Suggestions for a Church Leadership Retreat

(These are my notes for a “lightbulb” session at the West Kentucky Leadership Workshop. I hope they help you plan any “major” event.)

I. Be Purposeful
A. Why do you want/need to have a retreat in general?
B. What do you wish to accomplish in this year’s retreat?

II. Be Perspectival
A. Be honest about how much can be accomplished in one weekend?
B. But, don’t think too “small!” Amazing results can happen.

III. Be Planning
A. Every detail! (Schedule, speakers/topics, food, location, financial considerations). It would be extremely frustrating to spend the retreat planning the retreat!
B. Plan early. We started planning in February (retreat in late September).
C. Be fair with the calendar (we do all-day Saturday, because we have many deacons connected with local high school football teams).
D. Include “down” time. For a one-day event, we plan “too much” time for meals, so there can be some time for rest and interaction. These are some of the most rewarding parts of the day!

IV. Be Participating
A. Under the heading of your purpose, figure out who needs to lead each event/topic/discussion.
B. Elders: listen to text and subtext. Many deacons will give ideas/suggestions that may uncover a larger issue (good or bad) that needs to be addressed.
C. Deacons and preachers: come ready with ideas. These are great times to have “lightbulb” sessions! (On 2010, we gave ideas for 2011 goals after we revealed out “theme” for the year.)

V. Be Prompt
A. No one is getting paid to be there (except possibly an outside speaker). They are giving their valuable time, so stay with the schedule.
B. This is another good reason to include “down” time. It gives a buffer against the unexpected.
C. Promptness also sets the tone for the congregation!

V. Be Prayerful
A. Bathe the entire process in prayer.
B. Dreams for the congregation come from prayer, and the leadership needs to be known as a prayerful group.
C. It is also good to include an extended prayer session during the retreat. Many suggested it was the best part of our 2010 retreat (we spent 45 solid minutes in prayer for our congregation).