Retreat Guide
Retreat Guide
The purpose of a retreat is to renew, refocus and rejuvenate the Ministry Vision Team or leadership group that is involved in the discernment process. "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15). Our hectic lives seldom give us the time for adequate reflection and prayer. A retreat offers time and space for people to enjoy the Lord and one another, to share ideas, questions and dreams, to think creatively, and to listen to the Spirit. A retreat brings people together in a restful setting without the usual distractions and time pressures.
The best time for a retreat is usually Friday evening to Saturday evening (so that you can return for the regular church service on Sunday). We recommend getting away to a retreat center, so you can spend the entire day together in a restful setting. If time and finances do not allow this, you can gather in someone's home, or another location.
What should happen at this retreat?
- Pray — see the prayer guide (tool #1)
- Study — choose a passage of Scripture to study and reflect on together. Invite people to memorize the passage so that it can really sink in. Select music and liturgy around the passage (tool #2 and #5).
- Listen — to God and one another. Be silent before God together.
- Discuss — this is a good time to process the ministry inventory / community study reports (see Reflection Questions), take stock of your ministry journey so far (as individuals and as a team), discuss where you see God leading the church, share what insights and gifts you have discovered, and appraise what questions and obstacles remain.
- Brainstorm — let your creativity rise as you explore ministry options (see tools #36-41) and sound out new directions for your mission and vision.
- Plan — make decisions together about ministry proposals, action steps and long-term mission objectives (see the Ministry Program Planning Guide and Church Mobilization Planning Guide).
- Learn — take this opportunity to explore a new dimension of holistic ministry together. A book, article or video can help provide focus for your discussions (see the Resource List).
- Relax — don't make this a marathon! Build in free time for people to take a nap, take a walk, catch up on reading, write in their journal, have a private conversation, or just sit and stare out the window at some nice scenery.
- Play — enjoy one another's company! Set aside time for fun 'n games.
- Fast — this can be a powerful way to prepare yourself spiritually for what God wants to do in you and through you. Each person should decide whether to fast as they feel led and able. If you choose to fast, a good way to do this is from after dinnertime on Friday until dinnertime on Saturday.
- For families with children, consider inviting someone to plan activities for them onsite while parents are meeting.
Here is a suggested schedule for the retreat. Please note, however, that this is your retreat — so freely adapt the agenda to meet your needs. (For some ice-breaking creative exercises, see tool #36.) For a more detailed agenda, see the retreat format in the Ministry Month. (Also see the personal retreat guide available from ESA.)
- 6:00 dinner
- 7:00 worship service and prayer
- 8:00 creative exercise / discussion
- 9:30 snack / games / video
- 9:00 breakfast (for those who are not fasting)
- 9:30 singing / Bible study
- 10:15 "Imagine your church ..." (tool #37).
- 10:45 break
- 11:15 discussion and prayer
- 12:30 lunch (for those who are not fasting)
- 1:15 private journaling/devotions time
- 2:00 singing / creative exercise
- 2:30 Bible study and prayer
- 3:15 discussion
- 4:30 break
- 5:00 worship, prayer, and Communion
- 6:30 dinner
- 7:30 closing prayer and dismissal
Consider making this retreat an annual affair for ministry leaders and volunteers!
