The point of this post? Mark 6:31… “Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, (Jesus) said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'”
Going on four years in a row now, four other pastors and myself go to some relatively secluded spot to recharge our batteries. We take the approach that each day is a day of rest… a Sabbath of sorts. The first three years we went to Chattanooga… this year we went south for a change of scenery. But I have some interesting posts already scheduled to be automatically posted this week while I’m gone.
On the agenda for this year’s retreat…
Laughter… this is probably the #1 thing that will take place and what we all look forward to.
Encouragement… each of us pastor churches from huge to smaller… from contemporary to traditional… from suburban to small town… and we all are able to encourage one another in our endeavors. We’re a diverse group with many things in common…
Fellowship… we all have know each other for years. We will enjoy each other’s company tremendously. There is something affirming to be with others who share your beliefs, philosophy, and perspective on life who at the same time challenge you.
Discussions: About church… theology… politics… family… life… virtually anything and everything you can imagine.
Rest… We all will probably have the messages already written we will deliver when we return to our places of ministry. That means there won’t be much pressure to “get ready” for Sunday. And that is a good thing!
Sports?… In the past it’s been frisbee golf, an attempt at skeet shooting, running (For some), a dare to hang glide, and this year real golf.
My Personal Agenda…
To enjoy my friend’s company for a few days…
To bounce ideas and thoughts off them to gain wisdom…
To laugh…
To be challenged…
To destress…
You need to have your own retreat as much if not more than any pastor. After all, Jesus Himself encouraged you to get away… WITH HIM… to a quiet place and get some rest (Mark 6:31).