How to Plan a Spiritual Retreat

Everyone needs to get away once in a while to rest and regain focus. A retreat needs to be planned because normally life doesn't allow for a time of retreat. A spiritual retreat can be for an individual or a group of people. This article will show how to coordinate a group retreat. The goal of the retreat is to refresh the individual and help them to grow spiritually. You don't need to be a scholar to lead a retreat, since there are so many teaching materials available on the market.

Things You'll Need

• Bible
• Calendar
• Materials for study
• Retreat area

Instructions

1. Pray for guidance and direction in deciding the theme or teaching of the retreat. What are some needs that you have seen people experience lately? Once a topic is chosen, pray about who would benefit by this retreat. Write names down as they come to mind. Decide if you want the retreat for one night or more. Contact the people on your list. A good number of people is 4 to 12.

2. Gather the information needed for the retreat. If it is a teaching, perhaps there are materials at your church you could use for the retreat. Check with your Christian Bookstores for materials. If it is a video or DVD, make sure the place you are going to has a player for them. Review the material before the retreat.

3. Organize the schedule for the retreat leaving room for teaching, group sharing, quiet time, and fun. Make reservations at a place that either specializes in retreats, or a spot that is quiet and beautiful. This type of environment relaxes the mind. This could be a cabin, camping, hotel, or large house. Split the cost with the group. Find out what fun activities are in the area. A retreat should have an element of fun. This could be simply visiting a restaurant or going to an art exhibit.

4. Ask each person to bring a part of the meals that will be needed. Lots of great sharing and reflection happens in the kitchen area. Also make sure that they bring everything they need for the retreat such as toiletries, weather/activity appropriate clothes, Bible, paper, and writing instrument.

5. Help everyone feel comfortable with each other with an ice breaking exercise. Allow everyone to introduce themselves. Enjoy the retreat. Take pictures to share with the group later, so they can remember the experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Review several materials from the bookstore or church library before deciding which to use.

• Be aware of any medical needs or allergies of your guests. Get emergency phone numbers from the guests.

• Keep good communication between you and your guests, you and the place you will be staying, so that everyone is aware of what is happening.

• Even if you know of someone's situation, do not pick on them to share...allow sharing to happen naturally.