stay?

No. You will be the only couple hosted at the property during your stay. Other than a dinner out with your hosts (think double date), there's no group programming, no other couples to meet, and no agenda to follow. There are opportunities for interaction with your hosts to process life and ministry if you desire. This is intentionally designed for just you, your spouse, and your hosts if you choose to spend time with them.

What if we're introverted or need alone time—will we be expected to spend a lot of time with our hosts?

Your hosts understand the need for rest and solitude. They hold space for you to engage as much or as little as you'd like. Typically, there's one meal with hosts and an optional activity, but everything is designed around your needs. You have complete freedom to be alone when you need it.

What makes Teamness hosts different from a regular rental property?

Every Teamness host is a caring couple who understands the unique challenges of church ministry. They've served in various ministry capacities themselves and create an environment where you can share openly, be truly seen and heard, or simply enjoy their hospitality from a distance—whatever you need. They're not just providing a space; they're holding space for your wellbeing.

What if we've never been on a getaway like this before—what should we expect?

This isn't a structured retreat with workshops or schedules. Think of it more like staying at a peaceful bed and breakfast where caring hosts understand your world. You'll have the freedom to sleep in, take long walks, read, pray, or simply be together. Your hosts are available if you want to talk or do an activity, but there's zero pressure. The goal is simply for you to breathe and rest.