What This Retreat is About:

• This retreat builds on the foundation of the principles described in the Healing the Heart of Your Church seminar.  The overarching goal of this retreat is to hear what the Lord has been and is saying to your church.  If the participants are honest with themselves and with each other, you will achieve that goal.  If participants come prayerfully and without an agenda, then the Lord will speak to you.  He does this through your church’s history, even as He speaks through Israel’s history in Scripture.

• During this retreat we will review the blessings, challenges and crises your church has faced in the various eras of its history.  This will be some of the most difficult (but also the most exciting) work they have ever done as church leaders. There will be times of mourning as certain realizations begin to dawn and times of laughter and great insight.  It will be a unique experience for all involved.  But never forget the goal: to hear what the Lord has been saying to your church and take whatever corrective action He requires.

• We do not enter this process to highlight the church’s problems or dig up dirt but to hear from the Lord and take whatever corrective action He requires.  You seek His face for His word to your congregation. He is more than willing to speak to you.  The Holy Spirit is also keenly interested in the outcome, and God the Father waits to bless you, your leaders and your congregation if they deal with the matters He addresses.

• Hearing from the Lord is a prerequisite to healing from the Lord. The corporate healing you seek results from responding to what He tells you.  The depth and speed of the healing you experience will directly relate to the degree and the depth of the participants’ response to what they hear Him say. 

• Who should be there?  The more people involved in the process, the more that get to see God’s remarkable work. Minimally, your leadership (elders, deacons, trustees, staff, etc.) and their spouses need to be there to have the spiritual authority to remedy anything that Christ reveals.  We particularly think it is crucial that spouses of leaders participate. They often carry terrible wounds and have had no voice. They also have a unique perspective on the pain in the church.
• Others not in leadership but who are influencers, and also old-timers in the church should be encouraged to attend.  Past lay leaders are also important because of their perspective on the history. You also should ask potential young leaders as they will get to learn about the church and its history, as well as hear Jesus speak about what He wants the church to be—powerful lessons in spiritual leadership.    (Refer to page 58 in Healing the Heart of Your Church for additional insight as to who should attend.)

What about logistics?

• The retreat typically takes a Friday night and all day Saturday.  In cases where the history of the church is especially long more time may be required.  Significant historical research will be required prior to the retreat.  Be prepared to research attendance records, interview those who know the church’s history and review old board minutes. 

• You can meet onsite, however meeting away from the church minimizes distractions.  You will need large sheets of poster size paper (they sell this with adhesive backing at most office supply stores.)  Purchase three to four new markers in different colors.  You will need wall space on which to mount the paper.

• Comfortable surroundings, refreshments, lunch and perhaps dinner on Saturday.