Reviews

What People Are Saying About Homestead Hospitality House

Lyle & Dianna | St. Petersburg, Russia

"A visit with the Kettenring’s will absolutely be a blessing. Not only is the home beautiful and a perfect environment to let the world go and focus on God, Keith is very gifted at helping you do the same. He listens well, allowing the Spirit to open up new vistas in the conversation so that it blows where He will, not where Keith wills. By the end, you feel like you have covered some real ground, ground that you know will help you deepen your communion with Christ.

Oh, and they make great food, and love doing it, moreover!"

Ralph Dawson | Boise, Idaho

"I enjoyed the interior decorations and comfortable furniture.  It was quiet and restful and surrounded by beauty.

I really enjoyed sitting near the fireplace in a comfortable chair drinking coffee and reading my morning devotions. This is a place to come and rest the soul."

Tom Ashbrook | Pagosa Springs, CO

"I loved the warm home atmosphere. The bedrooms were beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The great room was perfect for our meetings, meals, worship time, serving, etc. The porch provided a beautiful outdoor alternative both for personal time and for meeting space.

The meals were exceptional, more like a deluxe bed and breakfast than a retreat setting. Fantastic food and service. The early morning coffee was a particular delight!!

We received wonderful care by both of you in every aspect, and no need went unresponded to.

The relaxed setting provided the perfect atmosphere to balance work and relationship. Our times of worship were refreshing and deeply renewing."

Pastor Tom Hillman | Kerman,CA

"I really enjoyed looking out to the mountains and seeing the water with the ducks and geese.  The setting is so bucolic and prompts such a serenity in my soul.  The mountains in the distance kept calling my name and I hope that during another visit I can go exploring... 

Being in a place that I was not responsible for doing anything was so healing.  The demands of full-time ministry require 24/7 vigilance and this is such an incredible contrast.  Homestead House is such a restful and comforting setting.   I could experience God in fresh ways to nurture and restore my soul.  The bedrooms were tastefully decorated and had such an ambiance of a simpler time and place.   I would enthusiastically recommend Homestead House as a place for restoration and renewal,  such a combination of setting, comfort, and gracious hospitality.  Keith and Rhonda provide such an amazing culinary variety, with meals that were so satisfying and delicious.  The combination of welcome, beauty, and true Southern Hospitality was such a fresh alternative to some more primitive retreat settings.  Make sure you have at least 3 days to fully unwind and savor the experience...  (only difficulty I encountered was I didn't want to leave, felt like a "new" home)"

Liz Hayden | Orlando, FL

"The best part of being [at Homestead House] was the ambiance.  Very cozy and hospitable."

Pastor Joe | Ohio

"I had the privilege of staying at the Homestead House in Ooltewah, TN recently  for the purpose of working on a writing project. The accommodations are warm and inviting and the hospitality extended to me by Keith and Rhonda Kettenring was exceptional. I am very grateful for a place like Homestead where pastors and ministry leaders can get away for time of refreshment and spiritual nourishment."

Pastor Kevin | Chattanooga, TN

"My stay at Homestead House was one of the most restful and peaceful retreats I have ever had. It was truly hard to leave. The Kettenring’s made me feel very welcomed, personally making sure I was comfortable. The home is beautiful and had plenty of room for my privacy. Two places were very special to me: The upper level back deck and the gazebo in the front. I felt refreshment from the Spirit of Christ and look forward to going back. But I have to bring my wife next time."

Tim & Tammy | Melbourne, Australia

"Our time spent at the Kettenring’s was a wonderfully rich experience. Our only disappointment was that we were unable to be there for a longer time. The warm hospitality that Keith and Rhonda provided and the beautiful surroundings of their home and the area, created a relaxed and comfortable environment that allowed us to focus on the enriching time of spiritual renewal. Both of us had a very refreshing time of spiritual evaluation and refocus. Here's some personal comments from each of us.

Tim - Keith's wise and gentle spiritual direction was a refreshing change for this "always in charge" senior pastor, and it forced me to stop and take a look at my own walk and relationship with God. While some of the time was 'uncomfortably challenging' (which I know I needed), I really enjoyed being introduced to some new ways to meditate on scripture and listen to God in prayer and reflection.

Tammy - Because of the demands of a busy household, teaching job and church congregation, I often take up the mantle of "Martha" in my life. I am often distracted from the 'first order call' of worship and relationship with my Lord. This time brought my focus back to that priority and provided not only an enriching experience there, but also gave me tools to continue to make that a priority in my life. 


The ministry that the Kettenring’s had in our lives during our time together was a tremendous blessing and we hope to spend some more time with them in the future. Tammy and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is under the demands of full time ministry. Keith and Rhonda are amazing people, and we know that God is going to use them to bless the church of Jesus Christ through ministry to His ministers!"

John Allison | Redeemer Church | Atlanta, GA

"I had the occasion to meet Keith a few years back while serving on the church staff of an upstate NY church. I decide then that this was a man who had allowed God's hands to touch him in the deepest parts of his heart and life. After a relocation to Atlanta 2013, I was thrilled to know that it put a visit to Keith and the Homestead House within driving distance. I finally was able to take sometime and journey up to spend a day with Keith.

I must confess that getting to meet Binka, the family's equally kind spirited dog was almost as nice as seeing Keith...but I digress.

After nearly 30 years of ministry, to sit and share conversation with another brother who completely understands the unique stresses and emotions of church ministry was nothing less than cathartic, renewing and just plain ol' goodness. I arrived without an agenda. Keith was more than willing to accommodate my mission of just being there. I confess I was carrying the hope that God would speak in certain ways that would provide fresh insight. He did. Without needing to elaborate, I will say in the strongest sense, it was rest for my soul. Offered bright hope for tomorrow and some great Mexican food for lunch.

I believe in the "power of presence." There is a critical need to live out the Psalmist's words: 'Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!'

A day with Keith at the Homestead House was good and beyond pleasant. With special thanks to Binka for being 'man's best friend' for a day too."