“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31)
Christian workers know the daily challenges of working in Christian ministry. The feeling of being on call 24/7 out of a genuine concern for those in our care is common among leaders in ministry and can be wearying over time.
Jesus modelled a lifestyle where He frequently withdrew from the crowd to spend time with His Father. His famous statement “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5) reminds us that our primary calling and focus should not lie on bearing fruit, but on remaining in the One who sustains us.
At Capernwray, our mission is to “proclaim the transforming presence of Jesus Christ through biblical teaching and practical training, equipping men and women for service in His Church worldwide.” As part of that ethos, we want to offer a time of extended residence and rest for those who are in full-time ministry, particularly during a time of sabbatical or furlough, so you can go back to your context refreshed, recharged and strengthened.
As you reside at Capernwray, we would love you to take some time in our community to relax, study, enjoy your hobbies, pray and rest in Him who likewise resides in us.
What we offer
- We offer full board accommodation in our beautiful English Manor House with a newly refurbished en-suite room including a study desk and three meals per day in our Dining Hall.
- Our gardens, the surrounding rolling hills and two National Parks within a 20 mile radius invite you to explore the English countryside and be reminded of our wonderful Creator.
- While you make your home with us, you are free to use our indoor and outdoor facilities (see below) and make your stay as active or relaxing as you would like it to be.
- Your stay will be during the term-time of our Bible School for students from all across the world. Our staff and students would be delighted to get to know you and you are invited to take part in our Bible School programme and community life as much or little as you want.
Our Facilities
We have a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities which you are more than welcome to make use of:
- Sport Facilities: Our Swimming Pool and Sauna are open at different times during the week. We also have a Sports Hall and a newly equipped gym with a variety of fitness and sport facilities. Outdoor activities include (depending on the season) netball, volleyball, croquet, putting, shuffleboard, tennis and outdoor chess. We also run a range of different sport & fitness programmes, plus you are welcome to join tournaments with our students.
- Quiet areas: Our library, quiet room and courtyard are perfect for reading, reflecting, studying or praying. You might just like to wander around the beautiful gardens or walk ‘the loop’ (a track which takes you through the whole grounds).
- Lounge: With many comfortable seating areas, the Lounge is the best place to hang out and chat with other people, or read a book on your own. There is a piano you are welcome to play and when it’s wild and wet outside in winter, there is often a roaring fire.
- Bookshop: Our bookshop is open at various times during the week and has a great selection of Christian books, merchandise and gifts.
- Dining Hall: We provide three meals a day in our Dining Hall. Sharing meals together is a great way to get to know one another and enjoy community. Hot drinks and cereals are available in our Dining Hall at all times during the day. Find more information about our meals and the special diets we can cater for here.
- Conference Hall: You are welcome to join in any teaching, worship and prayer sessions with the Bible School students. We usually have lectures in the morning and evening and a Sunday evening service as we start our week together.
- Beehive Cafe: Our on-site coffee shop is open at various times during the week and offers a variety of hot drinks and cold drinks, milkshakes and snacks.
- Music Rooms: Our three brand-new Music Rooms house a variety of 25 instruments for you to learn new music, practise existing skills and praise the Lord with sung worship. The space includes three separate areas: one for larger band or ensemble practice; a second as creative space for brainstorming, writing, composing and set planning and a smaller room for solo practising or learning instruments.
Price & Conditions
- We have one double room (super King-size) available, during the Bible School terms.
- Our intention is to bless you and be generous so we ask only for £50 towards costs per week or £75 for a married couple sharing a room, to be paid one month prior to arrival.
- Duration of stay: 1 week minimum, up to 4 weeks maximum, within our Bible School term dates. Arrivals can be Monday to Friday; departures any day.
- Married couples are welcome; we regret that children cannot be accommodated.
- You will affirm our Statement of Faith and our Values.
- Please send an application letter to holidays@capernwray.org ideally at least 30 days before your requested arrival date, explaining your ministry/sabbatical/furlough situation, how you heard about this opportunity, your full contact details, any medical or dietary requirements, together with the names and contact details of 2 referees whom we can contact to verify your employing ministry and your church affiliation.
- If your application is accepted, and we have availability, we shall let you know and ask you to confirm details on a Google form, before sending an invoice with details of how to pay.
