How We Started

The idea of Polwarth Ministries was conceived in 1990 after Ronnie returned from his first silent retreat. He was impacted in several ways but became enamored with the thought, “Who pastors the pastor?” That thought became a seed. It was a thought born out of 13 years of ministry starving for someone who could lead him into the mystical, soulish, and intimate needs of his walk with Jesus.

That seed was transformed into a calling and a desire to become someone who could come along side others in ministry. By listening, leading, teaching, and serving, we might be able to enhance or improve another’s ability to live richly, fully, and heroically in this unseen realm. It is a place that Jesus personally and intimately invites us and a journey and adventure we were all made for.

At Polwarth Ministries, this is our passion.

What is a “Polwarth”?

In 1876, George MacDonald, a Scottish pastor/writer, wrote a book entitled The Curates Awakening. The main character was a young priest or curate who was struggling to experience Christ in the context of ministry. The hero in the story is an unlikely character named Polwarth. Although he is small in stature, he was a huge warrior of the faith, and a spiritual giant in the unseen realm. He becomes the curates coach and spiritual director. The book is rich in illustrations of how this is fleshed out with another soul. As Ronnie began thinking of a name for this ministry, Polwarth came to mind.

What We Do

Individually, we will meet with people either in person or online. We’ll talk about our experience of God in prayer, our practice of the disciplines and what it’s like to follow Him/be lead by Him in the middle of the day. This shepherding is a mix of spiritual direction and coaching.

Polwarth Ministries also leads retreats as well. They can range from silent retreats, to directed spiritual retreats, to speaking at various engagements.

We do sabbatical coaching, as well. We help people ifnd God’s heart and intent for sabbath. We guide ministers into the practice of the rhythms of rest and preparation.

In general, we help and train people to listen and follow the voice of Jesus in a biblical context. Most of this is done with pastors, people in ministry, and Young Life staff folks across the state of Texas, the South Central Division, and Europe.

For more information on spiritual direction, retreats, or sabbatical coaching, contact us below:

About Ronnie