The Marble Retreat ministry was born out of the conviction that clergy and others in Christian service, more than any other group, have extreme job demands which frequently lead to anxiety, frustration and burnout. Because of their position, they find it difficult to seek help.

These factors, and God's call, led Mayo Clinic-trained psychiatrist Louis McBurney, M.D. and his wife, Melissa, to begin the ministry of Marble Retreat over 30 years ago. The Retreat has now served the Christian counseling needs of more than 3,000 leaders. They have come from every state and more than 60 countries.

In 1988, the McBurneys answered God's call to an additional challenge - counseling Christian workers on the mission field. Since that time outreach trips have included Sri Lanka, Cyprus, Germany, Hong Kong, Java, Iryan Jaya, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, West Africa, Austria, Greece, Malaysia, Thailand and Pakistan. This extension of the Marble Retreat Christian counseling ministry has led to the establishment of Marble Retreat Worldwide in 2003. The McBurneys now serve primarily in this capacity.

Furthermore, in 2003, Steven Cappa, Psy. D., and his wife Patti Cappa LMFT, CAC II, assumed the duties as directors of Marble Retreat where they serve to this day.