The well-being of the members of your team or ministry can benefit greatly from a retreat. There are several definitions of retreat. One definition is to “withdraw to a quiet or secluded place.” Another reads, “a period of seclusion for the purpose of prayer and meditation. Yet another explains that a retreat is “a quiet or secluded place in which one can rest and relax.”
While winter may not be the most popular season for group retreats, there are still plenty of activity options for winter retreats in North Carolina, and it can actually be a great time of year for a getaway. Here are some reasons to consider hosting your next group retreat during the winter months.
Burnout is all too frequent in ministry professions today. When you are so focused on serving and ministering to others, it could be easy to forget the importance of taking time for yourself. According to Soul Shepherding, 90% of pastors put in between 55 and 75 hours per week. This type of ministry puts a load on one's physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Church leaders need time to unwind, rest, refuel, and reconnect with the Lord and their families. Of course, each leader may approach this differently, but the ideas and forms of rest are the same for everyone. The advice in this article will help you find the physical, mental, and spiritual rest you need to minister effectively to others.
If you are planning a retreat for your church group, one of the first details to pin down is a date. In western North Carolina, the weather is fairly mild throughout the year, but it can also be unpredictable. Each season has its pros and cons, so a good starting place is asking yourself the following questions.