About Us
Our Indiana Retreat Center, is the perfect place for Christian retreats, group gatherings, and spiritual renewal. Nestled in the heart of Indiana, our retreat center is a serene sanctuary dedicated to nurturing your Christian faith, fostering meaningful connections, and facilitating retreat planning for groups of all sizes.
About Us
Our Indiana Retreat Center, is the perfect place for Christian retreats, group gatherings, and spiritual renewal. Nestled in the heart of Indiana, our retreat center is a serene sanctuary dedicated to nurturing your Christian faith, fostering meaningful connections, and facilitating retreat planning for groups of all sizes.
Our Mission
and Values
At our Indiana Christian Retreat Center, our mission is to provide a welcoming and tranquil environment where individuals and groups can deepen their Christian faith, build lasting relationships, and embark on transformative journeys. We are guided by a set of core values that define who we are:
- Christian Faith: Rooted in the Christian faith, we provide a place for spiritual growth and reflection.
- Community: We believe in the power of community, fostering connections that last a lifetime.
- Hospitality: Our commitment to warm hospitality ensures that every guest feels at home.
- Sustainability: We practice responsible stewardship of our retreat center, preserving the beauty of nature that surrounds us.
Our Mission
and Values
At our Indiana Christian Retreat Center, our mission is to provide a welcoming and tranquil environment where individuals and groups can deepen their Christian faith, build lasting relationships, and embark on transformative journeys. We are guided by a set of core values that define who we are:
- Christian Faith: Rooted in the Christian faith, we provide a place for spiritual growth and reflection.
- Community: We believe in the power of community, fostering connections that last a lifetime.
- Hospitality: Our commitment to warm hospitality ensures that every guest feels at home.
- Sustainability: We practice responsible stewardship of our retreat center, preserving the beauty of nature that surrounds us.
A Great Place
for Retreats
Our retreat center isn’t just a place; it’s a haven where you can escape the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in the teachings of the Christian faith. Surrounded by the natural beauty of our retreat center is a great place for Christian retreats, offering tranquility and a serene backdrop for spiritual reflection.
The Ideal Retreat Facility
Whether you’re planning a youth retreat, a congregational gathering, or any Christian event, IN Christian Retreat Center is the ideal place to host it. With spacious accommodations, well-equipped meeting spaces, and a peaceful setting, we’re perfect for group retreats of any size.
Faithfulness Commitment
Our Indiana Christian Retreat Center is dedicated to fostering faith through retreats rooted in Christian teachings, welcoming guests of all denominations to explore and celebrate their spirituality.
Retreat Planning Made Simple
We understand that planning a group retreat can be overwhelming. That’s why our experienced team is here to assist you with every aspect of retreat planning. From creating a customized itinerary to coordinating activities that align with your retreat’s goals, we make retreat planning straightforward and stress-free.
The Story of Our Journey
History
History
The Story of Our Journey
In 1940, the Hickory Hill Canning Factory occupied our 50-acre space within the woods. After its closing, a private residence was built in the 1970s and is now the Hilltop Lodge.
In the mid-80s, Young Life purchased the residence and added the ‘gymnasium’ down the hill. At that point in time, the camp could only house 40 guests. In 1995, Walnut Hills purchased the camp from Young Life and expanded both the acreage and housing capacity. The camp went from 50 to 65 acres and 40 to 100 guests.
In 2014, Ted Hayes purchased the camp, changed the name to Walnut Ridge, added the outdoor stage, paintball course, swing set, and slide, and remodeled the gymnasium into Willow Hall. In 2017, the Johnson family began managing the camp. Their vision is to create a fun and intimate retreat experience where they embrace God, together.
The Walnut Ridge Team
God first in all things
The Walnut Ridge Team
God first in all things
Eric and Gina have been married over 25 years and have three children. They enjoy quality time with their family and friends, they love all things outdoors, playing music and singing, sporting events and volunteering their time helping others.
They have spent their entire lives together in the ministry in some capacity. Early on, they were the Youth Pastors at their local church before being appointed as Regional Youth Directors in a three state area. In this role, they travelled preaching revivals, directing youth conventions and organizing youth camps, as well as many other things.
Eric and Gina than began serving as Sr. Pastor at a local church in Indiana and then in Kentucky. During this time, Gina served in many ways such as Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church director as well as using her gift to sing. While pastoring, Eric also had a Sunday morning radio program and was always involved in the music ministry playing piano, guitar or bass guitar.
Eric & Gina PHELPS
Area Technical Operations Manager
Dr. Stacy Johnson
Chief Financial Officer
Jeanine Johnson
Food Service Coordinator
Stay connected
Keep in touch with our Indiana Christian Retreat Center by following us on social media! Receive updates on upcoming retreats, inspirational content, and community events that will enhance your Christian journey through our Blog.
Thank you for considering our Indiana Christian Retreat Center as your destination for spiritual growth, fellowship, and retreats rooted in the Christian faith. We look forward to being part of your transformative experience.