Make Time for
What Matters.
Ministry is rewarding, but it can also be relentless. Ministers Retreat is an opportunity to step away from the constant demands of ministry, gather with fellow Tennessee ministers in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, and be refreshed spiritually, relationally, and personally. Through meaningful conversations, worship, prayer, and rest, this retreat is designed to encourage those who spend their lives encouraging others.
What to Expect
Rest, Refresh, Reconnect.
A few days of the things ministers often don’t make enough time for — in a place that makes it feel easy.
Worship
Worship services led by our friend, David Rosenblum.
Prayer
Time set aside to pray for one another and the Network.
Fellowship
Ministers, spouses, and staff — together.
Rest
Sleep in, sit on a porch, breathe in the Smoky Mountain air.
Conversation
Connect with others from our network family who get it.
Good Food
Monday after-party — food included, no signup needed.
The Basics
Date,
Place,
People.
When
Mon–Wed, Oct 19–21, 2026Monday evening through Wednesday morning
Where
Gatlinburg Convention Center
234 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738Who
Credentialed ministers and their spouses.Pastors are encouraged to bring church staff for rest and fellowship.
Cost
$75 per personChildcare available at $10 per child per service (ages 10 and under) so ministers with kids can enjoy each gathering freely.
Speakers
Jeff & Aaron Hlavin Worship led by David Rosenblum
Who You’ll Hear From
Michigan Ministry Network
A father and son ministering together — the current and former Superintendents of the Michigan Ministry Network.
Aaron answered the call to ministry in 1998 with a youth pastorate at Warren Assembly of God (later renamed Freedom Christian). He and Jaime served that church for 23 years — the last 13 as Lead Pastor — loving the multi-site congregation and serving their community deeply. In 2021 they were elected to lead the Michigan Ministry Network as Superintendent. Aaron also serves on ministry boards around the country. He and Jaime have two daughters.
Jeff became a Christian in 1972 and began sharing his testimony while leading a Jesus Movement meeting in Detroit. He pastored Rockwood Faith Chapel while working at the Ford Rouge Plant, then served as Youth Pastor in Saginaw for six years before pastoring Warren Assembly of God from 1983 to 2008 — the same church Aaron would later lead. He went on to serve the Michigan Ministry Network as Secretary-Treasurer for 7 years and Superintendent for 6, retiring in 2021. He continues to serve on leadership boards and minister at local churches.
AG U.S. Missions · Teen Challenge Southeast
A returning friend of our Network — David has led worship at Ministers Retreat for several years running. With 17+ years in ministry and a decade as Worship Pastor at Griffin First Assembly (GA), he stepped into missionary service in 2025 with AG U.S. Missions, partnering with Teen Challenge Southeast at Pine Mountain Boys Academy. His heart is creating moments where people encounter the presence of God.
Schedule
Three Days in the Smokies.
Modeled on last year’s flow — final times confirmed closer to the event.
- 8:00 AMGolf TournamentOptional
- 9:30 AMRegistration Opens
- 10:00 AMReset Women Table TalkChildcare available
- 2:00 PMHispanic Sectional Coffee
- 5:00 PMRegistration Opens
- EveningWorship ServiceKicks off the event
- After Partyfollowing service · food included · no signup needed
- 8:30 AMRegistration Opens
- 9:00 AMMorning Worship Service
- Free afternooncoffee, conversations, or whatever you want to do in the Smokies!
- 8:30 AMRegistration Opens
- 9:00 AMMorning Worship Service
Lodging
Where to Stay
Three Gatlinburg properties with a TNMN group rate. Room block covers the nights of Oct 18–20 (check out Wed, Oct 21). Rates based on availability — book early.
Single King with sleeper sofa or double queen standard.Parking $15 + tax / night
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Continental hot breakfast
- Business center
- Indoor pool
- Exercise / fitness center
- Patio / private balcony
- Bus parking
Group rate.$15 nightly fee not included
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Continental full breakfast
- Business center
- Indoor pool
- Exercise / fitness center
Standard room.Walking distance to the Convention Center
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Continental breakfast
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
Limited availability at some properties — make reservations early.
Add-Ons
Make It Yours
Golf Tournament
Monday morning at Gatlinburg Golf Course — front 9 only due to course repairs.
- 8:30 AM shotgun start (9 holes)
- 2-man scramble · two flights
- Choose your own partner
- Play wraps by 11:00 AM
- Lunch not included
Around the Table
Join us Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. for a meaningful time of coffee, pastries, and authentic conversation. Together we’ll gather around the table to connect with other women in ministry, share experiences, encourage one another, and be refreshed for the season ahead.
For Vendors
Interested in setting up a table at Ministers Retreat? Full details and signup live on the vendor registration page.