Regardless, if you know how extraordinary and life-changing retreats can be, you can’t just sit back and let your church miss out. You have to at least bring the idea to light, if only to plant a seed. Here are some ways in which you can convince your pastor to have a retreat:
Show him a promotional video.
There’s an overwhelming number of passionate, talented individuals who dedicate time and effort to making phenomenal videos about their church retreats. These videos may show highlights from successful retreats, feature testimonials from attendees, or simply highlight everything that you need to know about going on a retreat. The power of visuals just might be enough to persuade your pastor to have a retreat.
Read him some testimonials.
The real proof that church retreats are worthwhile comes from firsthand experience. Anyone can claim that retreats are fun, or beneficial, or a worthy investment. But the people who truly need to be heard from are those whom God has spoken to and transformed as a result of a retreat. Some people just don’t believe that retreats have the power to change lives, so they deem retreats as a waste of time and money. But the truth is that God can use anything and everything for the good of those He loves. Let these people testify to how God has used retreats in their lives, and perhaps your pastor will come to realize that retreats do make a difference.
Come up with a plan.
You can’t simply present an idea to your pastor without knowing the implications. Luke 14:28 says, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Make sure you count the cost before getting yourself and your church involved in something that needs resources you can’t supply. Look into prices of things like food, housing, and other activities. Also, look into Christian retreat facilities that offer all inclusive packages to save money and workload. Come up with ways to raise money if you feel like you will fall short. Who will be in charge of the retreat? How will you promote it? All of these questions are things you need to consider when bringing the idea of a retreat to your pastor’s attention.
Of course, money isn’t everything. Over and over in the Bible we are told that God supplies all our needs. If He desires for a retreat to happen, He will make it happen. Why worry about something that ultimately depends on God? All that we can do is our best; as for the rest, we are called to place it in God’s hands and let him do what He wills, according to His perfect plan.
