First Love

A Renovaré Retreat for Pastors

April 24-27, 2023 · Colorado Springs

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out…? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.” – Matthew 10:28

About

First Love is a four-day, three-night Renovaré retreat designed especially for pastors. It is a safe space for rest and renewal among others who understand your journey, a time away for refocusing on Jesus and allowing him to restore your soul.

Who It’s For

It is for pastors of all Christian traditions, men and women, who want to focus on congregational depth rather than size, who’ve been hurt by people but still feel called to cultivate authentic community, and who know that they can only give what they first receive from God.

What To Expect

A small, relaxed event with no more than 50 pastors
A retreat pace with generous space for connecting with God in a beautiful setting
Grace-filled teaching to help recover the heart of your calling
Honest conversations with others on a similar journey
Delicious meals and comfortable accommodations

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Location & Accommodations

Nestled on over 700 breathtaking acres, Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs serves as a sanctuary and safe haven of transformation and inspiration. Lodging and all plenary sessions will take place in the newly renovated Big Horn Lodge. Rooms include two queen-sized beds, a bathroom, as well as a desk, and a sitting chair.

Glen Eyrie Conference Center
3820 North 30th Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Retreat Ministry Team

Miriam Dixon

Miriam (Mimi) Dixon began her ministry in 1979 serving as an associate pastor at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Washington. From 1985 to 2019 she served as senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Golden, Colorado. She earned both her MDiv and DMin degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary. Mimi is on the Renovaré Board of Directors and teaches for the Renovaré Institute. She actively promotes Christian Spiritual Formation, crediting Richard Foster and Dallas Willard for their influence in her life and ministry.

Nathan Foster

Nathan is Director of Community Life at Renovaré. He heads up Fellowship of the Burning Heart and hosts the Renovaré Podcast. Formerly, he was an Associate Professor of social work and served as the Andrews Chair in Spiritual Formation at Spring Arbor University. He was also a licensed clinical social worker and certified addictions counselor. Nathan has published two books, including The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines.

James Catford

James Catford is longstanding member of the Renovaré Board and Ministry Team. During a career in commercial publishing James worked with many of the authors most closely associated with Renovaré and he now chairs SPCK, the largest Christian publisher in the UK. After fourteen years leading the British Bible Society, James also works with American Bible Society to support Christians in leadership around the world. He live with his wife Sue in London.

Kai Nilsen

Kai Nilsen is Senior Pastor of Incarnation Lutheran in Shoreview, Minnesota. Previously he served as lead pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio, after having joined the staff in 1993. Beyond his pastoral work, Kai is on the Renovaré Ministry Team and teaches in the Renovaré Institute for Spiritual Formation. In 2009, Kai completed his Doctor of Ministry degree through Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. Kai’s book Renew Your Life: Discovering the Wellspring of God’s Energy was published in the fall of 2015. Kai and his wife Patty are parents of four children—Anders, Annika, Leif and Siri.

Lacy Finn Borgo

Lacy Finn Borgo teaches and provides spiritual direction for the Renovaré Institute, for the DMin. in Spiritual Direction at Fuller Theological Seminary and at Portland Seminary. She provides spiritual direction for adults through GoodDirtMinistries.org and spiritual direction for children at Haven House. Her book Spiritual Conversations with Children: Listening to God Together published with IVP, is now available. Lacy lives on a small farm on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains. The rhythms of the earth have formed and shaped her.

Donn Thomas

An ordained minister, Donn is a self-described “musicianary” (musician, composer, and missionary). He has recorded several albums, served on various worship teams, and speaks before groups worldwide. He and his wife LaVoughn live in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Cost & Registration

Registration will open soon! Click below to join the interest list.

Questions & Answers

What is the cancellation policy?

If you desire to cancel, you may do so up to five weeks prior to the date of the event (March 20, 2023) and receive a full refund minus a $75 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given after March 21, 2023.

If the event is cancelled by Renovaré for any reason, we will reschedule the event or offer a full refund.

What airport should I fly into?

Glen Eyrie is 30 Minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and 90 Minutes from Denver Airport (DEN).

Is transportation provided to/from the airport?

Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the retreat.

Are meals and lodging included?

Yes. You’ll be in a single-occupancy room, and all meals from dinner Monday through lunch Thursday are included.

How many pastors will be attending this event?

Between 25-50.

Can I bring my spouse?

For this event, the team has decided it will be best for spouses not to come unless they also serve as a pastor and will be attending the sessions. Our goal is to create an environment where pastors can fully focus on what the Lord may have for them.

For pastoring couples registering for the retreat together, one registration cost will be reduced due to sharing a room. If you would like to register as a couple please email our Event Coordinator Monty Harrington at [email protected]

I have another question.

Please email Renovaré’s Event Coordinator Monty Harrington at [email protected]

Renovaré USA is a Christian nonprofit that models, resources, and advocates fullness of life with God experienced, by grace, through the spiritual practices of Jesus and of the historical Church. Christian in commitment, ecumenical in breadth, and international in scope, Renovaré helps people in becoming like Jesus. Learn more.