The importance of rest and reset in a frantic world

Have you ever stopped to wonder why so many Christian retreats and holiday organisations exist? What is it about the concept of “rest and reset” that leads countless evangelicals to conclude that the “best” holidays are those with an intentional spiritual element?

Rest: What does it look like?

This month, I interviewed individuals who spend their working lives creating spaces for others to rest; they emphasised that rest isn’t optional, it’s essential – and it’s spiritual.

Richmond Holidays told en: “In a world that rarely slows down, we believe Christian holidays offer uniquely restorative spaces where people can rest and reconnect with God.”

For individuals

Slowing down can create spiritual attentiveness, says John Musgrave, Managing Director of Spring Harvest Holidays. Musgrave told en that making time to hear from God by reading His word, adds a “deeper dimension” to rest, and leads to true refreshment and renewal. It’s why the organisation has an optional spiritual programme on its holidays: at its resort in France, Le Pas Opton, morning Bible studies are offered.

For churches

So, if Christian holidays offer nourishment for the soul, why go one step further and establish Christian residential centres? What’s their value? Harry Baxter, CEO of Centre Ministries – which owns three Christian conference centres – says the answer lies in providing rest for church fellowships. According to Baxter, rest for churches involves leaving familiar environments. “Whether we like it or not, our fellowships have hierarchies of belonging, and associated cliques,” Baxter told en. “Often it can be as simple as how long someone has been involved, and it can be associated with our buildings and facilities. Taking a group away from the (over)familiar can level the playing field and enable the newer folk to engage on [an equal] footing.”

For leaders

But what about leaders, for whom a church “weekend away” simply means more work? Tim Friend, Principal of Ventures and Falcons – the Church Pastoral Aid Society’s (CPAS) holidays for young people – recognises the struggles: “For leaders serving on Christian holidays, ‘rest and reset’ often feels out of reach; we pour ourselves out – running games, giving talks, offering care and attention.”

“Post-Covid, many volunteers didn’t return, meaning those leading today can feel under even greater pressure,” Friend told en. “Yet Elijah was led to rest and food in his exhaustion so he could rise strengthened for God’s work (1 Kings 19). That pattern challenges us: to rest when we should, and give sacrificially when we’re called.”

“For holiday leaders, the key is to arrive rested, not depleted, and to guard space for real rest afterward,” Friend concluded.

Dan Steel, Principal of Yarnton Manor, recognises that ministry is hard, which is what inspires the organisation to offer what he describes as “intentional care”: “Proactively, we provide regular gatherings, shared learning opportunities, and guided retreats that help leaders stay grounded and connected,” Steel told en. “Reactively, we offer quiet rooms, restorative surroundings, and gentle pastoral support for those who need space to rest or recover from demanding seasons.”

Steel described Yarnton Manor’s offerings as being designed to “refresh, resource, and re-equip” leaders “so they can continue serving with joy, endurance and long-term sustainability throughout a lifetime of faithful gospel ministry.”

For young people

According to Michelle Heffer, Holiday Manager at West Runton Holidays – which provides Christian activity holidays for young people – the key to rest for the younger generation is time away from screens. “It can be [hard] for them to switch off when the pressures from social media are constant,” Heffer told en. It’s why West Runton Holidays focuses on spending time outdoors, through surfing, games on the beach, and kayaking down rivers. “Many of the young people who attend our Christian activity holidays comment on how they enjoy time away from their phones and feel refreshed [by] it,” Heffer added.

James Place, Director of Operations at Christian Adventure Holidays (CAH), told en: “One of my favourite bits of feedback comes from the (non-believing) parent of a teenage girl who came on several CAH holidays… ‘My daughter is most fully herself when she is on camp.'"

‘Come to me’

The responses I gathered point to one overarching idea: Christian retreats and holiday organisations exist because rest for our souls is found in a Person: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11v28).