The Full Story

The Vision of the Savannah Moravian Fellowship Restoring the Shepherds:
The Moravian Clergy and Faith Leader Rejuvenation and Renewal Program Where History Meets Hope

In 1735, Moravian missionaries first set foot on American soil in Savannah, Georgia. Though their settlement was brief, it planted seeds of faith that would flourish throughout North America for nearly three centuries. Today, we stand at a remarkable crossroads where our rich heritage meets an urgent modern need. The Moravian Church, one of the oldest Protestant denominations with roots stretching back to 1457, is known for our guiding motto: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love.” We are a community founded on joyful service, deep spirituality, and an “all welcoming” doctrine. Our beautiful traditions (Christmas Candlelight Services, Easter Sunrise Services, Lovefeasts, and Holy Week readings) have nourished souls for generations.

The Challenge: Who Shepherds the Shepherds?
A pastor’s young child once described their parent’s job this way: “Daddy talks to people about God on Sundays, and the rest of the week God talks to Daddy about people.” This innocent observation reveals a profound truth about the weight our spiritual leaders carry. Recent studies paint a concerning picture: 38% of pastors have considered leaving full-time ministry, with nearly half reporting exhaustion and many feeling isolated in their calling. Our own Church has confirmed this need. The Southern Province’s Clergy/Educator Self-Care Task Force, through a 2024 survey with 89% participation, documented chronic fatigue, financial pressure, heavy administrative burden, and isolation among clergy and church educators. In 2026, the Northern Province’s Synod made a four-week renewal sabbatical every five years a requirement for its ministers and licensed lay pastors. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians, “Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” This ancient struggle continues today, raising a crucial question: Who shepherds the shepherds?

Our Vision: A Sanctuary for Renewal
Here in historic Savannah, where our Moravian tradition first touched American soil, we are establishing the Moravian Clergy and Faith Leader Rejuvenation and Renewal Program. This initiative embodies the words Jesus spoke to his weary disciples: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” The Program welcomes ordained clergy, licensed lay pastors, pastors-in-training, Christian Educators and Faith Formation Directors, and music directors, together with their families, for hosted stays of five to seven nights at no cost for housing.

Imagine a place where:
- Weary faith leaders find rest in comfortable lodging, with groceries waiting on arrival so they can settle in right away
- Ministry leaders find peace through quiet reflection, outdoor spaces, and outings to Savannah’s Historic District, beaches, and parks
- Spiritual renewal happens through prayer, study, and pastoral conversation in a supportive environment
- Families reconnect with dedicated time for each other away from ministry demands
Community forms through shared meals and fellowship with Savannah Moravian Fellowship hosts
- Historic immersion connects visiting leaders with early Moravian sites and heritage, including a Lovefeast on the ground where the first Moravian Lovefeast in North America was celebrated

We are beginning now, simply and responsibly. Guests stay in leased homes near Savannah’s Historic District and islands, and a permanent Savannah facility will follow as resources allow.

A Beautiful Exchange
As visiting leaders experience renewal, they are invited, as they feel comfortable, to share their gifts with the local Savannah community by leading a mid-week Bible study and a Sunday worship service. This creates a powerful dual benefit: while faith leaders find restoration, they introduce the Savannah faith community to the rich Moravian heritage and distinctive practices that have shaped our faith for centuries. Over time, these visiting leaders will help establish a growing Moravian presence in a region that holds deep historical significance for our denomination but currently lacks access to our traditions.

Nominating a Faith Leader
Faith leaders may apply on their own or be nominated by their congregation, a provincial leader, or a ministry colleague. Every nominee gives their own consent, and all applications are held in confidence. Applications are reviewed quarterly by a Program Committee that includes Savannah Moravian Fellowship members and invited provincial leadership. Southern Province leaders receive first consideration, and leaders from other Moravian provinces are welcome as space allows. To request an application, email fellowship@savannahmoravian.org.

Your Role in This Sacred Work
When we invest in the renewal of our spiritual leaders, we invest in the health and vitality of the entire church. We ensure that those who shepherd us will not be leading from empty wells but from the overflow of hearts continually filled by God’s Spirit. You can join this sacred work in four meaningful ways:

1. Through Prayer
Commit to regular, intentional prayer for your pastors and faith leaders, their families, and this renewal initiative. As James 5:16 reminds us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Pray for:
- Pastors and faith leaders experiencing burnout and exhaustion
- The success of this program in providing genuine renewal
-Resources and support needed to make this vision reality

2. Through Sharing This Vision
Tell others about this vision of offering renewal to faith leaders and restoring a Moravian presence in Savannah. Share our story with:
- Friends and family members who value pastoral care
- Congregations that might support or nominate a leader for this program
- Anyone who recognizes the need for clergy and faith leader wellness
As Moravians, our witness has always been one of joyful service and deep spirituality, qualities this vision embodies and qualities our world desperately needs.

3. Through Generous Giving
Consider how God might be calling you to contribute financially to this work. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” With thanks to God, $40,000 is now in hand to launch this initiative: a $20,000 grant from the Home Moravian Church Benevolence Committee and $20,000 saved and committed by the members of the Savannah Moravian Fellowship. Now we seek additional partners who recognize the transformative value of this work. Every contribution, large or small, provides another week of rest for a faith leader and their family. As the widow of Zarephath discovered when she gave from her scarcity to support the prophet Elijah, God’s provision flows through our faithful giving.

4. Through Pilgrimage and Witness
Please plan to visit Savannah and experience firsthand the fruit of your prayers and contributions. Join worship services and Bible studies led by our visiting leaders. Witness how this historic place where our North American story began is once again nurturing Moravian faith and tradition. Come see streams of living water flowing for thirsty shepherds and a way being made in the wilderness for weary travelers.

The Time Is Now
As Isaiah prophesied, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” God is indeed doing a new thing here in Savannah: creating renewal for shepherds, restoring ancient heritage while meeting present needs, and establishing something beautiful at the place where our American journey began. Our plan is ambitious because the need is great and God’s vision is grand. As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.” We trust that God will guide each step of this journey.

Your Response Matters
Will you help us care for those who care for us? Will you join in this sacred work of restoration and renewal? Will you help create a place where shepherds can be refreshed, and where our Moravian traditions can flourish once again in this historic place? The harvest remains plentiful, and the workers (our pastors and ministry leaders) continue to answer the call. Now it is time for us to answer the call to care for those who care for us.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can participate, or to nominate a faith leader. Together, we can ensure that those who shepherd God’s flock will find the rest, renewal, and restoration they need to continue their vital ministry. “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Ready to support the Moravian Clergy Rejuvenation and Renewal Program?
Please give, today. Gifts may be made through the Moravian Giving Portal on the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America secure website.