There’s a reason that so many churches today—even those that aren’t that large—have opportunities for members to gather in small group settings. Whether it’s Sunday school classes, Bible study or discipleship groups, community groups, or something similar, churches know that we build a closer relationship with others when we interact in a more personal setting.
When those small groups can get away from the hectic stress and demands of daily life and focus on how to build a closer relationship with God and others on retreat, it’s an even more powerful growth experience.
A Retreat with Your Small Group Helps You Build Closer Relationships
If your goal for your small group is to build a closer relationship with God and others, then you should consider going away together for a retreat.
Choose a comfortable location, preferably away from all the distractions of daily life. A retreat center or lodge surrounded by natural beauty is especially conducive to worshipping God.
In order to foster relationship-building, consider activities that will do the following:
- Give opportunities for authentic sharing – encourage everyone to share honestly and transparently, according to their comfort level. Plenty of comfortable seating helps and a “no devices” policy means that there’s no chance of interruptions. The group should be active listeners offering appropriate follow-up questions.
- Encourage personal and corporate worship and prayer – make plenty of time for worshipping together and then give group members the opportunity for reflection, journaling and prayer alone. Consider having a Scripture focus for your retreat and offer teachings, readings, and prayers around that. Sing hymns and praise songs together and pray for one another.
- Have fun – plan downtime when small group members can simply “hang out” with one another. Offer board games, yard games, bicycles, fishing gear — whatever recreational activities you think your group members would enjoy. Encourage them to get outdoors to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation.
- Cook and eat together – working together for a common goal is an instant bonding experience! With your group, plan the meals for your retreat, and then prepare them together. Sitting down to a meal that everyone helped cook is especially meaningful, and pitching in to help with clean-up are just a few more ways that shared experiences help build relationships.
The Hiding Place Is Ready to Host Your Small Group
The Hiding Place is a beautiful, comfortable retreat lodge that’s located on the banks of the Cumberland River. It’s about one hour from Nashville, off the beaten path, and ideal for your next small group retreat.
The Hiding Place is perfect for hosting:
- Community groups
- Discipleship groups
- Women’s groups
- Men’s groups
- Church staff/leadership teams
- Elders
- Deacons
- Bible study group
- Sunday school classes
The Hiding Place accommodates 12 couples or 18 adults. It has 12 bedrooms and 12.5 bathrooms. Make your reservation now!
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