Retreat Support Staff At Stillwater RetreatStillwater exists to serve those who serve others. We primarily welcome pastors, church leaders, and ministry guests - people who spend their lives pouring into others. Our desire is to create a place where, for a little while, they don't have to be the ones doing the serving. They can be served. Stillwater provides space to rest, slow down, reconnect, and be refreshed through thoughtful hospitality, beautiful surroundings, meaningful experiences, and intentional care. This position is an opportunity to invest your time, talents, skills, and energy into that mission. We are looking for people who love the Church, want to give back to those who serve it, enjoy hospitality, and love the outdoors. This is a hands-on, varied role. Significant parts of the position include cooking, cleaning, property care, and creating memorable experiences for guests. Hospitality at Stillwater means noticing what needs to be done and taking care of it. Guest Experience & Hospitality The heart of this role is creating an exceptional experience for pastors and ministry leaders. Retreat Support Staff help guests feel welcomed, cared for, and comfortable throughout their stay. This includes preparing accommodations, supporting meals and activities, answering questions, and paying attention to the details that make a retreat feel special. We are looking for someone who naturally notices what guests may need and is willing to step in without being asked. The goal is to create an environment where guests can rest, slow down, and be present. Cooking & Meal Hospitality Cooking and meal service are a significant part of this position. This may include: Preparing and cooking meals; keeping beverages, snacks, and hospitality items stocked. Planning meals around retreat schedules and guest needs; accommodating dietary needs and preferences. Preparing dining spaces and serving guests. Cleaning dishes, kitchens, dining areas, and equipment; maintaining a clean, organized, and food-safe kitchen. We are looking for someone who enjoys cooking and takes pride in preparing food well, while understanding that the purpose of the meal is ultimately to care for the people gathered around the table. Cleaning & Hospitality Care Cleanliness is an important part of creating a peaceful and welcoming retreat environment. Retreat Support Staff help keep Stillwater clean, comfortable, organized, and ready for guests. This includes preparing and cleaning guest rooms and common areas, bathrooms, kitchens, and other retreat spaces, as well as laundry, linens, stocking, and cleanup. This work often happens behind the scenes, but it is an important part of hospitality. A clean, prepared space communicates care before a guest ever walks through the door. Outdoor Experiences & Property Care Stillwater's beautiful property is an important part of the retreat experience. We are looking for outdoorsmen who are willing to use their skills to create memorable experiences for guests. Depending on experience and season, this may include: ATV excursions, fishing, shooting range activities, hunting and wildlife experiences, deer herd care, trails and outdoor recreation, mowing lawns, maintaining grounds, raking leaves, seasonal cleanup, cutting/splitting/stacking firewood, firepits, outdoor gathering areas, pool maintenance, vehicles, equipment, and general property upkeep. This role requires someone who takes pride in caring for the land and is comfortable getting their hands dirty. Retreat & General Support Retreat Support Staff help prepare for and support retreats, events, and guest needs throughout the year. The position is intentionally varied and flexible. Responsibilities may shift based on guest groups, events, the season, and the needs of Stillwater Retreat.
What We're Looking For:
We are looking for someone who:
Loves the Church and wants to serve those who serve it.
Has a genuine heart for pastors, ministry leaders, and their families.
Sees hospitality as an opportunity to give back.
Enjoys cooking and takes pride in preparing meals for others.
Is comfortable with cleaning and maintaining a high standard of care.
Is warm, welcoming, thoughtful, and attentive.
Notices details and takes initiative.
Is dependable, responsible, and trustworthy.
Communicates clearly and respectfully.
Works well independently and as part of a team.
Loves the outdoors and enjoys hands-on property care.
Is comfortable with mowing, firewood, leaves, pool care, grounds maintenance, and other seasonal outdoor work.
Has practical outdoor skills or a willingness to learn.
Is comfortable with hands-on work and varying weather conditions.
Experience in hospitality, cooking, food service, housekeeping, guest service, camp, retreats, outdoor recreation, property care, or a related field is helpful.
Position Expectations:
This position requires living on property at Stillwater Reserve. On-site housing is provided. The schedule and daily responsibilities vary based on the retreat calendar, guest groups, events, and seasons. The position may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended days during busy periods. Some days may focus on cooking, cleaning, laundry, or property care. Other days may be more guest-facing or active. We are looking for someone who can adapt and jump in wherever needed.
Physical Requirements:
This is an active, hands-on position requiring regular physical activity, including extended time on your feet, walking throughout the property, lifting and carrying supplies and equipment, cooking, cleaning, laundry, grounds care, and outdoor work. The position requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions and safely participating in or leading outdoor activities appropriate to your training and experience.
What Success Looks Like:
A successful Retreat Support Staff member:
Helps pastors and ministry leaders feel welcomed, valued, and genuinely cared for.
Understands that the purpose of the work is to serve those who serve others.
Prepares excellent meals and creates a welcoming experience around the table.
Takes pride in a clean, beautiful, and comfortable environment.
Anticipates needs and takes initiative.
Helps create an environment where guests can rest, slow down, and be present.
Takes ownership and follows through.
Cares for the property with pride and attention to detail.
Uses their time, talents, and skills to contribute to the mission of Stillwater.
Remains flexible as responsibilities may change and evolve based on the needs of Stillwater Retreat, guest groups, events, and the season; may be asked to perform other reasonable responsibilities that support the ministry, hospitality, property, and guest experience of Stillwater Retreat.
About Stillwater RetreatStillwater Retreat provides a retreat environment primarily for pastors, church leaders, and ministry guests, creating space for rest, encouragement, connection, and renewal.
We believe that the people who spend their lives serving the Church need a place where they can be served, too. Through beautiful surroundings, thoughtful hospitality, meaningful conversation, outdoor experiences, excellent care, and intentional rest, we want pastors and ministry leaders to leave Stillwater refreshed, encouraged, and ready to continue the work God has called them to.
Why This Role Matters:
We serve those who serve others. A pastor may spend an entire year caring for other people- leading a church, counseling families, preaching, making difficult decisions, and continually pouring themselves out for others. At Stillwater, we have the opportunity to pour back into them. Whether you are cooking a meal, cleaning a room, caring for the property, welcoming a guest, leading an outdoor adventure, or simply noticing what someone needs and taking care of it, you are contributing to something bigger. You are helping create a place where those who spend their lives serving others can be served. If you love the Church, love people, enjoy cooking and hospitality, love the outdoors, and want to use your time, talents, and energy to give back to those who serve, we would love for you to consider joining the Stillwater team.
