Retreat Best Practices

The Most Important Talk of the Retreat

As you get ready to speak on any upcoming retreat, I’d encourage you to keep in mind that your talk is the most important talk of the retreat – for at least one person who will be there (and possibly for many others).

If this thought makes you a bit nervous, that’s not a bad thing. As my father-in-law used to say to me, when I asked him for prayers for an upcoming talk, “If you weren’t nervous, I would be.” Being somewhat nervous is a good thing; it’s a sign of humility and an expression of our awareness that we desperately need God’s help, since without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

The Lord has you going on this retreat for a specific reason. You have something unique to offer that only you can bring, and at least one person desperately needs to hear what you have to say.

Socially (Less) Awkward

What’s the most influential thing you’ve ever read (whether that be a book, an article, or some other kind of essay)? Some sort of document that majorly changed the course of your life?

Come up with anything? Maybe you did. How about this: who was the most influential teacher you had in school? I’m sure a face and a name immediately flashed across your mind. That’s because it’s people and relationships that make the biggest impact in our lives.

For the Love of Food

Everyone knows that planning a retreat can be daunting work – and by everyone, we mean anyone who has ever dared to plan a retreat before.

The logistics, the paperwork, the games, the speakers, the small groups, the music (and sometimes even the inflatables) can be overwhelming. Never fear, we are here to make your lives easier with some excellent advice.

And one important aspect can make or break a retreat… That’s right, folks – we’re talking about food.

Leading Small Groups and Crowd Control

Thank you in advance for your commitment to be on the upcoming retreat which will be presented by the REAP Team of St. Louis. We really appreciate the time and energy you will be sacrificing, not only to be there, but also to help us out! So that you can understand how you can be most helpful to the REAP Team – and help to ensure the best possible retreat for all students in attendance – please read this document carefully and prayerfully.