Inside Jokes
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been to something boring? A meeting, a class, a Church event?
I can’t see you through the screen, but I’m going to guess your hand is up. It is, isn’t it? Mine is, too.
Retreat Best Practices
Post-Ministry Parent Letters
Parents – ever wondered what your kid actually does at youth group?
Youth ministers – ever wondered what your teens tell their parents when they get home from church?
I have experienced the ups and downs of raising teenagers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked one of my kids about school, youth group, a social event, or a retreat that they attended – and the only response I got was “good” or “fine” or “okay.” And despite my attempts to pry deeper by asking questions, I often had no idea what my kids experienced.
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.
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