Would you prayerfully consider making a gift to help us reach this goal?
Checks may be mailed to: Altar Fly Fishing | 21W186 Briarcliff Rd, Lombard, IL 60148
Eric@AltarFlyFishing.org | (630) 244-5525
Altar is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Contact Eric directly for ACH details.
Something About This Place | October 2026
Those who have had the opportunity to visit Altar Ridge continue to say something remarkably similar: There is such peace here.
Perhaps it is the quiet. The ridge views. The river nearby. The feeling of being removed from the noise and demands of everyday life.
It reinforces what we have believed from the beginning: this property can become a place set apart—a place where leaders can slow down long enough to pay attention to God, themselves, and the lives they are leading.
Before the end of this year, we anticipate completing our final closing, securing the full 50 acres that will become what we are now calling ALTAR RIDGE.
The Courage to Name It
On a recent retreat, our curriculum invited leaders to slow down and notice and name what was happening beneath the surface of their lives, discern what God might be revealing, and consider how they would respond. For one pastor, that process uncovered something significant.
Fear.
He realized fear had become a driving force in nearly every part of his life—from his marriage to his ministry and leadership. Naming it changed something. Once it was brought into the light, he could begin to discern a different way forward. Before leaving the retreat, he began making specific plans to respond—to loosen fear's grip and allow God to reshape the way he lives and leads. This is the work Altar exists to make room for.
Campaign/Property Update
Recently, Eric shared the story of Altar with a group of leaders on retreat—the growing need we see among pastors and leaders, the impact retreats are having, and the vision for a permanent home at Altar Ridge. They encouraged him and acknowledge the need for Altar's ministry.
But, one leader challenged him.
He said, Eric, you just shared an incredible story of God’s movement in Altar—you had us on the edge of our seats—but you did not make a bold ask. The kind of leaders you bring to Altar are not as interested in making a donation as they are looking to make a strategic investment in lasting kingdom impact. You need to call leaders to a strategic investment opportunity.
Message received!
If this resonates with you, will you make an investment in Altar's vision for the future today?
UPDATE ON OUR MATCH GOAL:
This is a remarkable opportunity! A $500,000 matching gift accelerates the vision of a permanent home for Altar. We are nearly there! With $73,000 needed to reach this match.
UPDATE ON OUR MATCH GOAL: This is a remarkable opportunity! A $500,000 matching gift accelerates the vision of a permanent home for Altar. We are nearly there! With $73,000 needed to reach this match.
PREVIOUS UPDATES:
Exponential Impact
As participants arrived on the first evening of a recent retreat, several quietly approached our team with concern for one pastor in particular. Something wasn’t right—they wondered if he might be seriously ill.
“Big Nate,” as we’ve come to call him, was not well. He arrived exhausted, worn down, and at the end of himself. The weight of leadership had taken its toll—physically, emotionally, spiritually. He shared that he was preparing to step away from ministry when he returned home.
Defining Moments
We are grateful to share that we have completed the first of three closings on 50 acres in East Tennessee. We have prayed, trusted, battled fear and anxiety, and stand today on new land that is devoted to being a blessing for thousands of leaders from the church to the marketplace–thriving where God has planted them and to realize a harvest of kingdom influence for his glory. It is the people we will serve in the future that motivate and drive us to take steps of faith forward in this God-sized vision.
A Bold & Faithful Step
We have been praying, dreaming, and discerning for years — and today we are thrilled to share a milestone that marks a brand-new chapter in the story of Altar Fly Fishing with you–our donors and retreat alums.
Altar is taking a bold, faithful step to build our own retreat lodge in Tennessee, Y’all!
40-Days of Prayer
Circling God’s vision in prayer. For 40 days, will you commit to circling Altar's vision, trusting that what God initiates He will see to completion?
Our Mission
Serving leaders to serve the world for God’s glory through soul-renewing retreats, outdoor adventure, and Christ-centered coaching.
Our Vision
A movement of spiritually healthy, mission-driven leaders whose lives and leadership reflect the heart of Christ in every sphere of influence.
An Opportunity to Partner
We invite you to take a few moments to read the attached Opportunity to Partner, which outlines the full vision, the scope of the campaign, and the impact this property will have on Altar’s mission. Your time and consideration mean a great deal to us, and we hope this document gives you a clear picture of what God is unfolding before us.
