About
The Experience
Tired of spending your convention being a spectator? Overwhelmed with an armload of CDs you may never listen to and a notebook of stuff you may never open again?
How about something unconventional?
Wilderness – an unconventional retreat for men in youth ministry. It’s not about a bunch of stuff to do. It’s about living out God’s desire for your life.
Thursday, September 25th – Monday, September 29th
At Wilderness, you will experience:
- 5 days in the beautiful wilderness of the Rocky Mountains near Colorado Springs, Colorado (just 45 minutes from the airport). Bear Trap Ranch is located at an elevation of 9,100 feet (http://www.intervarsity.org/beartrap/). It has a pristine wilderness, aspen groves, pine forests, mountain streams and meadows, and it’s surrounded by peaks of 12,000 to 14,000 feet.
- Time away from the office, the phone, the internet and emails, committee meetings, deadlines, and pressures
- Time to be alone in the wilderness–seeking God and His desire for your life and ministry
- Rest in the solitude of the wilderness while hiking, fishing, or simply discovering a quiet place to think and talk with God
- Interactive discussions with others in ministry on issues that matter most
- Individual attention: Limited to 60 participants
- Plenty of hiking trails for the tenderfoot as well as for the adventurous boulder hoppers looking for a challenge
- Mountain River Fishing – Bring your own gear and buy a license in Colorado Springs on your way up, or online. There will be plenty of time for fly fishermen or the rod and reel guys to chase after the elusive trout.
- Log cabins complete with bathrooms and bedding
- Great food with special meals like the Wrangler’s Breakfast.
The Dynamic
More important than the setting is the dynamic we want to create in small group relationships. Each participant will be assigned to a group of 5–6 with one mentor/facilitator. Your small group will spend time each day working through some important life issues. The mentor’s role will be to lead discussions (not lectures and seminars) about things that matter most.
The Discussions
Discussions will center on the following topics:
- Retreat – withdrawing to be with God
- Reliance on Jesus
- Following God’s call on your life
- As Christ loved the Church – marriage relationship’
Mentor/Facilitators – All of our mentors meet the following criteria:
- Active in ministry
- Have a heart for youth ministry
- Understand the importance of one marriage for life
- Have life and ministry experience of 6 to 10 years greater than any member of their small group
Mentor/Facilitators will also follow up with each member of their small group in the following year to touch base, encourage, and add another layer of accountability to their life and ministry.
Spiritual Disciplines – You will be given the opportunity to experience and put into practice many of the following spiritual disciplines:
- Slowing
- Journaling
- Prayer
- Solitude
- Silence
- Meditation
- Worship
- Seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit
Disclaimer: WILDERNESS is not meant to serve as a counseling center.
