call us: 570-386-2154
Facebook-f Yelp Youtube Instagram
bmcr-blue-mountain-christin-retreat-new-logo

How To Plan A Christian Retreat

God has called you to pray, organize, and facilitate a Christian retreat and you’re wondering how to get started.

He does not call us to something that He will not empower us to do.  Remember the power of the Holy Spirit in you and behind you and is more powerful than anything that can come up against you.

The following are a few thoughts you may want to prayerfully consider.

For whom are you planning this retreat?  What are their primary needs and interests?
What particular need and/or interest does the Lord want the retreat to focus on?
Write down the specific objective that you hope will be accomplished.
Are you expecting measurable results in your group after this retreat?  What are they?

Important Booking Notes

  • Set up a realistic attendance goal (this will prevent you from losing deposits). Don’t overextend yourself but understand that there may not be extra rooms to add if you don’t book enough. It’s a delicate balance. Booking early will help give you more flexibility in this avenue.
  • Arrange housing that fits your group demographic (make sure you know what type of beds you are reserving and if there are ADA handicap accessible rooms for those guests who may need them). Ask if there are room minimums to avoid extra charges.
  • Promote your retreat with details EARLY. You can book up to 1 year in advance! Announce it at your church/ministry with excitement. Set up a table with flyers (see info below to include) and be available to answer questions and encourage members to sign up.
  • Set up a Financial Plan with your group.  Remember to remind your group that God expects us to meet our commitments.
  • Set a deposit due date for collecting your guests’ deposit funds and remind them that it is non-refundable. Be sure to charge enough to cover your expenses (bus, speaker fees etc.)
  • Set a due date for the remaining balance.  If balance is not paid, add someone from your waiting list.
  • Delegate responsibility – have a retreat planning team to spread out responsibility.
  • Keep your retreat center notified of your attendance progress so they can be ready to serve you.

Special Touches:

  • Create an informational flyer/email/text –give handouts on colorful paper and send text or email invitations and reminders.

Remember to include:

  • The focus and purpose of the retreat.
  • Place, date and time of the retreat.
  • Detailed directions.
  • Emergency contacts and the phone numbers of where they can be reached.
  • Items they will need to bring i.e.  Bible, notebook, pen/pencil, linens, flashlight, alarm clock.
  • Dress code – casual or if they will be dressing up for a particular service or meal.
  • Extra money they may need for offerings, shopping, eating out, etc.
  • Welcome table in your meeting room with programs, treats, mints, prayer journals, etc.
  • Customize your retreat by adding special Facilitated Activities & Games or Food Services provided by your retreat center. Games for all ages make a retreat memorable. Snacks or a campfire with s’mores are a great way to gather and relax together after meetings.
  • Flowers or welcome basket for your retreat speaker(s).

Related Post

How To Plan A Christian Retreat

May 27, 2026

God has called you to pray, organize, and facilitate a Christian retreat and you’re wondering how to get started. He does not call us to something that He will not empower us to do.  Remember the power of the Holy Spirit in you and behind you and is more powerful

Read The Full Blog Post »

The Time of Singing Has Come

April 17, 2026

“..For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come…   Song of Solomon 2:11-12 Spring has truly come alive, and it is in full effect here on “The Mountain”! We are grateful for this new season

Read The Full Blog Post »

A New Creation

March 2, 2026

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor 5:17  This February, we have been reminded that God is always at work doing a “new thing” (Isaiah 43:19). While it has been a full and demanding month, we

Read The Full Blog Post »