Summer ministry has concluded, and we have transitioned to our retreat season here at CPM. The fall is a lovely time to be up at camp, and we are reminded about how instrumental retreats are as we engage with our campers. As a camping ministry, we believe in the importance and value of retreating – both as individuals and in community. We talked with Associate Superintendent of the Northwest Conference, Scott Nelson and Lead Pastor of Emmanuel Covenant Church, Chris Studentski about this topic.
Retreats are important as they allow people to get a break from routine. Often retreats are at a slower pace with a focus on relationships or individual growth. But what is the impact following retreats? What difference does it make in the life of a church and an individual?
Emmanuel Covenant Church in Shoreview has made retreats a part of their church rhythm. This church joins us at Covenant Pines sometimes 5 times/year for different retreats, including multiple for their students. When asked why Emmanuel began to make retreats a part of their church rhythm, Lead Pastor Chris Studenski answered, “I was first introduced to retreats as a junior high student. I had never experienced anything like them before. I’m passionate about extending the invitation to others that changed my life! When done well, nothing has the potential to draw people closer to God and one another like getting away and immersing ourselves in a distinctly Christian community.”
What is the impact when the church returns from the retreat? Studenski says, “On a corporate level, friendships are made, existing relationships are deepened, and people come back with memories that they’re excited to share. On an individual level, personal walks with Christ are energized, strengthened, and more evident in their daily decisions.”
We love church retreats at CPBC and encourage as many churches as possible to host one. However, not every church is able to host their own, but retreating as an individual is still important. Scott Nelson, Associate Superintendent for the Northwest Conference chimes in about the value of a retreat for an individual, “Blaise Pascal, who was a Christian mathematician and philosopher, wrote that his world was full of “diversions.” People filled their lives with diversions to distract themselves from the broken state of their souls. Without distractions, people quickly comprehend their need for a Savior. I am not sure how many diversions there were in the 1600’s, but I know there are more now! Retreats gift people with distance from their diversions and distractions, giving space to soak up creation and opening up hearts to hear from the Creator.”
As you can see, the idea of taking a break from the busyness of life and focusing on connecting – with God and with others is an overarching theme of retreats. Nelson mentions this when asked about the role camps play in providing retreats for churches and individuals in our conference, “One of our most important values is connection. This is also one of our greatest needs. Ironically, the more digitally connected our world has become, the less personally connected we are. Loneliness is at dangerously high levels. Retreats allow us to connect face to face and side by side, making memories and deepening our connection. This also grows our connection as Covenant people who are committed to living the mission of Jesus together.”
Covenant Pines invites churches to host their own retreats while also offering CPBC programmed retreats for individuals to participate in – we hope you can join us sometime this year!
