Two Communities Walking Toward Wholeness
Josh and Marilyn have walked two distinct paths as a team. For 30 years, they have served local congregations. They understand the abuse that can be sustained at the hands of church attenders. They have walked through the valley of the shadow.
For the last 18 years, they have served the Warriors and families of the United States military. Josh is an Army chaplain, but their ministry has been to service members in every branch. They understand the damage that can result from multiple mobilizations and the difficulties of military life. They have stood against the Adversary.
In both worlds, they have walked the difficult road and have overcome their struggles. They have created a ministry that will help families from both communities heal.
For Ministry Families
A Year of Walking Toward Wholeness
Healing doesn't happen in a weekend. That's why the Acacia program is structured around a full year of support — including salary replacement for the minister, ongoing counseling for the family, and quarterly retreats at our property in Concord, North Carolina.
Who This Is For
Acacia Ministries serves:
- Ministers and their families who have experienced abuse, betrayal, or forced removal by a congregation
- Spouses and children caught in the fallout
Referrals are welcome from denominational leaders, counselors, and fellow pastors. If you're not sure whether Acacia is the right fit, reach out — we'd rather talk it through with you.
The Four Movements
Shalom — Peace
The first week is about telling the story. Families share what happened and are heard — without agenda, without anyone trying to rush them toward resolution. Like the psalmist, the goal is simply to speak honestly to God about their pain.
Rapha — Healing
The second week asks the harder question: what does healing actually look like for this family? We don't believe healing is a single moment. We do believe the Great Physician heals — and this week is about mapping the path, including the slow, necessary work of forgiveness.
Tikvah — Hope
The third week turns toward the future. What does God dream for this family? This week focuses on rebuilding a sense of calling and imagining what ministry — and life together — could look like on the other side of the wound.
Acacia — Resilience
The final week is about relaunch. The acacia tree is known for its deep roots, its flexibility in wind, and its ability to thrive in harsh conditions. This week helps families internalize what they've learned and step back into ministry with that same resilience.
The Year-Long Support Structure
Ministry families receive:
- Salary support for the minister for the full year
- Quarterly retreats for the whole family in Concord, NC
- Ongoing counseling through local providers in their area
- Check-ins and connection to the broader Acacia community
For Military Families
Military families deal with unique stresses that the average person doesn't always understand. The Active duty accepts multiple moves, regular separations and mobilizations, and the constant changes that can come with different leaders. The reserve component (National Guard and Reserves) have to balance military and civilian life as well as accept the same separations and mobilizations without the security of active duty benefits.
The results come out in some common areas:
Marital stress - There is a reason that divorce is so common in military families.
Suicide - Suicidal thoughts and completions are sadly common among Service Members, but are also prevalent among family members.
Financial stress - Many military families deal with low income and crippling debt.
Childhood problems - Children in military families struggle just as much as the adults, but often don't have the vocabulary to discuss it. Their "language" is often trouble at school, misbehavior, and other damaging behavior.
Anger - One of the most common results of mobilizations is increased anger, especially after a combat deployment .
Josh, Marilyn ,and their children have experienced all of these, and others.
The program for military families includes time spent as a family at the ministry location in Concord, as well as ongoing mentoring. We would love to discuss with you how we can best serve your family as you navigate the path to healing and wholeness.
Our Property
Acacia Ministries operates from a five-acre property in Concord, North Carolina. We currently host up to four families at a time for retreats. Capacity is growing as the ministry develops.