Gatherings/One-Day Retreats
In-Person and Online Gatherings & Retreats
NEWIM Connects Zoom Gathering
Dec. 7th • 4:30–5:30 PM PT / 7:30–8:30 PM ET
A chance to get to know other women in NEWIM and say hi to friends
Come join us for a warm and welcoming hour designed for women who serve in their own ministry contexts and desire to grow in the Lord alongside others.
At NEWIM, we cherish the ways God refreshes us through community—through retreats, spiritual formation cohorts, and meaningful book studies. This gathering offers new women an introduction to who we are, and it gives those who have joined us before a chance to reconnect with familiar faces.
We’ll begin with an icebreaker and introductions, then move into small breakout groups for conversation and connection. We’ll conclude our time in prayer, lifting one another and our ministries to the Lord.
Registration is now open—we’d love to have you with us.
Spiritual Disciplines in Community
An Online Group Meeting Via Zoom
Online learning sessions will begin in January 2027 and will be offered monthly throughout 2027. There will be time for learning, time to practice and reflect in small groups, and optional mid-month check-ins.
Date, Time, and Topics are forthcoming
Cost: $25
Facilitators: Anne Dhanda, Amy Ruff, Julia Burkhead
Half-Day Small Group Gathering • Oakdale, CA
Tuesday, November 17 • 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Monthly Half-Day Small Group Gathering in Central Valley, CA.
This monthly 4-hour gathering for Christian women will be a time to pause and experience God's love. We will have time to connect with each other, focus on a spiritual practice (reading scripture prayerfully/guided journaling/listening prayer/etc.), and spend time alone in a peaceful space to rest in God’s presence. It is a chance to step away from the noise and reconnect with the one who restores your soul.
The gathering will be held in a private home in Oakdale, CA. Exact address will be provided upon registration. Gatherings will be every month, alternating between Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 9:00-1:00. Dates for 2026 are: Tuesday, Nov 17; and Saturday, Dec 12.
The retreat is sponsored by NEWIM.org (Network of Evangelical Women in Ministry), and any woman who loves and serves Jesus is welcome! There is no cost and dress is VERY casual. Register today and make space for God to refresh your heart.
Circles of Connection
A Small Online Cohort Just for Pastors’ Wives
Meet with other women who are married to pastors to encourage and pray for one another. Our hope is that the group will be a safe space where wisdom can be shared and we can pray for each other.
Feeling like you can’t have truly safe, close friendships in your own church?
Experiencing “polite distance” from church members who keep you and/or your husband on a pedestal?
Lacking peers who understand the pressures of ministry life?
We often navigate ministry without peers who can fully understand the unique pressures we live with. God told Adam in the Garden of Eden (before the Fall) that it wasn’t good for him to be alone, even though God himself was with him as his constant companion. We’ve been created to flourish in community. Women married to pastors need other women who get us, to be our circle of like-minded friends. But it can be really challenging to make those connections. This group is an opportunity to meet women outside of your local area who can become your safe group of friends.
We’ll begin meeting monthly via Zoom, the second Thursdays of the month, beginning Sept. 10, 2026, 4-5:30 p.m. Pacific/7-8:30 p.m. Eastern.
Cost $10. (Fully refundable if you decide after the first meeting that this group isn’t for you.)
Small Group Leaders (all are pastors’ wives): Davette Bishop, Luann Budd, Beckie Fanous, Tessa McGilba, and Erin Schwab.
Email LuannBudd@newim.org if you would like more information.
“My husband and I were experiencing some church conflict, and I began
to look for support outside of our church community. When I searched
for a “Pastor’s Wives Group” online, NEWIM came up I looked at the
webpage and decided this is the type of support I am looking for.
It has been so good for me to meet monthly with other women who serve
in the role of pastor’s wife. It is such a unique role that can be
very meaningful and offer so much joy, yet sometimes we find ourselves
in particularly challenging situations and relational dynamics. The
women have been very welcoming, as well as transparent about what is
going on in their lives. The topics that we discuss each month
regarding our role in the church are very relevant. I also appreciate
the brief presentation of information about the topic that Luann
presents before we break into smaller groups for discussion and
prayer. This has been a blessing to me, and I look forward to each of
our monthly meetings!”