South-Atlantic District Men's Retreats

Our retreat is in October, and we have been in the planning process off and on since January, when we had our last District Core Team meeting. Here are ten key planning activities:

1) First and foremost for the retreat is to make sure speakers and facilities are lined up for next 2 years, as we like to publish that to the men attending the current year's retreat.......this way they can spread the word as soon as they leave in October. We've found men in our district like deep and "meaty" speakers, but also those who can sprinkle humor throughout.

1a) Along with speaker selection, that has to be coupled with speaker fees and affordability. Need to establish agreed upon fee with speaker before the event takes place.

2) Next, is establishing the theme for the retreat, as the music, scripture readings, talks, etc., should circle around these themes.

3) Establish designated offerings to be taken during the retreat, i.e., one general, one mission offering.   

4) Once these items are locked down, the retreat plan can be put together, regarding timings of all tasks leading up to retreat, i.e., retreat information package lead times for mailings to churches at least 3 months before retreat; select reproduction printer company; mailing team; printed retreat programs; retreat survey forms; bulletin inserts and announcements; registrations and retreat fee collection, etc. 

5) The band selection and worship leader is also critical, as the style of music can be very provide opportunities for the worship experience to be participative and that is important to the men.

6) The next important aspect of planning is to determine which men will participate and speak at the retreat and what other elements will be included in the agenda, i.e., testimonies, special music, announcements, presentations, recognition, etc. Once this is done,  the agenda can be laid out and time's assigned to each activity in the plan. These activities need to be timed by the minute, with breaks and activities held tightly on schedule(men appreciate leaders who respect a well run event). 

7) Establishing a retreat team is essential: men's president, vice president, financial person, technical lead for sound, slides, audio/video, lighting,  etc., floor runner's with microphones, ushers, cleanup team, facility liaison, small group coordinator after main tent session, etc. The president should not have to be concerned with activities during the retreat, as he needs to focus on his message and working closely with other speakers.

8) Name tags and coffee during breaks should be provided for men to meet others across the district. 

9) Retreat surveys should be taken and collected at the conclusion of retreat for lessons learned and prep for following year.

10) Other things men have requested: designated prayer times; free recreation time; seminars and workshops; multi-cultural speakers; missionaries; time to honor our service men; lots of testimonies.

We maintain an external agenda(retreat program), and internal agenda(with designated times). An example of both are attached. if you need additional info, don't hesitate to call. God bless.

Bob Sackmann
1714 Burnley Drive
Cary, NC 27511
919-387-7361(h)
919-543-6716(w)
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 For a sample retreat agenda, click HERE