Women’s Retreat Theme: A Moment In Time

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Women’s Ministry Retreat Ideas For Small Churches

Have you ever felt the desire to give the women of your church an opportunity to connect, communicate, collaborate, make friends, have fun, and join in fellowship? My heart’s desire was to have a retreat so that women could do exactly that. Also, did you realize the more women get together and connect, the more inclined they are to be part of Bible Studies, fellowships, and make longtime friendships? 

While working in women’s ministry, I’ve found that to be true. We all want to feel like we are a part of what’s going on, and have someone that we can reach out to, laugh with, or just hang out with. We want them living life together. 

Our retreat was located very near our church. We did an overnight Friday and Saturday morning. Since we were staying in cabins nearby the church and most of the women’s homes, it was more appealing than a location further away. 

Women’s Retreat Theme: A Moment In Time

“Such a Time as This” – written by Elicia Kulh

As believers, we are all redeemed, revived, Kingdom Women with a purpose given to us by God. We read about Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna, who were all used by God. They were obedient, patient, faithful servants that were each chosen for “Such a Time as This.” We can and will be used by God just as these three women, other women in the Bible as well as the women whose shoulders we stand on. 

Each one had a past, but God had a plan. We need only lift our eyes to Him to hear His quiet, still voice or maybe a loud rumble. Either way, His plans may not be our plans, but when we draw close, study His Word, and open our hearts and minds, the possibilities are endless because His plans will be our plans. 

Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us that through grace we are saved, through grace by faith, not what we do but again through faith and His grace. This is the part that was like an epiphany to me, even though I’ve heard it a dozen times or more, verse ten states we are “His workmanship for good works.” That means He fashioned us, He created us to do good things. Do you hear that? For doing good things. Plus, God ordained it, planned it, and it was a special assignment for you so that we would “walk in them.” 

This retreat is about that; being redeemed Kingdom women who have been ordained for a purpose. His purpose. Our seasons change, and what we could or couldn’t do in the past, whether due to circumstances or feelings of inadequacy, could now be a possibility. So you’ll have serval opportunities to seek Him for guidance and direction to be in His will. Hear Him during this time in a special way, to give you, as Joshua states, “for a future and a hope.” 

We want you to feel rested, redeemed, and revived, plus build relationships with those that are attending. The kind of rest shown in Matthew 11:28. 

My prayer has been this would be a retreat to release all your cares and worries, 1 Peter 5:7, laugh, maybe cry, but be in the moment. So have fun, laugh, and giggle, as my friend always tells me. Let go of anything that would hinder your time. 

Why We Did A Friday Night And Saturday Morning

Weekends are for catching up on what you didn’t get done during the week and being with family. Carving out a few hours on a Friday night and Saturday morning for the retreat doesn’t take the whole weekend away from the family. Put together a schedule that shows what the weekend will look like. If you’ve never done a retreat, then they may be apprehensive. 

A Moment in Time Retreat Schedule

6 Things We Included In Our Retreat Planning

1. Connection
2. Food
3. Message
4. Meaningful Fun
5. Singing 
6. Prayer

While planning the retreat, we put thought into a theme, food, message, having fun, worshipping, prayer, and a time carved out for relaxing, talking, and playing games. The theme could be connected to a Bible study you’ve been doing. The decorations can represent the time of year or something else that’s fun. This helps the women feel special. Even having decorations in their rooms is a hit. 

1. Connections 

Connections happen throughout the weekend from who they room with, what table they choose, and the activities you plan, or playing games, fireside chats & S’mores. Allow some of their choices, and in other activities, mix up the groups. I assigned groups the Scavenger Hunt. 

For great icebreaker ideas, click here >> Your Favorite Icebreaker Games for Small Churches

2. Food 

Food was dinner and breakfast as well as snacks. Dinner was made simple in one pot (like a pre-made stew or make Stone Soup where everyone brings a can of vegetables then pours it into a pre-made soup base). Breakfast and snacks were “bring your own” (and share). Lunch was not required; it ended Saturday at noon.

3. Message

There must always be a message that includes Jesus. I had someone speak on Friday night and Saturday morning. There are people you are connected to and wonderful women in your church that can provide a message that goes along with your theme. 

4. Meaningful Fun

Meaningful fun includes connections and Jesus. I chose a scavenger hunt with a twist; we used a camera. This type of scavenger hunt with verses and pictures was easier than sending them out to find things. They chose six verses from the Bible (maybe everyone’s favorite verse). They posed in a way that represented the verse and then took a picture. (One verse was Matthew 18:20. They huddled together.) During the wrap-up, we showed all the pictures. We shared the pictures through email and then put them on the screen. 

5. Worship

Worship includes songs that are chosen to cause self-reflection and emotion which connect to your theme. Also, why not one for fun? Try the kid’s fruit of the Spirit song. It worked like an icebreaker. 

Check out this Small Church Ministry post for a creative idea to help the women at your retreat remember the things God has done in their lives: Come Thou Fount: A Creative Worship Response.

6. Prayer

Prayer is a powerful tool not only to give your heart’s desires to God but to connect with Him in a special way. I put together four stations that had them do an activity that included scripture, reflection, and prayer. I searched the internet for prayer stations, then chose ones I liked and tweaked them to fit what I wanted.

My four included searching their heart for any sin, praying for others, casting your cares on the cross, and considering how you are building your relationship with Christ. 

Prayer Stations:

• The Search: They were given a paper, asked to read Psalm 139:23-24 and prayerfully write down what was brought to mind; then at the end, we burned them in the campfire. 

• H2O: I had a pitcher of water and an empty pitcher. They were to read James 5:13, pray for someone, then pour water to represent that prayer. The filling of the empty pitcher included everyone’s prayers. It represented how we should come together and pray for each other’s concerns.

• The Rock Pile: (I had a cross sitting on the table. They were to read 1 Peter 5:7, then pick up a rock and pray over their cares, then lay the rock down at the cross).

• Building Blocks: Read 2 Peter 3:18, then use the blocks (to build something) to show you are building your relationship with Christ.

Be organized, gather a team to plan, set the plan in motion, then enjoy a special moment in time! You can do this at your small church!

Looking for a step-by-step guide to starting or restarting your women’s ministry?

Check out the Women’s Ministry Bundle For Small Churches!

Check out these blog posts for more retreat ideas:

10 Best Ideas For Your Next Women’s Retreat Theme

The Best Outdoor Activities For Your Summer Women’s Retreat

Hosting Your First Women’s Retreat In Your Small Church