About Us
Thank you for expressing interest in the ministry and services of Agape Wilderness Retreat. Agape Wilderness Retreat is a Christ-centered, non-denominational ministry organization. Our purpose is to provide opportunities for people to experience the abundant life in Jesus Christ!
Agape Wilderness Retreat is set amidst the Kentucky hills just a one-hour drive from Louisville, Lexington, and Cincinnati. The facility is located on an 80-acre pristine mountain top. The Retreat is an oasis from today’s world.
Our Beliefs
We believe the Scriptures, to be the inspired Word of God, without error, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.
(2 Tim 3:16)
Our Inspiration
We find our inspiration for retreat ministries in the story of Elijah found in I Kings 19. Elijah has just defeated the prophets of Baal when he’s threatened by Jezebel. The story shows many of the important benefits of a time away.
Our Mission
Agape Christian Ministries, Inc. is a Christ-centered, non-denominational organization. Our purpose is to provide opportunities for people to experience the abundant life in Jesus Christ (John 10:10).
Our Beliefs
We believe the Scriptures, to be the inspired Word of God, without error, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.
(2 Tim 3:16)
Our Inspiration
We find our inspiration for retreat ministries in the story of Elijah found in I Kings 19. Elijah has just defeated the prophets of Baal when he’s threatened by Jezebel. The story shows many of the important benefits of a time away.
Our Mission
Agape Christian Ministries, Inc. is a Christ-centered, non-denominational organization. Our purpose is to provide opportunities for people to experience the abundant life in Jesus Christ (John 10:10).
Our Facilities
Lodge | Sleeps 26
The large lodge has 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, and can accommodate up to 26 overnight guests for retreats. There’s a large great room for meetings and a large patio and screened in deck overlooking the lake. You’ll find the dining room a great place to enjoy gourmet home-cooked meals and fellowship!
Cabins | Sleeps 32
Two sleeping cabins accommodate an additional 32 guests. Each cabin has 2 sleeping areas with adjoining bath facilities. Next to the sleeping cabins is a large meeting cabin that can accommodate 60 at tables or 100 auditorium style. White boards throughout the room make it a great place for information sharing.
The Elijah Center | Seats up to 200
The Elijah Center is our conference center which can seat up to 200 auditorium style or 78 at round tables.
The Ampitheater | Seats up to 200
Our outdoor amphitheater overlooks the pond and seats up to 200 with a lit stage area.
The Grounds
- Campfires
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Prayer Labyrinth
- Games
- Team Building Activities
*Click on the shaded regions of The Lodge and Cabin maps below to view photos of those rooms.
Bedroom A
One twin bunk bed and one double bed (Total of 2 twins, 1 double).
Bedroom B
Two twin bunks and one twin over double bunk (Total of 5 twins and one double bed)
Bedroom C
Two twin bunk beds and one double bed (Total of 4 twins beds and 1 double bed).
Bedroom D
One twin bunk bed and one queen bed (Total of 2 twin beds and 1 queen bed).
Bedroom E
One twin bunk bed and one twin over double bunk bed (Total of 3 twin beds and one double bed)
Bedroom F
Two twin bunk beds and one double bed (Total of 4 twin beds and 1 double bed).
Cabin
Three twin bunk beds and one twin over double bunk (total of 7 twin and 1 double beds).
Our Ministry Team
Mark Smithson
Retreat Leader
30+ years of leadership experience at Fortune 100 companies. 25+ years of experience in Bible Study Leadership.
Susan Smithson
Retreat Leader
25+ years of experience in Bible Study Leadership. 18 years as Director of Leisure Ministries at Middletown United Methodist Church. Gourmet Cook.
Brad Rumer
Youth Pastor
13+ years ministry experience as a Youth Pastor, Children’s Minister, Worship Leader. Graduate of Boyce Bible College – SBTS.
Peggy Rumer
Worship Leader
Worship leader, Women’s Ministry Leader, Bible Study Leader, Teacher, & Gourmet Cook
Mark Smithson
Retreat Leader
30+ years of leadership experience at Fortune 100 companies. 25+ years of experience in Bible Study Leadership.
Susan Smithson
Retreat Leader
25+ years of experience in Bible Study Leadership. 18 years as Director of Leisure Ministries at Middletown United Methodist Church. Gourmet Cook.