Soul of a Pastor Retreat
For LCMC Pastors
APRIL 21-25, 2027
SAVAGE RIVER | Maryland
$1,000 / person
Ministry moves fast. Between sermon preparation, pastoral care, staff leadership, family life, and the steady needs of your congregation, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s happening within your own soul. You keep leading, serving, and showing up for others—even as your connection with God, yourself, and the people who matter most can quietly begin to drift. Sometimes you need to step out of the current long enough to notice what’s happening beneath the surface.
SOUL OF A PASTOR is an invitation to do just that—to step away from the demands of ministry, slow the pace, and pay attention to what God may be saying to YOU. Through intentional teaching, guided reflection, honest conversation with other pastors, time outdoors, and plenty of room to breathe, you’ll have space to reconnect with God, gain perspective on your life and leadership, and consider your season ahead.
And the retreat doesn’t end when you return home. Altar is committed to walking with you beyond your time away, providing practical resources and rhythms for continued soul care, healthy ministry, and lasting growth—because the health of your soul shapes the way you live, lead, love, and serve.
Booking Your Retreat
Your time away matters. Reserve your spot today!
Your retreat fee is $1,000
It includes your accommodations, all meals, fishing guides and equipment, and your retreat guidebook.
A 50% deposit at registration reserves your spot, with the remaining balance due 30 days before your retreat begins.
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.
Before registering, please take a moment to review our Cancellation Policy.
The Accommodations
4 nights/3 days lodging at Savage River Lodging in Swanton, MD. All meals provided including hearty breakfasts, lunches on the stream, and delicious home-cooked dinners around the table together.
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 ahead.
The Fishing & Adventure
Your retreat includes 3 days of fishing the Savage River and North Branch of the Potomac. Enjoy the rugged Appalachian scenery while casting into the cool waters for brown and rainbow trout. You will receive stream-side instruction as you navigate these inviting waters. All gear (as needed) and guide fees are included, and all skill levels are welcome!
Savage River & North Branch of the Potomac
Tucked into the mountains of Western Maryland, the Savage River is known for its cold, clear water, beautiful forested setting, and exceptional trout fishing. Wild brown trout are a highlight of the Savage, along with brook trout in the surrounding watershed. With cool mountain water, wooded banks, and stretches that feel wonderfully removed from the noise of everyday life.
Winding through the mountains along the Maryland–West Virginia border, the North Branch of the Potomac offers a beautiful combination of cold, productive water and rugged Appalachian scenery. Long runs, riffles, pocket water, and deep pools provide varied and rewarding fly fishing in a setting that can feel remarkably wild and remote.
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
