Dino Rizzo and Pastor Greg Surratt Discuss Vital Support for Pastors in UNSCRIPTED

Insightful Discussion on Pastoral Care

In the latest episode of UNSCRIPTED, ARC President Dino Rizzo holds a candid conversation with Pastor Greg Surratt, co-founder of the Association of Related Churches (ARC). This dialogue dives deep into the struggles and victories of pastoral life, with a special focus on mental health, accountability, and enduring the journey of ministry.

Pastor Surratt, who has earned the respect of many in the pastoral community, sheds light on his mission and experiences, particularly through his work with The Retreat at Church Creek. This sanctuary aims to rejuvenate pastors, providing them a space for rest, reflection, and community interaction. Pastor Surratt emphasizes that if one neglects their inward health, the path may become challenging. He remarks, "If you don’t pay attention to what’s going on inside, you may be headed for some tough times." This acknowledgment of human vulnerability underlines the necessity for pastors to seek support from their peers.

The Retreat at Church Creek, set on over 100 acres on Johns Island, South Carolina, is designed as a guilt-free haven. It allows church leaders to recharge without any sense of obligation. Describing it as a place for "guilt-free naps," Pastor Surratt portrays it as an oasis where leaders can experience peace and camaraderie. During their time there, pastors participate in candid discussions, known as “high-low” sessions, where they can share both their obstacles and accomplishments, fostering a healing environment.

As pastoral burnout becomes an increasingly prevalent concern, the retreat provides a 12-week aftercare program to support continued growth and well-being. Pastor Surratt, inspired by the vision of the late Pastor Darrin Patrick, emphasizes the significance of building a supportive network of accountability among leaders. He maintains that achieving success in ministry necessitates strong relationships and reinforces that ministry should never be a solitary endeavor.

This episode serves as a testament to the overarching aim of UNSCRIPTED, where Dino Rizzo converses with remarkable pastoral figures and leaders globally. These raw and sincere talks delve into the complexities of ministry, offering varied insights on leadership, church planting, and interpersonal connections. Each episode highlights the resilience of the global church community and the important work being undertaken to change lives.

The Association of Related Churches plays an essential role in empowering church leaders and planters. Since 2000, ARC has assisted in establishing over 1,130 thriving churches worldwide, offering significant resources designed to fuel their missions. Through programs such as ARC Launch, they equip burgeoning leaders with the necessary skills to fulfill their calling and influence their communities positively.

For those seeking inspiration from Pastor Surratt’s profound journey and to understand more about The Retreat at Church Creek, viewers can catch the full UNSCRIPTED episode on ARC's website or via various podcast platforms. This engaging discussion not only motivates but provides actionable insights for anyone in ministry, underscoring the critical importance of supporting church leaders for healthy and effective service.

About Dino Rizzo

Dino Rizzo brings over 35 years of ministry experience, having co-founded Healing Place Church alongside his wife, DeLynn, where he served as senior pastor for nearly two decades. His passion for empowering believers to serve their communities led him to establish Servolution and author the noteworthy book, "Serve Your City." Presently, he holds the position of Executive Director at ARC, guiding the planting of more than 1,100 churches globally.

About the Association of Related Churches

The Association of Related Churches, founded in 2000, operates as a cooperative network of independent congregations across numerous backgrounds and denominations. Its primary purpose is to provide essential support and resources to church leaders, thus empowering them to effectively share the message of Jesus Christ. With a focus on equipping church planters, ARC plays a pivotal role in spreading the transformative teachings of Christ worldwide.