Another Visit to the Center for Spiritual Renewal
Foursquare takes good care of its pastors. I am a testament to that.
I first visited The Center for Spiritual Renewal (East) in the Fall of 2020, after our church suffered a string of losses one after the other. Our District Supervisor saw that I was struggling with grief and offered to send me. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was just what I needed—time for solitude, a beautiful space, and professional counseling services.
This is what one of the CSR apartments looks like…
Yes, counseling. I had never experienced professional counseling before. The person I was assigned to had me take a whole slew of assessment tests as a way to get to know me and my current stressors. After that, we scheduled sessions all week. I learned so much about myself. The counselor gave me some books and tools that helped me. And all of this is provided at no cost, simply because I am a licensed Foursquare pastor (one week free, annually).
I went this year after announcing to the church about my pending divorce. You can see that statement on our website here. When the District asked what they could do, I asked if they could help me get back to CSR. As an introvert at heart, time alone really does prove to be healing for me.
I love the prayer garden and walking path that they have established around their property. It is stunning! I tried filming it as I walked this year, so you can get some experience…
After two visits, I’ve come to love the area. The Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. And the scenery in the surrounding areas ain’t too bad either! I hiked up to Cascade Falls and felt like I was in some kind of fantasy world. Check it out…
All that to say, I’m a big fan of CSR and all it has meant for me. And many, many thanks to Foursquare for walking alongside and supporting me during one of the most challenging times of my life. They have simply been amazing.