Two-Night Retreats, Part II

So how did we, as a smaller church, deal with a majority of the women being gone on Sunday morning?  The ministry hardest hit,of course, was the children’s ministry.  Careful pre-planning was needed so that the ladies could leave without major disruption.  Women who didn’t plan to attend the retreat were asked to step up to fill in, particularly in the nursery.  Sometimes classes were combined.  We had to keep in mind that the men we might call on to help, men whose wives were attending the retreat, were probably already overwhelmed with getting kids to church, etc.  But even when our church was very small, somehow God always worked out the challenges.

It could seem strange for visitors who were visiting the church for the first time, so an announcement was always made telling where all the women were!

Two-Night Retreats

Our women’s retreats have always lasted basically two full days, spanning from late Friday afternoon through Sunday at noon.  That gives the women two nights spent at the retreat.  Having come from a background where retreats were Friday night only, ending late afternoon on Saturday, I can clearly see the benefits of a two-night retreat.

A one-night retreat where you arrive on Friday night and leave on Saturday afternoon doesn’t leave a lot of time to fit in teachings, fellowship, meals and times of worship and commitment. Friday night, the ladies are just unwinding from what was probably a busy week, and the spiritual warfare they faced in just getting to the retreat.  Often, it takes a while to relax into “retreat mode” and focus on the Lord.  At a two-night retreat, by Saturday evening they have (hopefully) had a good night’s sleep, have been hearing God’s word taught and had time for prayer and fellowship.  Their hearts have been prepared, and as the retreat goes into its second day and night, the ladies are ready to respond to the Word that God has been impressing to their hearts through the teachings and quiet times.  Saturday night and Sunday morning can be fruitful times of commitment and recommitment.  I can’t help but think that the extra time spent at the retreat can be of great spiritual benefit.

Admittedly, a two-night retreat can cause some hardship for the church, if a majority of the church’s women are at the retreat on Sunday morning.  For some smaller churches, a two-night retreat can be a challenge–but not impossible.  We will discuss this in Part II.

Free Time Activities

Free time must be built into your retreat schedule.  Don’t fill your schedule with teachings–everyone needs some time to relax.  Some of your ladies know exactly what they want to do with a spare moment:  take a nap!  But for others, free time may be be another reminder that they have no special friends to “hang with” at the retreat.  Why not plan some free time events?  That way, if someone is alone and bored, it is their own choice.

Here are some suggestions:

• A prayer meeting
• Scheduled shopping with a group if there is shopping nearby
• Game room
• Activities available at the hotel, camp or resort where you or staying
• A hike
• Fitness class
• Craft class of some sort

In some cases, you may need to secure space where the event can be held, purchase some craft supplies, or borrow some games.  But free time activities can be wonderful fellowship opportunities where ladies can meet other women with similar interests.

Yes, you will need to put people in charge of the various activities.  Heading up free time activities can be a great proving ground for those women that you may be considering for leadership.  Someone who would not want to lead a Bible study may feel very comfortable leading a fitness class,  or being in charge of a game room.  Drawing women into fellowship, making them feel comfortable, introducing them to others–women with those gifts can fill these positions superbly.