And simple ways to overcome them
For decades, hundreds of churches around the nation have sponsored women’s retreats and have reaped the benefits. They’ve seen members grow stronger in their faith. They’ve seen visitors come to faith. They’ve seen relationships mature and, as a result, ministry flourish.
But many, many more churches have never offered a retreat. They have had good reasons, seemingly insurmountable reasons. But if you’ve never sponsored a retreat for the women of your church, perhaps it’s time to reconsider—especially in light of a number of free, retreat-friendly resources CTA now makes available. Here are the major roadblocks—and some ways around each.
We can’t get a speaker. You really don’t need one! CTA’s free, prepackaged retreats (Recipe for Life and Woman of God®) each include discussion guides that get everyone into the Scripture in meaningful and fun ways. All you need is someone who can read directions and then turn small groups loose.
We have no place to hold it. If you decide on a “day retreat,” your church basement can work. Move chairs and tables into friendly groupings, bring in attractive tablecloths, use some fresh-cut flowers as centerpieces, and you’re set. If you want to stay overnight, consider Christian camps or retreat centers nearby. Or negotiate a deal with the manager of a local motel during the off season. Brainstorm with some creative friends, and you’ll be amazed at the great ideas that surface.
We can’t afford it. Often, retreat participants pay a fee to cover materials, food, and their room. Encourage those who attend to cut costs by staying two or even four to a room. Bring your own snacks, if the facility you’re using will allow it. Urge your church to budget scholarship money for women who would like to come but can’t pay the full fee.
Our pastor/DRE/DCE/volunteers are too busy to plan it. You need not rely on busy church professionals. CTA’s free, prepackaged retreats and other downloadable resources (Recipes for Life and Woman of God include a suggested schedule, handouts, PowerPoint slides, checklists, recreation ideas, themed devotions, follow-up postcards—everything you’ll need! You can do it, and it will take less time than you imagine!
We can’t interest enough people in attending. Then consider the free publicity pieces you might use for either Recipes for Life or Woman of God®. The art is stunning and will draw attention to the opportunity. Plant a little word-of-mouth publicity, stirring up excitement and getting friends to ask their friends—you’re there!
No one wants to plan it. If no “one” does, how about a team of two, three, or four? Print out copies of the retreat guides and sit down over a cup of tea to explore options. We believe you’ll learn two things: productive planning is certainly possible, and it’s sure to be rewarding.
Little/big/medium churches like ours just don’t do retreats. Maybe that was true in the past. But no more. Churches exactly like yours—large, medium, and small—are offering retreats for women. You can, too. So come on, dive in!
