Goal: Help people learn each other's names in the first 30 minutes of the retreat.
Step by step
- Tape a large map of your state or the US on a wall and give each person a sticky note and a marker.
- Ask everyone to write their name and the place they feel most at home, then stick it on the map within 5 minutes.
- Gather in groups of 6 and let each person share in 30 seconds why that place matters to them. Anyone may pass.
- Close by reading Psalm 133:1 aloud and asking the group to say names back to each other at dinner.
Key verse: Psalm 133:1 — how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity
Variation: For 60 or more people, use tables of 8 and let each table build its own map on poster board.
Goal: Agree together on how the weekend will work.
Step by step
- Show a poster with the title 'Our retreat covenant' and read 3 starter rules: phones off during sessions, what is shared stays here, and we serve each other.
- Give each small group of 6 an index card and 5 minutes to write one more rule they would like to add.
- Collect the cards, read them aloud and let the group vote by raising hands. Keep the best 5 total.
- Have everyone sign the poster with a marker and hang it where all can see it.
Key verse: Philippians 2:2 — be of the same mind, having the same love, working together
Variation: With teens, add one rule about the limits of free time at night.
Goal: Open honest conversation in pairs while walking outdoors in daylight.
Step by step
- Hand out cards with 3 questions: 'Where did you see God this month?', 'What do you hope God does this weekend?', 'What is one thing you are thankful for?'
- Form pairs and send them on a 20-minute walk on a marked path near the building, staying together and in sight of the leaders.
- Each person speaks for about 7 minutes while the partner listens without interrupting. Switching is signaled by a leader's whistle or phone alarm.
- Return and offer a time of silent prayer for the partner, without sharing details with the whole group.
Key verse: Luke 24:15 — while they talked together, Jesus himself came near and walked with them
Variation: In bad weather, use hallways and the lobby, or sit in two rows of chairs facing each other.
Goal: Show how Jesus invites us to give him our weight.
Step by step
- Place a backpack at the front with about 5 pounds of books or smooth stones inside. Invite a volunteer to hold it for 2 minutes while the group reads Matthew 11:28-30 together.
- Hand out slips of paper and ask everyone to write one burden privately. Nobody reads these aloud.
- Have people fold the slip and place it in a basket at the foot of a cross or a table, then return to their seats.
- Pray together for 3 minutes, then tell the group the basket will be shredded privately after the retreat.
Key verse: Matthew 11:28 — come to me, all who are tired and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest
Variation: Offer the option to keep the slip instead of placing it in the basket.
Goal: End the evening with quiet prayer on paper.
Step by step
- Dim the lights and set battery lanterns on the tables. Play soft instrumental music.
- Give each person a sheet of paper and an envelope. Ask them to write a short letter to God about what they want to ask for, thank him for, or let go of. Allow 10 minutes.
- Remind them the letter is private. They seal it and write their own name on the envelope.
- Collect the envelopes and promise to mail them to each person in 60 days as a reminder.
Key verse: Psalm 51:10 — create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me
Variation: Leave a table with extra paper so anyone can also write a letter for someone else, to be given with their permission.
Goal: Encourage each other with specific affirmation.
Step by step
- Form circles of 5 and give each person a sheet with their name at the top.
- Pass the sheets around the circle for 7 minutes. Each person adds one specific encouragement on every sheet, such as 'Your kindness at lunch helped me'.
- Every person receives their sheet and reads it silently for 2 minutes.
- Invite anyone to say a short thank-you to the group, without pressure.
Key verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 — encourage one another and build one another up
Variation: For a younger group, use sticky notes instead of passing sheets.
Goal: Turn the retreat into one practical habit.
Step by step
- Give each person an index card with 3 blanks: 'One habit I will start', 'One person I will encourage' and 'One verse I will read'.
- Allow 5 minutes of silent writing, then pair up and read the card to a partner. Partners agree to text each other a reminder in 30 days.
- Collect nothing. People keep their cards in their Bible or phone case.
- Close by reading James 1:22 and praying together for 2 minutes.
Key verse: James 1:22 — be doers of the word, not hearers only
Variation: Add a 30-day check-in message sent by the leader to everyone by text or email.
Goal: Close the retreat with a blessing and a clear send-off.
Step by step
- Form one large circle holding hands or standing shoulder to shoulder. Ask a pastor or volunteer to read Numbers 6:24-26 slowly.
- Go around the circle and let each person say one word that sums up their weekend. Anyone can pass by squeezing the next person's hand.
- Pray together for safe travel and for the return to daily life.
- Give each person a small stone from the basket to keep in their pocket as a reminder.
Key verse: Numbers 6:24-26 — the Lord bless you and keep you, and make his face shine on you
Variation: For retreats of 80 people, use two or three circles led by different leaders.
