Pastor & Spouse Retreat
Monday, May 4 to Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Lakeview Gimli Resort
Gimli, Manitoba
I. PURPOSE
• To provide an Environment of Rest for our pastors and pastor spouses
• To foster an atmosphere for Ministry Rejuvenation among our pastors and pastor spouses
• To be intentional in fostering Supportive Relationships among our pastors and spouses
II. COST
We are encouraging churches to include an allowance in the 2026 Church Budget for your pastoral staff and their spouses (if applicable) to attend EMC Encourage. Churches should budget for the registration fee and travel-related expenses.
As a Conference, we are doing our part to make this event as affordable as possible while ensuring an environment that supports its intended purpose. With this in mind, we are offering a travel subsidy for those outside of Manitoba. Churches may utilize this travel subsidy as needed.
A. Registration - meals (Monday supper to Wednesday lunch) and accommodations
• Individual Registration = $600.00
• Couple Registration = $950.00
B. Travel Subsidy
• Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia = $200/person
• Saskatchewan = $100/person
Featuring Jay and Sharon Guptill
Made For More Ministries
Jay Guptill - Counsellor: Jay has served in full-time ministry since 1985, in Canada and the United States. He is currently licensed as a Registered Counselling Therapist. Jay loves to come alongside Christian leaders to offer support and resolve problems that keep them from their full potential.
Sharon Guptill - Coach: Sharon grew up in a pastor’s home and developed a deep love for church ministry from a very young age. She has served within the Wesleyan Church and has also been trained as a Life Coach. Her aim is to help people discover their full potential and reach their goals by inspiring, empowering, and equipping them.
Jay and Sharon have served in church ministry for over 37 years, ministering in both the USA and Canada. Today, they co-lead Made for More Ministries by offering coaching, counselling, and retreats for pastors. When you go on retreat with them, you will find ways to Rest, Renew, and Refuel. They believe people are Made for More and can grow and learn through the difficult seasons of life, bringing meaning out of struggles. Their life experiences have shaped the people they have become and have given them wisdom for the difficult journeys in ministry.