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Within minutes, it was as if these children had known each other for years.
At Cedar Creek Ministries, we often say that true rest is not on a schedule and sometimes, it walks in wearing muddy shoes and holding a wiffle ball bat. We had just opened our doors to host families in ministry when it happened: our first few guests arrived, and before they had fully finished unpacking or we had even settled into the rhythm of hospitality, their children were already off and running through the woods with ours.
There was no icebreaker needed. No "get-to-know-you" activity planned. Just laughter, shared snacks, and a spontaneous game of wiffle ball breaking out in the gravel driveway in front of the cabins. Within minutes, it was as if these children had known each other for years. And just like that, something beautiful unfolded before we adults could even catch up: fellowship had begun.
Children as the Bridge
As families in ministry, we often carry the weight of responsibilities that extend far beyond the walls of our own homes. Our days are full and spiritual battles can often drain more than just our energy. In all of that, our families, and particularly our children, often ride along in the back seat of ministry, adapting as best they can.
But what happens when we create space for families in ministry to come together? We saw the answer first-hand: connection, freedom, healing, and joy.
It was the children who paved the way. Through shared hikes, creek explorations, and storytelling around the fire pit, bonds were formed before the adults had even finished their first cups of coffee together. The ease with which children open their hearts, take risks, and say, "Hey, want to play?" becomes a picture of what the body of Christ could be like if we, too, led with openness and joy.
The Ease of Childlike Hospitality
Children don’t need perfect conditions. They don’t mind the unfinished landscaping, the patch of woods that still needs clearing, or the fact that dinner isn’t exactly on schedule. They just want to be together. And that desire to be together turns ordinary moments into ministry.
One afternoon, I looked out to see a group of children building a fort out of fallen branches. No adult had planned it. No curriculum had guided it. And yet, in their laughter and teamwork, I saw something sacred happening: genuine fellowship.
Their laughter echoed across the property as if to say, "This is what rest looks like, too."
Why Gathering as Families Matters
We believe at Cedar Creek Ministries that rest isn't just for the individual, it's for the whole family. That’s why we intentionally create space for families to experience refreshment together. We are one of the few ministries that offers unstructured rest to entire families serving in ministry.
Why does this matter?
Because ministry isn't a solo sport.
The spouse who holds the fort when late-night calls come in needs rest. The children who give up time with their parent for the sake of the church need joy. The family that sacrifices privacy, time, and sometimes financial security for the sake of the Gospel needs a place to breathe.
When we welcome the whole family, we affirm that they are not an afterthought in ministry, they are integral to it. Their health, connection, and joy matter.
Ministry Doesn’t Stop at the Pulpit
One of the most powerful things about that weekend was seeing how freely the kids ministered to one another without realizing it. A child who had been quiet at first slowly opened up as others invited her to play. Another taught my son a new card game, and they stayed out past bedtime giggling like they were old friends.
No structured program. No fancy schedule.
Just space to be.
We often think of ministry as something adults do…a sermon preached, a study led, a visit made. But these kids reminded me that ministry is also in the sharing of a snack, the creation of a game, and the invitation to belong. That is Kingdom work, too.
Shared Space, Shared Stories
As the kids became fast friends, the adults finally had time to connect too. We swapped stories, and lingered in conversations that weren’t rushed. What might have been an awkward first meeting was transformed into meaningful fellowship because our kids had already broken the ice.
There’s something so healing about watching your children thrive while you yourself are being refreshed. It creates a holy echo…what blesses one part of the family blesses all.
This is what we long to offer through Cedar Creek Ministries: a place where tired families can find room to be themselves again. Where kids can run free. Where parents can have slow mornings. Where no one is expected to perform, lead, or be "on."
We Need More Places Like This
Too many pastors and ministry leaders burn out silently because they don't know where to go or whom to trust. Too many families feel the weight of ministry without the joy. And too many children grow up seeing ministry only as the thing that took their parent away.
But what if they saw ministry differently? What if they had memories of a place where they made best friends in the woods, where mom and dad laughed more than they had in months, where no one asked for anything, only gave rest?
That's what Cedar Creek Ministries is about.
We believe in the power of unscripted rest. We believe that families in ministry need room to breathe. We believe that children are often the bridge God uses to bring people together.
If your family is in ministry and needs space to rest, restore, and revive, not just as individuals but as a family, we're here for you.
Come be part of a place where friendships bloom before the adults even finish unpacking.
Thank you so much for sharing your time with us. Cedar Creek Ministries is funded by Christians and churches who believe in the call to offer our leaders the double portion! If you feel the desire to make sure all those men and women called to serve God in missions and ministry have everything they need to personally rest, restore family relationships, and revive ministry vision, consider joining us in regular prayer and financial support!
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This post was written by Nickole Perry, co-founder and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Ministries.
