The Respite has added locations in Pennsylvania and Colorado!
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Mission |  Vision  |  Values

​“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 
​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.’ 
So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.”
Mark 6:30 - 32

We give pastors and church leaders the time and space to rest.

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The Respite at Halibut Cove exists to give pastors and church leaders the time and space to rest. We are located in Halibut Cove, Alaska: a beautifully restful place where the mountains meet the sea. The Respite combines our experience and knowledge of ministry with the quiet and rest of a solitary place to offer renewal and recalibration. More than just a much needed and well-deserved vacation, we are here to be a resource to those entrenched in wearying patterns, enabling leaders to discover a trajectory that keeps them going without falling apart.

​The Respite at Halibut Cove exists because we have seen and experienced burnout, brokenness, and hurt.

Time spent at The Respite is part of our overall vision of assisting leaders to pursue their calling in a way that is grounded in spiritual rhythms.

This is a boutique all-inclusive Alaskan vacation in one of the most beautiful yet accessible places in our state.
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With this stunning location as our backdrop, we invite you into ​the totality of this experience.

"Wilderness puts us in our place.  It reminds us that our plans are small and somewhat absurd.” -B. Kingsolver

Not in full-time ministry?
​Book your "Vacation With A Purpose"

Our Vision:
We believe that we can greatly reduce pastoral crisis by offering the freedom to rest, recover, and recharge. 

rest  |  recover  |  recharge

Soul Care for Pastors

Stress is not the issue.  Everyone deals with stress. 

​Distress, however, is the byproduct of feelings of exhaustion, isolation, disappointment, frustration, and insufficiency.  Distress sets in because we are loved for what we do, and somehow miss being loved simply for who we are.  Acting out of distress leads to disaster.

We are here to remind leaders of the difference between being a pastor and being a person.

​Oftentimes in ministry and service, the needs of the shepherd get pushed aside and forgotten.

There is a need to foster self-care in body, mind, and spirit.
The beautiful island paradise of Halibut Cove

"In returning and rest you will be saved; in quietness and trust will be your strength." - Isaiah 30:15

What our guests are saying:

"The unique beauty of the setting, incredible food, great sleep, and perfect hospitality were accompanied by thoughtful wisdom, meaningful conversation, and deep love.  ​Thank you Dave and Linda for your sacrifice and passion to invest in sustainable leadership!"        Sean - Folsom, CA
Research has discovered that, among pastors:
  • 80% are discouraged and dealing with depression.
  • 43% are suffering from burnout, frantic schedules, and unrealistic expectations
  • 89% considered leaving the ministry at least 1 time
  • 57% would leave the ministry if they had some place to go
  • 77% feel they don't have a good marriage
  • 30% had either been in an ongoing affair or a one-time sexual encounter with a parishioner
  • 80% believe ministry affected their families negatively
  • 90% feel inadequately trained to cope with ministry demands
  • 70% say they have a lower self-esteem now compared to when they started out
  • 40% encounter a serious conflict with a parishioner at least once per month
  • 70% do not have someone they consider a close friend
*statistics from various sources:  Francis Schaeffer Institue of Church Leadership, Los Angeles Times, Focus On The Family, Fuller Institute of Church Growth.
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All levels of hiking are available in the more than 400,000 acres of the Kachemak Bay State Park, adjacent to our property.  The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is also our neighbor, boasting 1.92 million acres.
We enter solitude, in which also we lose loneliness. True solitude is found in the wild places, where one is without human obligation. One’s inner voices become audible. One feels the attraction of one’s most intimate sources. 
- ​Wendell Berry
"There is a difference between sound and noise.
It’s not the lack of sound that makes it quiet here.
There is plenty of sound, if you listen closely enough.
​​Life is whispering everywhere.
​It’s the lack of noise that makes it quiet."
- Rev. Jeff Anderson

Our Values

get away  |  listen  |  experience

The Respite At Halibut Cove is:
  • A place of compassion
  • A place of empathy
  • A place of listening
  • A place of safety
  • A place of rest
  • A place of resource
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls."
​Jeremiah 6:16
We emphasize:
  • Habitual Patterns of Rest (daily, weekly, monthly, annually)
  • Prayer and Meditation independent of a job description
  • Reading to learn and grow ourselves
  • Eating Well to fuel our bodies
  • Physical Activity to find balance
  • Vulnerability with a few select others
  • ​Finding trained professionals for counseling and therapy when needed
  • Planning to ensure these happen

be still  -  know  -  I AM
For these reasons a stay at The Respite includes:
  • A world class vacation destination
  • Comfortable accommodations
  • Delicious food
  • Outdoor adventure
  • Simple quiet
  • Open conversation​
  • ​Continued connection
"Jesus' baptism and transfiguration happened in relatively remote places....both were moments of withdrawal from the events, concerns, and tasks of everyday life.  Jesus set off to the wilderness in both cases in order to make space for meeting with God.  Withdrawing provided an intentional, concentrated moment to hear God speak."

from 'Flee, Be Silent, Pray' by Ed Cyzewski

Halibut Cove, Alaska

A world away, but not as far as you think.
"Someone once said of this place that you can hear it listening to you.
​When I listen back, the silence and beauty sometimes speak louder to the soul than hours of discussion."
- from "Tides" by Jonathan White
"Are you tired? Worn out?  Burned out on religion?

Come to me. 
Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.
I’ll show you how to take a real rest. 

Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. 
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. 

I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 
Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly."

​ Matthew 11:29-30