Every interaction with a seeker is a sacred opportunity to share Jesus. But we also know that pouring into the brokenness of others can be soul-stretching.
Every day, our Online Missionaries (OMs) encounter seekers carrying heavy burdens of shame and brokenness. To pour out God’s love effectively, we must prioritize the spiritual and emotional health of our OMs.
These OMs are more than “digital workers”—they are the heartbeat of the mission. For them to remain resilient, they must be filled by the Source of all grace.
As Volunteer Coordinator Jarissa Craft explained, “Our OMs serve so many contacts each day, pouring into their spiritual and emotional needs. We felt like we needed to create a space for them to slow down, receive Jesus’ love, and remember that being rooted in Him is their primary need before serving our Contacts.”
To provide this essential space for rest, our team hosted a virtual Spiritual Growth Retreat on January 24, 2026, titled “Unforced Rhythms of Grace: An Invitation to Rest and Receive.”
An Invitation to Receive
Led by Michael Mitchell, a certified Spiritual Director who has served for two decades in faith-based nonprofits, this retreat moved away from traditional productivity-focused training. The goal wasn’t to train our OMs to “do more” or accomplish bigger, more ambitious goals. Instead, it offered an invitation for OMs to receive what Jesus is already offering them—rest.
The day’s foundational Scripture was Matthew 11:28-30:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me… and you will find rest for your souls.”
Through the dedicated space provided by this event, OMs from around the world were able to settle in, take a breath, and create margin for God.
As Volunteer Care Coordinator Cindy Skinner put it, “We wanted to reach out to spiritually encourage our OMs and help them build community with each other.”
At the same time, this wasn’t a one-way lecture. Our OMs across the globe poured back into one another, sharing the deep wisdom they’ve gained on the frontlines of digital ministry.
Cindy added, “There was also deep and insightful wisdom shared from the group, which was a blessing for everyone.”
Simple Practices for the Journey
As part of the retreat, Michael guided the OMs through “low-barrier” practices designed to fit into a busy life. These practices only require a few minutes of focus a day, but they can make a big difference in maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.
- Holy Release: Many OMs carry burdens they were never meant to hold—such as worries about seekers’ outcomes. Volunteers practiced naming these concerns and consciously releasing them into God’s hands.
- The Breath Prayer: To stay connected to Jesus in ordinary moments, Michael taught a simple prayer timed to the rhythm of breathing: Breathe in: “Jesus Christ, Son of God…” Breathe out: “…have mercy on me”.
- Movement and Noticing: OMs stepped away from their screens for 30 minutes to experience silence and solitude in nature. This was an invitation to slow down and notice God’s presence in the simplicity of creation.
The practices Michael offered made a significant impression on the group. One OM said they intend to “practice journaling about His creation, make a note of one thing I observe, and simply be thankful to Jesus every day.”
Another said this retreat has encouraged them to “spend more quiet time in a spiritual mindset and quiet prayer.”
A Realistic Plan for Rest
The retreat concluded with the creation of a personal “Soul Care Plan.” Rather than making elaborate commitments, each OM identified one or two realistic practices to integrate into their daily lives.
The group was reminded that everything that happens—even struggle or worry—can be an “on-ramp to God.” By welcoming these moments and asking, “Lord, what do you have for me in this moment?”, our OMs can remain grounded in grace, refreshed and ready to meet the next seeker searching for hope.
