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?
You may also want to read:
But did you tell them about Me?
It would be nice for my wife to go to a Christian women’s ministry retreat. That way she can learn more about the good word of God. Then she can help me to teach this to my children a lot more efficiently.
Dave, thank you for your comment! You’re right, attending a retreat can impact the whole family!
I like what you said about how great it is to take a bunch of women out of their normal responsibilities to gather together. Thanks for your comment about how you can give and receive encouragement to other women on a retreat. My girlfriends and I want to go get away, and we are considering looking into locations to hold a ladies retreat.
Ashley, thanks for your comments! 🙂 Praying God will guide you to the exact location He desires for you group and that He will abundantly bless your time together!
Thank you so much for such awesome, biblical resources for women ministry. May God bless you richly and continue to open doors for you to impact women.
Oh Rhovonda…thank you…your precious note is such an encouragement to me! God bless! <3
What a great article! Thanks for making your experience and wisdom available.
You are so welcome! Glad you found it helpful!
Service opportunity. The ladies who plan the retreat and who speak get to serve and influence others in their walk with Christ.
Gloria, great addition to the list! 🙂 Thank you!