Broom Tree Ministries

Free Pastor Retreats

About Us

Directors of Broom Tree Ministries

Jon and Sue Wiziarde were appointed directors of Broom Tree Ministries in October 2023. With three decades of pastoral experience—ten years in Panamá and twenty years in Zion, Illinois—and five prior Broom Tree attendances, they bring seasoned leadership and a deep commitment to pastoral care, dedicated to the ministry’s mission to strengthen the church, one pastor at a time.

Jon also serves as Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church in Zion, Illinois, while Sue provides office support and administrative leadership for Broom Tree Ministries.

 

Founders of Broom Tree Ministries

In 1997 Dwayne didn’t realize the significance and scope of what God had called him to do, but it was a clear call from God to develop a pastors retreat center. Dwayne and Rita Hanon ran that retreat center in Wisconsin for over 4 1/2 years. With God’s leading during this time they developed the self-directed, ‘non program’ that is being used today. Broom Tree Ministries began in 2002 continuing to offer free retreats to pastor couples in various locations so that the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ may be strengthened. In February of 2025, Dwayne went to be with his Lord. Rita continues to be a great resource and help in Broom Tree Ministries.

 

Board Members of Broom Tree Ministries

Len DiCicco
Scott Nelson
Craig Thompson

 

What we believe.

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Strengthening the Church One Pastor at a Time

Free 5-day Spiritual Retreats

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Donate to provide for a pastor and their congregation

Broom Tree Ministries is a 501c3 public foundation and all gifts are tax-exempt

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Retreat

How do pastors benefit from Broom Tree Retreats?

“Aha” Moments — Holy Ground Breakthroughs

Elijah’s “aha” moment came under a broom tree when he realized he wasn’t alone. Pastors today experience that same holy revelation at Broom Tree — but each one receives it in a uniquely personal way.

Some discover hope they thought they’d lost. Some hear God’s whisper again after months of silence. Some finally exhale the pressure they’ve carried for years.

These moments of insight, clarity, and divine surprise are not accidental — they are the heartbeat of the retreat.

Clarity — Seeing What Was Hidden

When pastors slow down long enough to breathe, something beautiful happens: clarity returns.

Mental fog lifts. Spiritual vision sharpens. The next step becomes visible again.

This renewed clarity strengthens marriages, deepens friendships, and unlocks fresh strategic thinking. It’s the kind of clarity that helps pastors walk back into ministry with confidence instead of exhaustion.

Challenge — Holy Questions for a New Season

Elijah didn’t just rest under the broom tree — he was challenged there. God stirred deeper questions about his purpose, his calling, and his next season.

Broom Tree retreats do the same.

Meaningful rest isn’t passive. It’s reflective, intentional, and spiritually alive. Here, pastors hear restorative challenges from the Holy Spirit — the kind that recalibrates the soul and reawakens calling.

Clinical Observations — The Monday Crash Is Real

What Elijah experienced mirrors what many pastors face today:

The adrenaline of preaching… The intensity of ministry… The emotional highs of revival…

Followed by the crash on Monday.

Sustaining a cycle of elation and depression is dangerous — and current studies show only one in ten pastors will retire as a pastor. The pressure is relentless:

  • Pastors are called to lead people through cultural chaos into the presence of Jesus.
  • They are highly educated, yet often the lowest‑paid professionals.
  • Congregations expect proficiency in 16 major disciplines — an impossible load.
  • Their shepherd’s heart drives them to sacrifice personal time with God and family.

This is a recipe for burnout, breakdown, and despair.

Church Governing Board Letter

For your convenience, we’ve drafted a letter that you may want to print and give to your Church Governing Board.