Those seeking spiritual renewal: Between the demands of work and family, and the noise and distraction of 21st century life, most Christians who are serious about their faith crave a sacred space for renewal. Imagine a beautiful, sacred, hospitable, accessible, and affordable place where you could go for a couple of nights on a regular basis to spiritually recharge, re-calibrate, and have space and time to re-engage life from a place of spiritual renewal and perspective. Iona House will be just this sort of place.

Those wanting to cultivate a communal (monastic-inspired) imagination: Many Christians are craving a deeper experience of Christian community than what they typically experience at their local church. That’s not a criticism of churches or their leaders; it’s just the reality of being a Christian within an individualistic society. As people who have been in church ministry for many years, the founders of Iona House recognize that it’s difficult to build a thick culture of belonging and discipleship within the regular grind of week-in / week-out church life. Most churches don’t have the resources or staff to fully develop this area of their vision. In order to help address this hunger, Iona House will cultivate a partnership with churches who want a place to send individuals and small groups for a unique experience of monastic-inspired, contemplative life. The experience of a few days at Iona House will act as a kind of community formation intensive, giving folks a different kind of imagination for how to be the church within their ordinary urban/suburban (or even rural) life. Iona House is well-suited to be a partner because it is an ecumenical, Great Tradition-rooted retreat house. Thus, it won’t be trying to be clever, or re-create the wheel, or sell the newest curriculum. It will simply embody and commend tried and tested ways of communal Christian life that have shaped deeply-rooted Christians for the past few millennia.

Those looking for leadership development and a place for staff renewal: Pastors and parachurch ministries will find Iona House a wonderful place to bring their staff for a bonding, formational experience of monastic-inspired, communal life. Clergy and individual staff members will want to take advantage of the sacred, contemplative space that will allow for renewal, inspiration, study, and healing. Those who are taking a sabbatical may find it a fruitful place to invest a few weeks or an entire season. 

Those in need of healing: We anticipate that people will come to Iona House after seasons of major transition seeking rest, restoration, and healing. Whether having lost a job, lost a spouse (through divorce or death) or having had a very difficult season of life / ministry, these folks will need space to rest and reflect. Oftentimes, people desire and/or need someone to come alongside them and walk with them. Iona House will offer spiritual direction and pastoral counseling to retreatants as a ministry of healing for those who so desire. When combined with the natural beauty and contemplative rhythms of Iona House, these ministries pose a unique opportunity for healing, restoration, and soul care. 

Those exploring the Christian faith: For folks who are exploring or who are curious about Christianity, Iona House will provide a unique resource, a place to “kick the tires” and perhaps get a taste of Christianity without first committing to a church. Some of our guided retreats will be intentionally focused on those who are exploring faith. Throughout the year we hope to have a steady stream of seekers coming to experience the sacred rhythms embodied at Iona House. 

Those wanting an experience of traditional Christianity: In a similar vein, people who have had little to no exposure to liturgy, sacramental theology, or spiritual direction may find themselves curious about exploring the Great Tradition of historic Christianity. We anticipate being a resource to any who are interested.