Before we start planning, we need to tackle the “why”.

Why are women’s ministry retreats important?

Why are they needed?

Why do women need to get away?

Meriam Webster defines a retreat as “a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director.”

I love that the definition includes the word “withdrawal”.

Something special happens when you physically gather women away from the church and away from their daily responsibilities and distractions for the sole purpose of spending time in the Word.

As you pray and plan consider these 15 Benefits of a Women’s Ministry Retreat:
(in no particular order)

1. Relationship building

2. Concentrated time studying God’s Word

3. Discovering deeper/new meaning to a section of scripture

4. Increasing Biblical knowledge

5. Times of prayer with other women

6. Sharing experiences with one another

7. Encouragement from other women

8. Times of refreshment and renewal

9. Quiet moments to hear from the Holy Spirit

10. Sacred moments of worship

11. Laughter and fun

12. Concentrated time together with friends (old and new)

13. Biblical guidance and counseling from wise women

14. Adult conversations

15. Spiritual growth

I have no doubt there are many other benefits of a women’s ministry retreat. I’d love for you to add your thoughts in the comments section below.

You may want to print out the list, add to it, and then use it as a checklist as you plan.

Ask your team:

• Are we providing opportunities to worship?
• Have we included activities for fun?
• Do we need to add a focused time of prayer?
• What can we do to help our women connect?
• Are we giving our women opportunities to share with one another?

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But did you tell them about Me?