Sitting in a pew in 2014, Jesse and Lindsay Urban observed a pastor deliver a parting message to his congregation before going on sabbatical. The Urbans questioned if this man would return from his sabbatical leave at all. The discussions and research that followed helped the Urbans better understand the toll of ministry demands and the very real risk of clergy burnout, leading them to discover their purpose in life. 

Be Still, Inc., a Wisconsin 501(c)3, was founded by Jesse and Lindsay Urban in 2015. The vision for Be Still: “A world without clergy burnout.” 

Leaving behind a successful career in the cranberry industry and selling everything they had, Jesse and Lindsay were able to self-fund the first phase of Be Still Retreats in November of 2016 with 5 overnight cottages. Jesse’s parents donated the use of their beautifully renovated barn for meetings. Be Still Retreats utilizes 170 acres of the Urban Family’s 580-acre hunting sanctuary with 3 miles of nature trails cut throughout the area. Guests are encouraged to leave their distractions behind and get alone with God in nature. Christian clergy who become members of Be Still Retreats can book up to a 7-night stay and use as many of the cottages as they need—all for FREE.