The Off the Grid Project was created for the purpose of providing outdoor programs for pastoral staff to disconnect, be refreshed and build relationships with people that have a common purpose.
The “Off the Grid Project” is different than most pastoral conferences or conventions. Our focus is to help pastors break away from the demands and stress of their ministries. To have the time to reflect and evaluate their personal lives and ministry. Our desire is that each pastor will return with clarity, eagerness, and refreshment to further the Kingdom of God.
For more information on Off the Grid events, contact:
Kevin Perrigan
kperrigan@tnbaptist.org
423-623-2764
Event Descriptions
Experience a three-day, two-night backpacking trip on the Appalachian trail. You will experience approximately 6.7 miles each day of the seclusion of the backcountry of the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forest. We will hike a total of 20.3 miles. We will begin our journey on the Appalachian Trail at Devil Fork Gap at 3,300 ft. We will stay our first night near Big Butt at 5,000 ft. Big Butt is a panoramic view of 360 degrees. You will be able to see our next campsite from that point which will be 6.7 miles away. We will hike through several open fields with amazing views. The second night we will stay near Camp Creek Bald @ 4,900 ft. Both nights we will experience an open view of the sky. We will see several shelters and many incredible vista views. We will end our trip at Allen Gap at 2,300 ft. During this trip you will experience three days of beautiful scenery, no cell phones and good fellowship with other ministers’ wives.
The Off the Grid Motorcycle Tour will be a three-day, three-night event. Each pastor will stay all three nights at Carson Springs Conference Center and enjoy breakfast and dinner each day during their stay. They will arrive Monday evening after dinner for some fellowship time. Tuesday & Wednesday morning, they will enjoy breakfast at Carson Sprigs then on the road for lunch and to tour of the mountains of east Tennessee. They will explore new restaurants each day to gather for lunch. After a leisurely ride they will come back to Carson Springs for dinner each evening and a time gathering around the fire in the conference center lobby to share stories. Each day pastors will experience new experiences on the road with good fellowship. Thursday morning after breakfast they will depart for home. The purpose is for each pastor to break away and disconnect from their everyday ministry to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with like-minded ministers.
The Off the Grid Golf Tour will be a three-day, two-night event. You will enjoy playing on a different golf course each day. Each pastor will stay two nights at Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center and enjoy breakfast and dinner each day during their stay. They will arrive Monday morning at your first course (Clench View Golf Course). Later that afternoon you will check in to the conference center at Carson Springs where you will have a delicious dinner and great fellowship. Day two, you will wake to a full breakfast and then off to (Sevierville Golf Club) in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will come back to Carson Springs for another delicious meal and then relax in the setting of English Mountain. On day three, you will start with your final breakfast at Carson Springs and then on to (Dandridge Country Club). Each day pastors will experience great fun and relaxation of playing on great courses. The purpose of the Off the Grid Golf Tour is for each pastor to break away and disconnect from their everyday ministry to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with like-minded ministers. Cost includes two nights in the conference center, four meals and three course/cart fees.
Experience a two-day get-away at Linden Valley Baptist Conference Center, situated on the banks of the beautiful Buffalo River. You will spend one night at the Conference Center. The registration fee covers your overnight stay plus dinner on Friday evening, breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
There will be a hiking option and a “stay and play/gardening” option. Those who opt to hike will travel together to Mousetail Landing State Park for a 3 mile hike (or an 8 mile more difficult option — depending on the group’s preference). As we enjoy the woods, trails, lake and fields, we will share God stories, funny experiences, mission outreach ideas, and just enjoy being together in God’s creation. Kim Cruse will facilitate the hiking group.
Those who opt to stay at the camp can choose to help clean up the camp’s gardens, mulch, or plant fall bulbs, fish by the river, go for a walk and look for deer, play board/card games, relax on the swings and rocking chairs, or bring a craft project to work on. Martha Pitts will facilitate this time.
On Friday evening, the two groups will join together for a bonfire with s’mores, storytelling and laughter.
Aside from morning devotions, there are no “sessions”. Just free time to relax and enjoy being together or alone with the Lord, or some of both.
During this trip you will experience two days of beautiful scenery and good fellowship with mission- and ministry-minded women.
We will meet at Linden Valley Conference Center at 1pm on Friday and finish before supper on Saturday. Cost $85. You may stay a second night if you choose for an additional $45, payable upon arrival.
Experience a three-day two-night backpacking trip on the Appalachian trail. You will experience approximately eight miles each day of the seclusion of the backcountry of the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forest. We will hike a total of 22miles. We will begin our journey on the Appalachian Trail at Devil Fork Gap at 3,300 ft. We will stay our first night at 4,130 ft along the trail. We will hike through several open fields with amazing views. The second night we will stay near Camp at Divide Mountain at 4,403 ft. Both nights we will experience an open view of the sky. We will see several shelters and many incredible vista views. We will end our trip at Spivey Gap at 3,200 ft. During this trip you will experience three days of beautiful scenery, no cell phones and good fellowship with like-minded pastors.