Bivo pastors, wives enjoy slower pace at three-day retreat
Attendees at the 2026 bivocational ministers and wives retreat gather around the tables inside the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge. The three-day event, hosted by the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, drew 300-plus attendees despite winter storms that hit many parts of the state before and during the retreat.
PIGEON FORGE — Despite the snow and ice created by Winter Storm Fern, more than 300 attendees enjoyed a time of warm fellowship at the annual Bivocational Ministers and Wives Retreat in Pigeon Forge on Jan. 29-31.
The retreat featured numerous keynote speakers, a wide variety of breakout sessions and plenty of intentional “down time” for pastors and their wives. The speakers and the breakout sessions focused on the theme of “battling burnout.”
Roger Britton, bivocational ministry specialist for the TBMB, said he believed each of the attendees came away from the retreat feeling renewed, relaxed and revived.
“Every year, I hear someone say, ‘This was the best retreat ever’ — and in many ways that feels true each time,” Britton said. “But as I reflect on this year, what stood out most was not that it was bigger or smoother, but that it was absolutely God-directed from start to finish. And that’s what matters most to us.”
Bivocational pastor Steve Burgess entertained the group with illusions, singing, and ventriloquism during the Thursday evening banquet.
The event also included a new feature this year — attendees were treated to medical checkups at no cost. The checkups were done by a medical-ministry team from First Baptist Church, Smithville.
Both Britton and Joe Sorah, TBMB team leader for Strengthening Gospel Leaders, said that the central theme at this year’s retreat was especially timely and meaningful, noting that burnout among pastors is at an all-time high.
“The theme of this retreat was not something we rushed through or created from ourselves,” said Britton. “God placed it on the hearts of the Bivocational Council as we met in person, prayed, and talked through the many ideas.
“Ultimately we sensed, together, that burnout was the one God wanted us to focus on. From there, we broke the theme down into specific needs and intentionally prayed for God to lead us to the right speakers, musicians, and breakout leaders for both men and women.”
Bivocational pastor Steve Burgess entertains attendees with illusions, singing, and ventriloquism during the Bivocational Ministers and Wives Retreat in Pigeon Forge.
Although 28 couples were forced to cancel their reservations due to the wintery weather and power outages across middle and west Tennessee caused by Winter Storm Fern, Sorah and Britton each said they were excited to see the total attendance surpass the 300 mark (which included participants, program personnel, exhibitors, TBMB staff and health team).
“The challenges surrounding the retreat reflected God’s sovereignty,” said Britton. “Not only did we have snow and ice storm across middle and west Tennessee in the days before the retreat, but while the retreat was underway, additional snow was forecast for the Pigeon Forge area, causing several couples to leave early out of caution.
“While all these things were difficult, God provided exactly what was needed for those who were able to stay and attend all the sessions,” he said.
Britton noted that the weather caused some last-minute changes with the scheduled speakers, but said those who were able to attend delivered important messages.
“They spoke directly to the needs of the group that was present,” Britton said. “Their messages were timely, encouraging, and deeply impactful.”
Britton said, in hindsight, he can see that the weather-related challenges simply made the success of the event all the sweeter.
“Looking back, what made this retreat so effective was not the absence of obstacles, but that God’s hand was guiding every step,” Britton said. “He knew exactly who needed to be there, what they needed to hear, and how to minister to weary pastors and their wives. In that sense, this retreat truly was ‘the best one ever’ — not because of us, but because God faithfully provided exactly what His servants needed.”
Britton, who has been attending the retreat for nearly three decades, said he cannot over-emphasize the importance of the event, and what it can mean to bivo pastors and their wives.
“I understand the weight that these pastors are carrying, because I’ve been there myself,” said Britton. “Twenty-eight years ago, after just one year of pastoring Whites Creek Baptist, my wife Kathy and I were overwhelmed, exhausted, and deeply wounded by hurts from within the church. We were ready to resign, walk away from ministry, and honestly, distance ourselves from anything connected to church life.
Phillip Smith, Harvest Field 5 Team Leader for the TBMB, chats with a couple in the exhibit hall.
“That year, we were invited to attend the Bivocational pastor and wives retreat at Fall Creek Falls State Park,” Britton continued. “God used those few days, from Thursday to Saturday morning, to completely change us. We left refreshed, rejuvenated, and renewed in our calling, with a restored passion for serving the Lord.”
Since then, Britton has attended the retreat every year, with only one exception — when his granddaughter was due to be born. He has also served on the bivo council for 20-plus years, and now is in charge of overseeing the retreat in his role as TBMB bivocational specialist.
“Over the years, we have watched God do the same work that he did in our lives in the lives of hundreds of pastors and their wives,” he said. “Men and women who arrived weary, discouraged, and burned out, and left strengthened, encouraged, and refueled for ministry.”
Britton said the retreat is more than just a three-day get-away. It is a time of recharging and refocusing.
“This retreat is not just a break from routine; it is a God-ordained opportunity for pastors and their wives to be spiritually renewed and reminded that they are not alone,” he said.
“When pastors come willing to rest and allow God to work, this retreat can truly restore joy, passion, and endurance for the journey ahead.” B&R
