Soul of a Leader Retreat
With Mike Sharrow & C12 Chairs
AUGUST 25-29, 2027
SOUTH HOLSTON RIVER | Tennessee
Sponsored by Perpetuate Capital
Leadership creates ripples. The way we live, the health we carry, and the people we are becoming extend far beyond ourselves—shaping our families, teams, organizations, and communities. But in the pace and responsibility of leading others, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s happening within us. Sometimes we need to step out of the current long enough to notice what’s happening beneath the surface.
SOUL OF A LEADER creates space to do just that. To step away from the demands of leadership, slow the pace, and notice what’s happening within you, listen for what God may be saying, and respond with intention. Through guided teaching and reflection, meaningful conversation, time outdoors, fly fishing, and plenty of room to breathe, you’ll read the waters of your life and leadership—naming what matters, recognizing where you may be drifting, and gaining clarity for the season ahead.
And the retreat doesn’t end when you head home. Altar is committed to walking with you beyond your time away, providing practical resources and rhythms for continued soul care, healthy leadership, and lasting growth—because what happens beneath the surface shapes the way we live, lead, and serve.
Booking Your Retreat
Your time away matters. Reserve your spot today!
Your retreat fee is sponsored by Perpetuate Capital.
This includes your accommodations, all meals, fishing guides and equipment, and your retreat guidebook.
Completing the registration form confirms your spot.
Once you register, we’ll send everything you need to prepare for your time with Altar—including travel details, fishing license information, a packing list, and other helpful retreat information.
Guests are responsible for travel arrangements and expenses to and from the lodge.
The Accommodations
Enjoy four nights and three days in Watauga, Tennessee, on a beautiful property tucked alongside a trophy section of the Watauga River—one of the South’s premier trout-fishing destinations.
During your retreat, you’ll also spend time at Altar Ridge, our future home and a beautiful place to wander, take in the views, find a quiet spot, and make space for reflection.
All meals are prepared by our in-house chef, from full breakfasts and riverside lunches to delicious home-cooked dinners shared around the table.
The Retreat
An Altar retreat is a unique blend of rest, intentionality and adventure. You will engage retreat materials, take part in teaching sessions with Altar's team, enjoy great conversations and return to your 'home waters' equipped for the next season of your life and leadership.
The Fishing & Adventure
Your retreat includes three days of guided fly fishing and unforgettable time on the water. You’ll wade and float the renowned South Holston and Watauga Rivers, fishing clear, cold waters known for abundant trout, beautiful scenery, and some of the finest fly fishing in the Southeast.
Each day on the river offers something different—new water to read, skills to sharpen, and plenty of moments to simply take it all in. Whether you’re an experienced angler or picking up a fly rod for the first time, our guides will meet you where you are and make the experience both challenging and enjoyable.
All necessary gear and guide fees are included, and all skill levels are welcome.
South Holston & Watauga Rivers
The South Fork Holston River, more often referred to simply as the South Holston, is one of the most renowned fishing rivers in the southeast. USA Today ranked the South Holston 4th for top fly fishing in the country! Beginning in Virginia, the South Holston River is free-flowing for the first part of its journey down the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The famous tailwaters emanating from the South Holston Dam is where we will find our adventure.
The Watauga River is famous for its year-round trophy trout fishing (brown, rainbow) in its cold, tailwater sections below Wilbur Dam, and offers diverse activities like kayaking, tubing, hiking, and boating the Watauga Lake. It's known for clear water, varied rapids, and a strong trout population.
More Than A Retreat...
"As a church leader, my soul was more tired than I realized. The unique combination of fly fishing, fellowship, food and faith talks began to refuel my heart and soul. The length of the trip was long enough for refreshment, but short enough to allow me to take the step of faith to free up my calendar."
~ Kevin | Soul of a Pastor
“The fellowship, food, and fishing were fantastic, altogether offering a life changing, transformational experience.."
~ John | Soul of a Man
"I haven’t had an experience like that in my entire life and won’t ever forget it. "
~ Eric | Soul of a Pastor
"With all the demands on my time and attention, I hadn’t realized how depleted I was, or how often I wasn’t showing up fully present. Altar opened my eyes to the need to pause, rest, and recharge. It was an “aha” moment for me..."
~ Gregory | Soul of a Leader
"This retreat was nothing short of awesome! Connecting with other leaders that face some of the same challenges as I do was very valuable and the coaching we received was tremendous. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to hit the reset button and improve their relationship with God, while becoming a better leader."
~ Aaron | Soul of a Leader
