Church Staff Retreat Ideas
When the hard-working staff of a church is treated to a new environment on a well-planned retreat, a positive renewal can take place. Staff members feel appreciated and committed to their work. Workers find it easier to resolve conflicts with each other and are able to address complicated workplace issues after experiencing a retreat together. The new location stimulates staff creativity and helps them develop ideas and a new perspective on their tasks. Retreats require a number elements to be effective.
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Types
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Three general types of retreats can be planned with a specific purpose in mind. "Play and Pray" retreats offer highly structured times for fun and devotional time with God. These one- to two-day get-togethers aim to increase team morale and develop relationships in the team. One-day retreats focus on planning and often involve creating a big picture for the next year. Personal and professional growth retreats focus on training church staff with content that can be applied in their lives at home and at work.
Making a Plan
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Planning well in advance of the event is necessary to ensure that staff are able to attend and that retreat ideas are implemented. Pastoral staff can decide the date, identify which staff will benefit from the retreat and then work out a budget. An agenda clearly outlines the flow, objectives and issues to be addressed. The location can be a hotel, but conference centers provide more of an out-of-town feeling.
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Comfort
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The retreat environment should have a relaxed and positive atmosphere. Pastors can encourage their workers to dress comfortably so they can participate in fun activities. Mornings start with comfort foods like coffee, juice, muffins or donuts. An easy-going atmosphere helps staff to feel a sense warmth and openness.
Time to Socialize
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Church staff members build friendships with each other when the retreat allows time for socializing. Build in time for this during the retreat. Staff can also get to know each other over lunch at the site or in a restaurant.
Idea-Sharing and Skill-Building
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After lunch, staff can have a brainstorming session on solutions to problems they are currently facing. Pastoral staff can assign a number staff to implement the ideas so everyone feels they have contributed. Pastoral staff teach the staff new skills and give new information in interactive ways during this time. As the day ends, team members discuss their vision of where they would like to be in a year. Close the retreat with a short, easy and fun activity that will allow staff members to leave with smiles on their faces.
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References
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