Limited spots available!

Matthias Media's training workshop is happening this Fall!

Our second annual small, intentional retreat for pastors, ministry teams, and gospel-minded individuals

Register Now
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October 5-7, 2026

8 Main Sessions

Punderson State Park

What will we cover?

This retreat is not about big-name speakers or a packed agenda.

It’s about creating space to think deeply and biblically about our ministry—its shape, its goals, and its people. We’ll look at topics like 4-E ministry, trellis/structure, and the core essentials of gospel work (the 4-Ps).

Whether you're leading a church, overseeing small groups, mentoring youth, or raising up future leaders, there’s a place for you in this conversation.

Space created for you to think deeply and biblically

Dedicated time for you to plan and connect with your team

Intentional prayer for more harvest workers

Personalized consulting to help you change the culture of your church

Gain honest insight from experienced pastors

Learn what resources are right for your context

Hear from VG25 attendees

The sessions, coaching, and schedule set us up really well to make the most of those discussion pockets AND it bled into rides to coffee, the airport, and here in the office debriefing. Thank you for your team’s work and intentionality - it was worth it.

Micah

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The biggest thing I came away with is the absolutely essential need that we have to invest in leadership development both in our current leaders and in training up the next wave of leaders.

Jerrill

Bucyrus, Ohio

You and the team really did exceed our expectations, and I had some pretty strong expectations. Thanks for the humility, the dialogue, the intentionality. It was the best conference/retreat experience I have had in a while.

Curtis

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Matthias Media in general and the Vinegrowers Retreat in particular fills a needed gap in many Christian circles.

Steve

Parma, Ohio

Our big action point out of the retreat was that we need to take more of our church leaders through the Trellis & Vine for mission alignment and understanding, hence the order. This was so good for me personally coming out of sabbatical, to be clearly reminded of why we do what we do.

Mike

Saegertown, PA

Secure your spot now

Who is the host?

The entire Matthias Media US team will be hosting and we look forward to creating a space where you can leave refreshed and motivated in your gospel ministry.

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Marty Sweeney

Chief Content Officer, Executive Director, Matthias Media US

Marty Sweeney is Chief Content Officer at Matthias Media, where he oversees the development of gospel-centered resources used by churches and individuals around the world. He works closely with authors and ministry leaders to produce materials that are biblically faithful, theologically clear, and practically helpful for everyday Christian life and ministry.

With a background in theological education and Christian publishing, Marty is committed to helping Christians understand the Bible clearly and share the gospel with confidence. He continues to serve the church through writing, teaching, and shaping resources that aim to strengthen faith and support local church ministry.

What is the venue?

Set in Newbury Township, Ohio, Punderson State Park features a charming Tudor-style lodge surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. There’s plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors—take a walk, relax on the patio, and slow down.

This retreat is all-inclusive, so meals and lodging are included in your ticket price. Choose between a lodge room (sleeps 2) or a cabin (sleeps up to 5 – 1 queen, 2 bunks), available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about your stay here.

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Sign up your ministry team today

Philippians 3 reminds us of Paul’s single-minded pursuit: “I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” That’s the spirit we’re hoping to cultivate together at this retreat. We press on, not for our own success, but to equip the saints for the work of gospel ministry—for His glory.

Who Is This Retreat For?

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Pastors

Lead, solo, assistant - there's a space for you!

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Elders

Equip the shepherds of your church well.

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Ministry Leaders

Men and women! It takes many trellises for a church to thrive and including those leaders is key.

Secure Your Spot Before We Fill Up!

Contact us for more information about pricing breakdowns for the retreat. If you are ready to reserve your spot, you can make a deposit through the registration link and we will be in touch regarding your balance. The bigger the team, the more you save.

A registration deposit is required. Amount based on your accommodation choice.

FAQs

Lodge rooms are based on double-occupancy. Cabins can fit up to 5 people. But know that the space is configured with one room with a queen bed and the other room with two sets of bunk beds.

What is the schedule?
Answer - the retreat will begin before dinner on Monday (3pm or after) and will conclude by noon on Wednesday. A full schedule will be posted at a later date.

I am registering for a lodge room but may end up bringing someone to use the other spot in the room. What should I do?
Answer - you can register for one person now and if you bring someone else with you, contact us and we bill you for the program and food costs for the additional person.

What if I am not sure how many people are coming?
Answer - register for the number of people you know are coming for sure and then we can add registrations, based on availability, for when you finalize the number of people.

What if we want to all have separate rooms in the lodge?
Answer - you would select "Lodge - 1 Person" at checkout and then change the quantity (at the bottom) to the number of people you are paying for at that time. Thus, each person will get his or her own room.

I know I want to bring more people with me but I don't know who yet. And I don't want to have them blocked out when we decide.
Answer - register for the number of people you want to secure a spot for and then you can give us their names when you finalize the decision.

What is the refund policy for the Retreat?
Answer - because this is a very small retreat center with limited accessibility, please only register if you are most likely to attend. If you do need to withdraw your registration because of extenuating circumstances, please contact us no later than August 1 to make this request.

Do you pick people up from the airport?
Answer - we are unable to arrange rides to and from the airport. If you do register and want to inquire about the possibility of sharing a ride with someone else who may be flying in, please contact us.

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