Restoring your first love.
Revelation 2:4
A place for shepherds to retreat, rest, and renew...
The Shepherd’s Rest is a dedicated sanctuary designed to offer weary senior ministry leadership couples a sacred space for restorative renewal, deep reflection, and rekindling their first love for the Lord.
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Far more than a conference, retreat, or summit, it is an invitation to lay down every ministry pressure, step into quiet meditation, and experience the refreshing, soaking rain of the Holy Spirit.
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As we pursue the fulfillment of this vision and trust God for the ideal property, we invite our trusted community to stand with us in prayer and faith to see His leaders restored, renewed, and released back into His call.
Meet the Westphals
Married for over 40 years, Todd and Deborah have devoted their lives to ministry, serving as children, youth, and young adult leaders, associate pastors, and as a senior leadership couple for more than 36 years. In 1984, the Holy Spirit gave each of them—individually—a profound vision to create a haven of refreshment, renewal, and restored "first love" for senior leaders, elders, and missionary couples. When they shared this revelation with one another, the Lord confirmed their shared calling, establishing the foundational vision that brought them together as a couple. Today, The Shepherd’s Rest represents the first installment and living realization of that lifelong promise.
Two locations - One mission
With locations in Rohersville, Maryland (TSR - East) and Texas (TSR - West, acquired in 2026), our mission remains singular: offering ministry leaders a cost-free sanctuary to rest, pray, and rekindle their first love for God. Whether amidst the woodland trails of Maryland or the expanding vision in Texas, both sites exist to refresh shepherds so they can return to their calling with renewed strength.
How it works
What is Looks Like​
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Arrival & Welcome: Guests check in and are welcomed with personal prayer, foot washing, and devotional materials tailored for a season of quiet reflection.
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The Experience: Leaders step into unstructured, agenda-free time designed for personal renewal, prayer, and rest—supported by dedicated intercessors who pray for their lives, marriages, and callings.
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Flexible Stays: Senior leadership couples can stay for tailored periods of time, ranging from one week to a full month.
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How to Apply
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Contact & Waitlist: Interested ministry leaders can reach out through our contact form to submit an inquiry and join the waitlist.
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By Invitation Only: Every application is prayerfully considered by our team, and stays at the facility are extended by invitation only to ensure a restful, intentional fit for each season.
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Cost
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100% Free of Charge: There is no financial cost for visiting leaders or their ministries; lodging, hospitality, and resources are fully covered.
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Donor-Funded: Generous partners underwrite every stay so leaders can focus entirely on spiritual restoration without financial stress.
How to partner with us...
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Sponsor a Leader or Couple: Your $750 gift fully covers a senior leadership couple’s stay at TSR, removing every financial burden so they can focus entirely on rest, prayer, and personal renewal.
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Pray: Stand with us in prayer as we seek God’s direction and provision for both TSR locations, trusting Him as we expand into the full breadth of this vision.
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Donate: Financial gifts of any size directly support the ongoing maintenance, improvements, and growth of our sanctuary grounds and facilities.
Ready for rest?
If you are serving in senior ministry leadership and feeling the weight of the call, step away from the noise and enter a season of true restoration. We invite you to lay down the pressure, rekindle your first love, and be refreshed in His presence—completely free of financial burden.
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Reach out today to inquire about available dates and reserve your stay at The Shepherd’s Rest.
