Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Christian Counseling Retreats for Pastors and Leaders
Founded in 1974 by Dr. Louis and Melissa McBurney, Marble Retreat has dedicated over five decades to providing Christ-centered counseling and renewal for pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders. Our mission stems from the recognition of the unique pressures faced by spiritual leaders, who often struggle to seek help due to their roles. We offer two core programs: Counseling Intensives for crisis intervention and the Soul Care Retreat for proactive spiritual and emotional renewal. Our approach combines professional Christian counseling with the restorative power of Colorado's natural beauty, creating a holistic environment for healing. With a team of experienced counselors, including Drs. Mike and Kari MacKenzie and Dr.Patrick Crowder, we have served over 5,000 participants from 60+ countries. Our programs integrate individual/couples therapy, group sessions, and outdoor activities to address burnout, marital conflict, and vocational challenges. We prioritize accessibility through scholarships, ensuring financial constraints do not prevent access to care. Our legacy of excellence is built on Mayo Clinic-influenced methodologies and decades of specialized experience in ministerial care. We emphasize confidentiality, personalized attention, and practical tools for long-term resilience. By fostering spiritual vitality and emotional well-being, we empower leaders to return to their ministries with renewed purpose and healthier rhythms.
Services
Counseling Intensives
Soul Care Retreat
Pastoral Crisis Care
Marital Counseling
Spiritual Renewal Programs
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of specialized experience in ministerial care
- Mayo Clinic-influenced therapeutic methodologies
- Personalized 8-day programs limited to 8 participants
- Scenic Colorado location combining therapy with nature
- Scholarship programs ensure accessibility for all leaders
What people say
Life-changing experience
Compassionate staff support
Beautiful natural setting
Practical tools provided
Spiritual renewal achieved
Services
Counseling Intensives
Our 8-day Counseling Intensives provide focused care for pastors and ministry leaders in crisis. This program combines individual therapy, couples counseling, and group sessions limited to eight participants. Led by licensed Christian counselors with decades of ministerial experience, the program addresses burnout, marital conflict, and vocational challenges through evidence-based therapies and spiritual guidance.
Soul Care Retreat
The Soul Care Retreat offers proactive spiritual renewal for ministry leaders. This 8-day program at Darian Ranch includes personalized coaching, guided outdoor activities, and reflective exercises. Designed for leaders experiencing fatigue or preparing for sabbatical, it focuses on five dimensions of healthy leadership: spiritual vitality, emotional well-being, relationships, home life, and calling through Colorado's natural setting.
Pastoral Counseling
Specialized counseling addresses the unique challenges of pastoral work. Our clinicians, including Drs. Mike and Kari MacKenzie with 30+ years of experience, provide therapy for depression, anxiety, and vocational stress. The program integrates theological understanding with clinical expertise to help leaders navigate crises while maintaining professional boundaries.
Marital Restoration
Marital counseling programs help ministry couples rebuild relationships after crises like infidelity. Using structured therapeutic approaches, our counselors guide couples through communication restoration and trust rebuilding. The program includes both joint sessions and separate individual counseling to address underlying issues affecting both personal and professional lives.
Spiritual Renewal
Spiritual renewal programs combine faith-based counseling with nature immersion. Participants engage in guided reflection, Scripture study, and outdoor activities like fly fishing and hiking. This holistic approach helps leaders reconnect with God, develop sustainable self-care practices, and create reentry plans for maintaining spiritual health after returning to ministry.
People
Dr. Mike MacKenzie
Clinical Director
Licensed Professional Counselor with 28 years of experience, specializing in ministerial care. Holds Doctor of Ministry degree from Lincoln Christian University. Co-author of 'Don't Blow Up Your Ministry' and numerous professional articles on pastoral counseling.
Dr. Kari MacKenzie
Executive Director
Executive Director with 21 years of counseling experience. Completed Doctor of Ministry degree specializing in Counseling Christian Leaders. Former adjunct professor at Lincoln Christian University teaching pastor care courses. Focuses on organizational leadership and program development.
Dr. Patrick Crowder
Lead Therapist
Licensed counselor with 40+ years of pastoral ministry experience. Specializes in crisis care for 250+ Southwest pastors. Holds D.Min. in Pastor Care from Lincoln Christian University. Combines clinical expertise with practical ministry understanding to address leadership challenges.
Cory Hoople
Host Couple
Resident host with law enforcement and educational background. Serves as Reserve Deputy with Boulder County Sheriff's Office. Provides hospitality and logistical support for retreat participants while maintaining the retreat's operational needs.
Cheryl Yarrow
Office Manager
Administrative leader with 15+ years of experience in Christian ministry operations. Manages day-to-day office functions while maintaining confidentiality for participants. Served in various capacities at Marble Retreat since 1995, ensuring smooth program coordination.
Questions
What programs does Marble Retreat offer?
We offer two 8-day programs: Counseling Intensives for crisis situations and Soul Care Retreat for proactive spiritual renewal, both combining therapy with outdoor activities.
How much does the retreat cost?
The Soul Care Retreat costs $3,150 (includes lodging, meals, and activities). Counseling Intensives pricing available upon request. Scholarships ensure accessibility for all leaders.
Are accommodations provided?
Yes, we offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms at our Colorado locations. The Soul Care Retreat includes chef-prepared meals and hospitality services at Darian Ranch.
What makes Marble Retreat unique?
We combine Mayo Clinic-influenced therapeutic methods with faith-based counseling in Colorado's natural setting, specifically tailored for Christian leaders' unique challenges.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes, we offer scholarships to ensure no one is turned away due to need. Contact our office to discuss financial options and payment plans.
