The Off the Grid Project was created for the purpose of providing outdoor programs for pastoral staff to disconnect, be refreshed and build relationships with people that have a common purpose.
The “Off the Grid Project” is different than most pastoral conferences or conventions. Our focus is to help pastors break away from the demands and stress of their ministries. To have the time to reflect and evaluate their personal lives and ministry. Our desire is that each pastor will return with clarity, eagerness, and refreshment to further the Kingdom of God.
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:31
For more information on Off the Grid events, contact:
Kevin Perrigan
kperrigan@tnbaptist.org
423-623-2764
Event Descriptions
Pastors Motorcycle Tour – Newport
September 21-24, 2026
$200
The Off the Grid Motorcycle Tour will be a three-day, three-night event. Each Pastor will stay all three nights at Carson Springs Conference Center and enjoy breakfast and dinner each day during their stay. They will arrive Monday evening after dinner for some fellowship time. Tuesday & Wednesday morning, they will enjoy breakfast at Carson Sprigs then on the road for lunch and on a tour of the mountains of east Tennessee. They will explore new restaurants each day to gather for lunch. After a leisurely ride they will come back to Carson Springs for dinner each evening and a time gathering around the fire in the conference center lobby to share stories. Each day pastors will experience new experiences on the road with good fellowship. Thursday morning after breakfast they will depart for home. The purpose is for each pastor to break away and disconnect from their everyday ministry to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with like-minded ministers.Pastors Golf Tour – Newport
September 28-30, 2026
$270
The Off the Grid Golf Tour will be a three-day, two-night event. You will enjoy playing on a different golf course each day. Each Pastor will stay two nights at Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center and enjoy breakfast and dinner each day during their stay. They will arrive Monday morning at your f
irst course (Patriot Hills Golf Course). Later that afternoon you will check in to the conference center at Carson Springs where you will have a delicious dinner and great fellowship. Day two, you will wake to a full breakfast and t
hen off to (Graysburg Hills Golf
Course). You will come back to Carson Springs for another delicious meal and then relax in the setting of English Mountain. On day three, you will start with your final breakfast at Carson Springs and then on to (Dandridge Country Club)
. Each day pastors will experience great fun and relaxation while playing on three great courses. The purpose of the Off the Grid Golf Tour is for each pastor to break away and disconnect from their everyday ministry to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with like-minded ministers. Cost includes 2 nights in the conference center, 4 meals and 3 course/cart fees.Women Mission & Ministry Hiking Trip
October 2-3, 2026
$100
Join us for a 2 day/1 night retreat at a beautiful cabin with a hot tub and 2 days of waterfall hikes in two of Tennessee’s most beautiful state parks. We will meet at noon (Central) on Friday, Oct 2 at the cabin in Spencer, TN and then head to Rock Island State Park to hike a moderately easy 1.7-mile trail along the river and the park’s famous twin falls. We will then hike a short but steep trail called the Blue Hole. Day two we will explore Fall Creek Falls State Park to hike a series of short to moderate trails to see the famous waterfall from the Gorge overlook.
Price per person is $100 and includes the cabin, breakfast, s’mores and snacks. Not included: Friday lunch and supper.
Eat lunch before you arrive on Friday.
Email Kim Cruse with questions at kcruse@tnbaptist.org.
Pastors Backpacking Trip – Newport
October 19-21, 2026
$95
Experience a three-day, two-night backpacking trip on the Appalachian trail. You will experience approximately 4 miles each day of the seclusion of the backcountry of the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forest. We will hike a total of 12 miles. We will begin our journey on the Appalachian Trail at Spivey Gap (US 19w) 3,200ft. We will stay our first night near Devils Creek Gap 3,400ft. We will hike through several amazing views. The second night we will stay near Temple Hill Gap 2,850ft. Both nights we will experience an open view of the sky. We will end our trip near the Nolichucky river at Oglesby Branch 1,700ft. During this trip you will experience 3 days of beautiful scenery, no cell phones and good fellowship with like-minded pastors.