Helping Ministry Leaders Live Well and Finish Strong.
Our mission, our story, and the people who carry it — born from a personal understanding of the weight of pastoral leadership.
A place to rest from the real and difficult work of leading.
The Pastor’s Refuge is on a mission to provide Christian pastors, ministry and business leaders a place to rest from the real and difficult work of planting, pastoring, and leading churches — by fostering soul care, curating community, developing resources, and continuing a dialogue on healthy ministry for leaders around the world.
We execute this mission by helping pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders rest, refocus, and re-engage.
Created by people who understand the weight of leadership.
The Pastor’s Refuge was born from a personal conviction: the people who spend their lives caring for others need care, too. Across denominations and church sizes, ministry leaders carry responsibilities that affect families, congregations, and communities — often without a safe place to exhale.
Chris and Tracy Binion founded The Pastor’s Refuge out of their own experience of pastoral weariness and the urgent need for leaders to have a restorative place to breathe. Based in Fate, Texas, the ministry now serves leaders across the country and beyond.
What began as a single retreat has grown into a movement to help ministry leaders live well and finish strong.
Our Vision
To see a generation of ministry leaders who are spiritually healthy, relationally whole, and sustained in their calling — not burning out, but finishing strong. We envision a culture where caring for the shepherd is as normal as caring for the flock.
Our Values
- · Soul care as a rhythm, not a rescue.
- · Authentic community over performance.
- · Hospitality that honors the whole person.
- · Faith, humility, and grace in everything.
The people who carry the mission.
A team united by a shared calling to care for those who care for others.
Mallory Bassham
Board Member
Dedicated to curating life-giving retreat environments and caring for pastoral couples with gracious, intentional hospitality.
Doug Barker
Board Member
Connecting churches, donors, and pastors into the restorative mission of The Pastor's Refuge.
Adam Edwards
Board Member
Serving ministry leaders with seasoned perspective, outdoor guidance, and compassionate accompaniment.
Josh Carroll
Board Member
Leading the post-retreat virtual cohorts that walk with pastors through the monthly rhythm of healthy re-engagement.
What happens when leaders get room to breathe.
Helping 500 ministry leaders live well and finish strong.
Every retreat can take up to 10 days. It's an opportunity for a leader to return to their family, church, and calling with renewed perspective. Your generosity makes it possible.
“One of the many things I’ve learned over 30 years of full-time ministry is that I’m at my best when I’m at rest. Pastors and leaders who continually serve and care for others simply must make time not only to slow down, but to pause for rest and refreshment. When you spend time with Chris, you get both. He never makes your time together about schedules, but serving. His highest goal is helping pastors and leaders become (or stay) spiritually and emotionally healthy so that they can finish strong. I highly encourage you to take the opportunity to connect with Chris and his ministry!”
Pastor Justin Chambers
Pastor, New Song Church • Plymouth, IN
You spend your life pouring into others.
Let someone pour into you.
Take the first step toward rest, renewal, and meaningful connection.