News From the Inn - Autumn Update
“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1
Summer Into Autumn
The spring and summer seasons on our hill in TN have been well-watered, glory to God! The grass and the fields have been lush and green and thick, and the garden has thrived. But the latter part of the summer was dry and parched, leading us into a period of drought.
In the life of a Christ follower, the same thing can happen - especially for those in ministry. When we let the busyness of our calling or of life overshadow the need to slow down for rest and refilling we, too, can experience parched souls. Think about how your mouth feels when you are desperate for water and how that first big gulp satisfies and refreshes you. It recharges your battery!
Jesus lived in a rhythm of work and rest, of engaging with people and then disengaging to be with His Father. At the Inn, God has created and established space for those in ministry to pull back and rest and have their tanks refilled in a way that only He can do. We want to help them “ruthlessly eliminate hurry” for a few days. (We highly recommend The Ruthless Elimination Of Hurry by John Mark Comer.)
We recently had the video below created to share about Shepherd’s Inn and how the ministry here is encouraging and strengthening those who come. Please watch and celebrate what God has been doing at the Inn!
Year to Date - A Quick Look
Hosted a total of 127 overnight guests (individuals and couples) in 2025, including 3 leadership teams
Hosted 2 Volunteer Days
Water Line run to the barn and garden
Sweetgum Tree Removed
Garden built and planted
Framing completed on Guest Room Number 5
Steven and Cheryl began a year-long Spiritual Formation cohort called Eden Lead. (Many thanks to those who provided for us to be a part)
Attended our third Caregivers Forum (a network of caregivers for those in ministry) in Green Lake Wisconsin. (Thanks to MDR for sending us)
Wrapping up the 2025 season at Shepherd’s Inn this weekend, just in time for the holidays.
After 5 years with Shepherd’s Inn, Steven and Cheryl will be taking a sabbatical beginning mid December 2025 and will re-open the Inn, mid January 2026.
Immediate and Ongoing Needs
Shepherd's Inn relies on the generosity of others to provide a high standard of rest, renewal, and care to ministers and missionaries. Your investment helps strengthen those in ministry, so they can continue to provide exceptional care at home, in the church, and on the mission field.
Below is a list of immediate and ongoing needs at Shepherd's Inn. We invite you to join us in this ministry through prayer and a one-time or recurring donation.
Driveway Repair and Parking Area - $2000 (immediate need)
Gravel and materials to repair the upper driveway and lay a foundation for a parking area for our guests. To give toward this project click here and choose Driveway in the designate menu.
Carriage House - $12,625 (total room build)
This includes our 5th Guest Room and the Exterior of the Carriage House. For an itemized list of giving options, visit the Carriage House Punch List here.
Sponsors - Beginning at $150
Over half of our ministers request a need for sponsorship, and we try not to ever charge missionaries to stay at the Inn. A sponsorship provides the cost of a full night’s stay including all meals and amenities. To sponsor a stay(s) at the Inn click here.
Friends of the Inn - $30, $60, or $90 a month (immediate need)
Friends of the Inn insure that the ministry of Shepherd’s Inn continues each year. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Donors help cover most of our operational and ministry costs. For the price of a cup of coffee, you can provide much needed rest, renewal, and care to some amazing ministers.
For more information and to become a Friend of the Inn click here.
If you are a minister or missionary (or know one) who needs a visit to Shepherd's Inn, you can reserve a stay at the Inn with availability as soon as late January 2026. We are open full-time (Thursday thru Sunday nights) for up to a four-night stay.
To find out more information and to apply to stay, click here.
Full Year, Full Hearts
2025 has been a beautiful, full year at the Inn, and we're looking forward to a great 2026. Thank you for continuing to be a part of the ministry of Shepherd’s Inn, and for loving us and the ministers and missionaries we serve, so well. Your prayers and support are a vital part of this ministry, and we are truly grateful for you!
In Christ,
The Shepherd's Inn Team
