What is Believers' Retreat?

Believer's Retreat is an informal gathering of people from all walks of life to spend a relaxed weekend together, away from the pressures and clamor of the world, to enjoy fellowship with the Lord and with one another, to learn of Him as revealed in the Holy Scriptures and to lay hold of His provision for our needs.

Believers' Retreat is Jesus-centered, Bible-based and people-oriented. We endeavor at all times to keep Jesus the center and Lord of all we do, believing that "unto Him shall the gathering of the people be" (Gen. 49:10). We do not gather around celebrities, favorite teachers or their favorite teachings. We promote no doctrine, and resist trends and movements that come and go with time. We likewise resist over emphasis of valid doctrines, seeking at all times to steer a steady course and present a well balanced spiritual diet.

We vigorously resist anything or anyone that might, intentionally or unintentionally, use, exploit or mislead the people who attend. It is our policy and purpose to serve the, people, and our goal is that each one leave better off than when he arrived, touched by the Lord in spirit, soul and body.

Each retreat features music, praise, worship, teaching, small group sharing and personal ministry. Water baptism is always a highlight, and each retreat ends with worship and communion on Sunday morning.

It is our desire that the most conspicuous feature of the weekend will be the love we have for the Lord and for one another; we want the lookers-on to see the love in us and all we do, and thus be drawn to the source of that love.

How It All Began

It all began with the desire of a few Christian friends in Kentucky and Tennessee, returning from a Lay Witness Mission, to get away for the weekend to rest and enjoy fellowship with one another, without the responsibility of ministering to others. In September 1977, they finally gathered in The Land Between The Lakes, but their original desire was never realized. Word got around, and so many came that it was necessary to organize share groups, workshops, etc. The people enjoyed it so much that they said "Let's do it again, and let's not wait a year ... let's do it next spring." The following spring even more people came, and there have been two retreats each year ever since, Fall and Spring (October & April). Now total attendance at each retreat is about 500 - 1,000 over the weekend including part-timers and commuters. It must have been the work and will of God, for it was never the plan nor the desire of the leaders to do any such thing. We have never advertised or promoted the retreats in any way, and it is our intention never to do so, believing that "unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it" (Ps. 127:1).

Basic Program

Each retreat begins on Friday afternoon with registration and ends at noon on Sunday. There is usually a picnic on Sunday afternoon for those who want to stay and put their leftover food together. There is a general meeting on Friday night, workshops on Saturday morning, water baptism in the lake at noon, a variety of workshop and recreation activities on Saturday afternoon and another general meeting on Saturday night. Sunday morning there is a worship and communion service, for many the highlight, to round out the weekend. On Friday night and Saturday night the people meet in small groups for directed discussion and sharing, and many blessings come to the people in these small sharing groups.

Workshops

The principal workshops on Saturday are on practical application of scriptural principles to real life, and consist of a teaching period followed by discussion. The topics are based upon the theme for that particular retreat. On Saturday afternoon there are also special workshops and times of sharing that vary in topics.

Youth Ministry

There is a separate program for youth, with experienced youth leaders. They meet with the adults during general meetings and meet separately during share group times.

Children's Ministry

There is a separate ministry for children with flexibility concerning ages of individual children. Children's ministry frees parents to attend workshops and Saturday share groups, but is much more. The children are taught of the Lord and ministered to by experienced and dedicated leaders.

Early Morning Prayer Meetings

There are early morning prayer meetings, Saturday and Sunday, for all who want to come. Intercession is made, there is sharing of scriptures and prayer, one for another and collective.

Water Baptism

Water baptism is explained and made available to all who desire it, professing personal redemption by faith in Christ Jesus; but we do not urge it on anyone. We baptize by immersion in the lake, regardless of weather. A fact sheet is made available concerning this important matter to assist you in making your decision.

Counseling and Personal Ministry

Although prayer, counseling and personal ministry may be going on in some form all weekend, there is a separate, scheduled program made available to those who desire it.

Housing

Housing in the park consists either of cottages, rooms in the lodge or campsite. Cottages are nice, completely furnished with bedding, linens and kitchenware and have stove and refrigerator, dishes and silverware. Rooms are like very nice motel rooms. Campsites are fully equipped, but cannot be reserved. In addition, there are nearby motels outside the park, but those reservations must be made by the individual.

Expenses

There is no charge of any kind for the retreat. The only cost is the cost of food and lodging, and that will vary with individual choices. The Lord provides for the retreats financially through freewill offerings.

Scholarships

Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships (grants) which cover most housing expenses.

Schedule and Notification

The retreats are normally held during the last weekend of April and the first weekend in October. Notification is done by newsletter, along with the invitation to register.

Affiliation

Believers' Retreat is an outreach ministry of Words for Living Ministries, Inc., Marion, Kentucky, a nonprofit, tax-exempt, Christian ministry chartered in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Believers' Retreat is nondenominational and evangelical. There is neither affiliation with, nor support from, any church, group, denomination or political organization. The retreats are governed by a Retreat Board made up of Christians representing a variety of denominations and independent churches.