Testimonials

For over 20 years, Merle has been a vital part of my ministry and has helped me care for my soul. Now through Soul Care Matters, Merle and Karen create space for real rest, healing, and a fresh connection with Jesus. This is something every pastor and leader needs. Their kindness, wisdom, and Spirit-led guidance help leaders slow down, breathe again, and remember that ministry flows best out of a soul that’s been cared for. Those who are part of their ministry walk away encouraged, refreshed, and ready to keep serving with joy.

Merle and Karen Mees led a soul care retreat for our small group, and its impact - years later - continues to be a spiritual marker in my journey with God and others. Merle and Karen shared from their own journey in such a way that made my husband and I feel known and understood. We felt immediately that we were in a safe space to explore where we were with God and with one another. Every detail had been thought of, from the food to the cozy rooms, and of course the soul care content. But what I really carry with me is both of their ability to truly see each attendee and give them permission to be honest about their own spiritual journey. That retreat gave me space to tend to my soul and really notice God in my story. I still use the tools they shared with me and it continues to be a pivotal moment in my life.

As a pastor of 22 years and now a counselor, I’ve experienced many forms of ministry care — but the Soul Care Matters Retreat with Merle and Karen was uniquely restorative. They created a sacred space and time for us to slow down, breathe deeply, and to better know ourselves and our God. I can say with full confidence that this retreat offers more than rest — it offers renewal. If you’re longing to live and lead from a place of wholeness, this is a retreat I wholeheartedly recommend.

Attending the Soul Care Matters retreat was a truly transformative experience. I arrived unsure of what to expect, but was immediately struck by the beauty of the setting and the peaceful atmosphere it created. Sharing the weekend with five other couples fostered a sense of community and connection that was both comforting and enriching. The experiential activities—like selecting a rock that represented my soul and shaping play dough to reflect the current state of my soul—were a lot out of my comfort zone but offered a creative and introspective way to explore my inner life. One of the key elements was the intentional focus on silence, solitude, and sabbath. These themes were not only discussed but gently woven into the rhythm of the retreat, especially during the generous free time that allowed us to truly experience stillness. I left with a renewed appreciation for the importance of caring for my soul—not as a luxury, but as a necessity. A well-cared-for soul, I discovered, is not only more resilient but also more joyful. This retreat was a gift, and its impact continues to unfold in my daily life.

My wife Sarah and I have hosted several marriage enrichment retreats over the years and have had a variety of different facilitators contribute. By far, Merle and Karen Mees were our most effective and impactful facilitators, providing highly valuable resources, teaching and impactful equipping. If you’re considering a winning resource to enrich marriages in a powerful and profound manner, look no further than the Soul Care Matters team!

Merle Mees has a unique ability to minister not just to the minds of leaders, but to their souls. When he joined us for a staff retreat, it wasn’t just helpful—it was healing. His teaching on sacred rhythms, Sabbath, and soul care created space for our team to exhale, reflect, and reconnect with God in a deeply personal way. Years later, it’s still the most talked-about retreat we’ve had. If your team is weary or simply ready to be poured into, Merle will leave them feeling seen, cared for, and spiritually refreshed. I can’t recommend him highly enough.