What is a Christian retreat? The word, “retreat,” is rooted in a Latin word meaning “to draw back” or to “take a step backward.” Jesus Himself modeled retreating when he’d leave the crowds to be by himself to spend time in prayer and with His Father, for example:
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. – Mark 1:35
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. – Luke 5:16
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. – Luke 6:12
It’s not a new concept at all — the idea of retreating for growth, reflection, rest, and relationship with God — but to our 21st century culture that’s always “on,” going on a Christian retreat almost seems like a novel idea.
Generally speaking, a Christian retreat is a meeting of Christians for the purpose of spiritual growth. Christian retreats can be held on a church campus or off-site at a meeting space, a hotel, a campground, a retreat center, or any other type of place to accommodate the group.
Christian retreats vary in length from a few hours to several weeks. Christian retreats will happen with groups of different sizes, from a few to several hundred or more.
One of the most wonderful things about a Christian retreat is that there’s no hard and fast rule for the logistics, except one: The very nature of the idea of retreat requires the participants to leave their regular routine and experience something different in order to focus on their relationship with God. They must “retreat” from the ordinary for a while in order to experience the extraordinary.
What Happens at a Christian Retreat?
Christian retreats can be organized in a number of unique ways but many of them feature a few general experiences. Participants will usually hear from guest speakers on a predetermined topic, and they will also have time for fellowship, worship, prayer, and reflection.
Most Christian retreat organizers will choose a theme for the teaching and learning and set the schedule around that. They will plan plenty of time for bonding with new friends, having fun, and enjoying rest around the sessions devoted to Bible study. Often, musicians will lead the main retreat sessions in hymns and praise and worship songs, and designated individuals will also be available to pray with those with special requests.
Christian retreat participants should look forward to leaving the retreat feeling rested but re-focused on their walk with Christ. They will leave with great memories and new relationships.
What Are the Benefits of Going on a Christian Retreat?
Organizing, promoting, and putting on a Christian retreat can be hard work (we won’t sugar-coat it!). But the retreat benefits far outweigh the costs and will be realized long after the experience ends.
In working in ministry — and in the Christian retreat space, specifically — for decades, we’ve seen God do amazing work in believers as they engaged in retreats, including:
- A closer walk with God
When you are immersed in focused Bible teaching, study, and reflection, the Holy Spirit will bring you closer to God. By omitting competition for your time, attention, and energy, pursuing God and His character becomes paramount while on retreat, which inevitably brings you closer to Him. - Closer relationships with others
Getting away with friends and family is important for your relationships. While on retreat with very few distractions, you’re more available to engage with those you love and bond with them over shared experiences, which leads to greater intimacy and growth.
- Learning more about yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in our routines and the many hats we wear. In “everyday life,” we may be Mom, Boss, Husband, Employee — or any number of other roles. While on retreat, we step outside others’ expectations of us, and we can put away any definitions we’ve been clinging to that outline culture’s demands. On retreat, we can explore our identity in Christ and our relationship with Him. - Greater clarity about God’s call
Hearing from God is sometimes not easy in our busy, noisy world. A retreat, surrounded by quiet and intentional Bible study, is more conducive to building your relationship with God (as we say earlier). When you are closer to God, you know more about His character, His will, and you’re more apt to desire those things that He desires. You can also hear from Him more clearly. - Appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation
There’s a reason most Christian retreat centers are located in beautiful, natural locales. God’s creation is breath-taking, and spending time in nature can often lead one to praise their Creator: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19).
The Hiding Place is situated down a peaceful country road on 73 wooded acres in middle Tennessee overlooking the Cumberland River. Spending time on retreat at a center in nature offers an extra dimension to the spiritual experience and helps participants grow closer to the Lord. - Rest
We humans are not made to go, go, go. We need rest to be fully healthy and productive. God Himself modeled the value of rest by establishing a rhythm of work and rest at Creation. He gives us an entire day for rest each week.
Going on retreat can have a true restorative and healing effect, offering an opportunity to unplug, de-stress, and rest.
It’s Time to Plan Your Christian Retreat
If you need more information about how to plan a Christian retreat, there are all sorts of good resources online.
And if you’re ready to book your retreat, take a look at The Hiding Place near Nashville, Tennessee. The Hiding Place is a quiet retreat in the woods to unplug from the pressures of day-to-day life and connect with friends, family and God.
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