Flexibility in the Schedule

Our retreat booklet always contains a schedule of events.  While it may include the start time for the session, or meal times, their schedule is mostly  just an order of events that does not include the details of administrating the retreat.

Why do we do this?  It happens.  Your retreat is scheduled down to the minute.  And then a speaker goes over by ten or fifteen minutes, sending your schedule into overtime.  Or there is an equipment problem or distraction, or a myriad of other things that cause time issues.  No need to panic!

The retreat coordinator must keep track of the schedule, and if something has gotten off track, she must juggle the schedule to accommodate the revision.  Perhaps announcements will be put off until the next session.  Maybe the worship team will need to cut a song. But it is not expedient for the general attendee to be stressing out because the session is not on schedule.  It also provides flexibility in case you as a leader feel the Holy Spirit leading you to allow a schedule change.