Women's Retreat Topics

Code of Silence: The Power of Telling Your Story
What is this code of silence? Have you ever noticed that in group situations all the attention is on what the speaker has to say? Within each group are dozens, hundreds or thousands of stories that go untold. Now consider informal situations. Have you observed someone sitting alone in church week after week?  Instinctively we may know we should talk with the person, but we may not know what to say. In addition, we may have inaccurate perceptions. Many people falsely believe they might offend someone, when in actuality the oerson may be relieved to know someone cares. This code of silence compounds the hurt. When peoples needs aren't met, they suffer in silence or go someplace else where their story is heard and they feel valued.  This phenomenon is not limited to churches. This happens in the work place and even in familes and if left to persist it leads to isolation. You and you alone have the power to bring healing, and a sense of relational connection necessary for wholeness.

Operation Launch Pad: Using Niche Ministries to Build the Church Recent and ongoing conversations reveal that many seasoned pastors are not clear on how to grow the church. In a post modern era, where most people do not have a close walk with God, how does a church relate to those who do share their values? Many churches engage in social ministries such as feeding the homeless, or commuity serice days. These are worthwhile, but how can a church bridge effectively share their faith. Niche pad minisitries may be socially uncomfortable, but are an effective avenue to church growth. Together we'll practice ways to bridge the gap with applied learning opportunities.

The Mobile Church

Mobile has more than one meaning. First, it requires the definition of "church". A church is a group of people, not a building. Next mobile refers to technological changes. Most churches do not use technology effectively to advance ministry. Lastly, the church is on mission. Being on mission means equiping, sending and financially sustaining missionaries that are called to serve. We are all called, but may serve differently: some through teaching, giving, encouraging, logisics support and mobilizing to other locations.

Knee Pads are Mandatory

Prayer seems quite casual in churches today. How much time does your group spend in prayer. No ministry is effective without prayer. Prayer is to ministry as water is to the human body. Without prayer, ministry is destined to fail, just as without water our bodies fail. Fervent prayer is tantamount to spiritual CPR. It is the first step to breathing life into church ministries. In some churches prayer is like a lost art. A retreat setting allows attendees to break free of distractions, spend quality time learning and building relationships. A prayer focus means bringing your spiritual knee pads. Come ready to spend quality time with God and each other.

There Were No Discounts at Calvary

We live in a class society. Our biases are shaped by parents, peers, life experience, the media, religious tradition and even legislation.  The Bible tellls us Jesus associated with a prostitute, a tax collector who cheated the public and others our society shuns. Even before his death, resurrection and assension into heaven, he forgave the thief hanging on the cross next to him. Although he willingly gave his life to pay for our misdeeds, he also asked his father in heaven to forgive those who murdered him. So how do we as believers love others without justifying their behavior. This perspective is illustrated through life changing stories you will not want to miss. Come away inspired and challenged to love others as Christ does.