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On the Way to Minister

One story I love in the Gospels is the story of the woman with the issue of blood.  Found in Matthew 9, Mark 5 and Luke 8, all three versions record that Jesus was on his way to minister to the seriously ill daughter of a ruler of the synagogue named Jairus. The situation was grave, and Jesus’ presence was needed. In the minds of the people at least, time was of the essence.

But before reaching His destination, Jesus was “interrupted.”  Or at least it appeared that way.  A desperate woman touched the hem of His garment, praying to be healed.  Jesus took time out to minister to her individually.  Some of those at the scene questioned this; how could Jesus stop when the need was so great for Him to be elsewhere?

I’m sure this wasn’t the only time this happened to Jesus. He had important people to see, place to go, ministry to perform.  But even “on His way to minister” Jesus takes time for ministry.  We can learn from His example

Posted in: Developing Leadership, Inspirations, News & Information

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What’s For Dinner?

UnknownDepending on your venue, you may be called upon to make and approve a menu for the retreat.  Of course, there are retreat centers that just feed everyone the same thing, cafeteria style.  But if you are going to a hotel setting, you will be called up for menu selection.  Normally, a hotel will give you some menus to choose from that are in your price range.

Considerations:

  • Be sure you have some form of protein available for every meal, otherwise your ladies will fizzle out before the next meal.  This is normally not an issue, unless you are looking at a continental breakfast.  But we try not to skimp on breakfast, and make sure eggs are available.
  • I hate to say it, but some form of chicken is normally the safest choice to make.
  • Be sure your registration form clearly states which meals will be included and paid for with their registration; often, when we are arriving Friday night, we do NOT include Friday dinner in the cost of the retreat.  Make it clear that women must eat that meal on their own.
  • Hotels will work with you on special dietary needs, but special diets must specified on your registration form, so that you can inform the hotel well in advance.

 

Posted in: News & Information, Retreat and Event Planning, Starting Points in Retreat Planning

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Inclusive Pricing

I had the opportunity to chat with a pastor’s wife recently about retreats.  At the time, we were few weeks away from our 2013 retreat, and she had also been planning their women’s retreat–so we compared notes.  We are doing ours at a retreat campground, using their hotel on site.  Meals are provided, and we will be eating together with other groups in a dining hall.  Women are staying 2-3 per room.  Price for this retreat ranges from $125-145 per person for a two-night, four-meal retreat.

Her women had planned a weekend retreat about 350 miles away.  They were renting a bus for travel and hotel upon arrival.  Meals were to be determined when they arrived.  Their retreat cost was approximately $350 per person plus the cost of meals.

Now, I understand that different groups expect different things from a retreat.  And I’m sure their retreat will be lovely and a fun weekend away in a vacation locale.  But what comes to my mind is:  How many women can afford a retreat like that?  Are women being priced out of that retreat?

As you plan your retreat, it may be tempting to do something elaborate.  But consider this–is your pricing excluding women?  Could you change something so that it would include more of your women?

 

 

Posted in: Ingredients for a Great Retreat, News & Information, Retreat and Event Planning, Starting Points in Retreat Planning

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The Difficult Weeks before a Retreat

Our women’s retreat is less than one week away.

One thing we have learned over the years that our team has been planning women’s retreats is to expect those weeks before a retreat to be difficult, and fraught with attack.  The enemy loves to throw obstacles and roadblocks into retreat planning, and often hits the leaders personally as well.  We’ve seen it happen year after year, so we weren’t surprised to see it happen this year.  His assault this year hit the leaders personally.  Our nine leaders have experienced–among other things–new job stress, chronic pain, illness, seriously ill children, death of a parent, children moving overseas, and I could go on!  The timing of it all was just a bit too coincidental.  This was on top of the normal retreat planning obstacles we faced.

If you are in the midst of similar attack, take heart.  Press on in spite of the difficulties, because a blessing awaits!  Don’t let the opposition discourage you, because God will overcome.

We are expecting an extraordinary retreat this year!

Posted in: News & Information, Retreat and Event Planning

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Leadership Lessons from Elijah

For a guy whose story was told in a few short chapters at the end of I Kings and the beginning of II Kings, Elijah made quite an impact. God used him in vastly different settings. He confronted kings and ministered to widows.  He raised the dead.  Most memorable was a victory when he confronted false prophets with power and authority in view of a multitude.

His story includes great spiritual victories and yet we are allowed to see his moments of vulnerability and humanity. James wrote in his New Testament epistle, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours…”  He faced times of fear and discouragement, and even questioned his calling.  But we only see a tender and compassionate God, dealing patiently with Elijah’s weakness.

Elijah had a great victory on Mount Carmel as God displayed His power with fire from heaven.  Elijah prayed, and a drought ended.  Yet Elijah ran for his life from the threats of Jezebel, ending up emotionally drained, depressed and despairing of his life under a broom tree (I Kings 19). It is hard to believe it is the same man.  Did God scold and rebuke Elijah in anger?  Did He order Elijah to return and face Jezebel?  Did He give up on him in disappointment? No, we see an example of God’s tender care of His servants who grow weary in the fierce battle, who somehow lose perspective and forget God’s faithfulness.  God is not done with Elijah.  “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). God refreshed His weary prophet, ministered to Elijah by allowing him rest, sent an angel with food–twice, and prepared him for what lay ahead.

As leaders, we can get burned out.  The battle seems too hard, the burdens crushing, the enemies are great, the work is draining and no one seems to be helping. With our eyes on ourselves, ministry seems overwhelming, burdensome and unfair.  But even in those times, we can know that our God truly knows us and loves us, weaknesses and all. He will patiently and tenderly see you through. Hang in there!

Posted in: Developing Leadership, Inspirations, News & Information, Realities of Ministry

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