Guest Speakers (That’s Plural)
Have you ever had an event with more than one guest speaker? How can it work?
We have…and, in fact, our most recent retreat had four different speakers. Actually, it was a decision borne out of much prayer. There were four teaching sessions at the retreat, each a different aspect of our main theme. Each was taught by a different pastor’s wife. We asked three pastor’s wives, whose women have joined us at our past retreats, to assist our pastor’s wife with the speaking responsibilities.
Probably the biggest challenge in having more than one guest speaker was communicating with each one regarding the topic she would be speaking on. How do we make sure that they are all on the same page as to the theme of the event and that the sessions flow together, while at the same time trying to keep them from stepping on one another’s toes in their teachings?
Our solution was to make up a very general outline of the four sessions of the retreat, being very specific about how the sessions were differentiated. The outline included each topic, its title, a few short sentences about each topic and suggested scriptures. This way, as they prayerfully considered their individual topic, they also had before them an outline of all topics and a short summary of the direction given to the other speakers. We did not tell them what to say; we just gave them a guide to make sure that they were aware of the parameters given to each speaker. And, of course, we kept our speakers in prayer as they prepared for the retreat.
Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who brought unity and directed each teaching tocontribute to the overall theme of the retreat.
Two weeks ago I mentioned that we schedule times of personal reflection during our retreat. But, in addition, we have a time at the very end of the retreat that we call “Reflections.” This is a time where we have the women consider what they have written down–how the Lord has spoken to their heart throughout the retreat. It could be something directly from the teachings, but often God speaks personally to the women through 
What burdens you? We have family cares and worries, jobs, health issues, heavy responsibilities, even bad habits and besetting sin that weigh us down. One of the interesting things about the Christian life is what the Bible has to say about burdens. We are to cast all of our burdens on Him, because He cares for us (I Peter 5:7). If we are heavy-laden, Jesus tells us to come to Him and we’ll find rest because His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). He wants to carry our load for us. We are told not to worry, but to pray, and He will give us peace (Philippians 4:6-7). And of course, Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us that we are to lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us so that we can run the race, unencumbered. Sounds like God wants us free of any burdens that could overwhelm us and slow our progress.
Reflection…forming our thoughts after consideration. I think we’ve forgotten how to do it, or perhaps I should say that we just don’t take the time to really reflect on how God is working in our lives. For me, the days when I take time to write in my journal are the exception. Sometimes reflection just takes place while driving.
A breakout session is defined as “a small group session, held during the main event and formed to focus on specific subjects relevant to the gathering.” In a retreat setting, we have main sessions taught by the retreat speaker. The main sessions are attended by everyone and geared toward the entire group. Then, if the event schedule allows, we develop breakout sessions in order to target specific groups or interests. Here are a few breakout suggestions:
){kind=link}
