Episode 470 of the Church Solutions Podcast welcomed a very special guest, Brandon Booth, president of Signpost Inn Ministries. This episode, hosted by Phil Thompson and co-hosted by Michael Gray (filling in for Steve Lacy), dives deep into the need for soul care in ministry, the power of sabbaticals, and how spiritual direction can help leaders reconnect with God amid the chaos of life.
When Ministry Meets Burnout
Brandon Booth is no stranger to the pressures of ministry. A trained spiritual director with over 25 years of leadership experience in apologetics and Christian education, Brandon shared how a family trauma and growing anxiety led him to take a much-needed sabbatical in 2019—just before the world shut down due to COVID-19. What began as a crisis turned into a spiritual transformation.
“God used that year to move what I knew about Him in my head, down into my heart,” Brandon shared.
During that year-long sabbatical, Brandon and his wife began to dream about creating a place for others to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with God. That dream became Signpost Inn Ministries—a spiritual refuge for the weary.
What Is Signpost Inn Ministries?
Located in the peaceful town of Cañon City, Colorado, Signpost Inn Ministries is designed to help Christians lift their gaze from life’s chaos and experience the loving presence of Jesus. The ministry offers:
- Spiritual Direction (in person or via Zoom): One-on-one spiritual conversations to help you discern God’s presence and direction in your life.
- Retreats: Peaceful, content-light getaways in the Colorado Rockies, designed to offer rest and reflection.
- Resources: Including a newsletter, blog, and the Signpost Inn Podcast—all created to guide believers into deeper spiritual connection.
“It’s like arriving at an inn at a crossroads. The lights are on. The door is open. And someone says, ‘I’m glad you’re here. What do you need?’” Brandon said.
The Value of Sabbaticals—Before You Burn Out
Both Brandon and Michael shared personal stories of burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion from ministry. These moments of vulnerability highlighted an important truth:
“Too often, pastors don’t take sabbaticals until they’ve had a breakdown. But sabbaticals are meant for reflection, not just recovery.”
Brandon encouraged ministry leaders to start small. If a multi-month sabbatical seems impossible, begin with a long weekend. Reflect, rest, and trust that God can sustain your ministry even in your absence.
Ministry in the Digital Age
As the conversation shifted to the digital demands on today’s church leaders, Brandon offered wisdom on navigating social media without losing your soul:
- Don’t tie your identity to numbers — Likes and views are not a measure of your spiritual value.
- Use digital tools to deepen relationships, not replace them.
- Stay authentic — It’s okay to be real. Vulnerability can be ministry.
“Use platforms like social media to draw people into deeper relationships,” Brandon encouraged.
Connect with Brandon Booth
Interested in spiritual direction or attending a retreat? Brandon offers Zoom-based sessions and in-person retreats for ministry leaders, pastors, and anyone needing rest.
- 🌐 Website: SignpostInn.org
- 🎙️ Podcast: Signpost Inn Podcast (available on all major platforms)
- 💬 Contact Brandon directly via the website to inquire about sessions and pricing. (Sessions are $85, but sliding scale options are available.)
Final Thoughts
This episode was a powerful reminder that ministry doesn’t have to be all hustle. As leaders, we often pour out so much without filling ourselves back up. Brandon Booth’s heart for spiritual formation and soul care is a timely encouragement to slow down, breathe, and rediscover the presence of God in the quiet.
“Jesus frequently went away. He let the Father minister to Him. That’s our model too.”
🎧 Listen to the full episode
Be sure to check out Episode 470 of the Church Solutions Podcast wherever you get your podcasts or here.