September 2009
Outreach Corner - The “Unplugged Retreat”
Building a community of men in your ministry
How do you help create an environment where men can both draw closer to God and to each other without having a ‘manly-man’ activity? Rich Pilon of Greenwood Community Church in Greenwood Village, Colorado has provided this month’s hi-lighted retreat called the ‘Unplugged Retreat.” Here’s a thumbnail that briefly describes the event:
- 8-10 guys go camping in an area that provides a quiet getaway.
- Each one pitches his tent a good distance away from the others.
- On Friday evening the facilitator gives a teaching on prayer and fasting.
- The men retire to their individual tents for fasting and communion with God. They do this from Friday evening until Sunday morning with no interaction with each other.
- On Sunday morning they have breakfast, a worship service, and then share what their experience was during this time. (i.e., what do you think God was doing with you during this time of fasting and prayer?)
Rich says that the transparency and authenticity that develops as a result of these small retreats is amazing. Men often have to “unplug” from their normal routine (which involves church) in order to do business with God and each other. He says this type of retreat bonds guys together and transforms the prayer life of men.
Sounds like it’s worth a try for those leaders who are looking for an activity that brings guys closer to each other and to God.
Read the other articles in this issue:
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