Unplugging for Christ: The Power of Christian Retreats
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In a world filled with distractions, noise, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel spiritually drained or disconnected. That’s where retreat ministry comes in. A Christian retreat is an intentional 48-hour fast from the world—your phone, your watch, your daily distractions—all set aside so you can turn your heart and mind entirely toward Christ.
It’s a chance to quiet the noise of life and listen for His still, small voice. A dedicated time to step away from the chaos of daily life and focus wholly on your relationship with Jesus Christ.
What is Retreat Ministry?
Retreat ministry is more than just an event; it’s an intentional time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. It’s about creating a space where Christians can pause, reflect, and reconnect with God, surrounded by like-minded believers seeking the same refreshment.
These events are designed to create an atmosphere that allows attendees to focus fully on their relationship with Jesus. Women’s retreats, in particular, strike a balance between relaxation and revival—think of them as a cross between a spa weekend and church camp. While the accommodations may be simpler and more rustic, they include all modern amenities. Your comfort is a priority, ensuring you feel at ease during your stay.
These type of Christian retreats are 48-hour “fasts” from the world. We encourage guests to leave behind their phones, watches, and the distractions of everyday life, fully immersing themselves in worship and connection with Christ. Our retreats are transformative, offering a safe, loving environment where guests can lay down burdens, share struggles, and experience the unconditional love of God’s people.
The “River Rule”
One of the key principles of retreats is the River Rule: What happens at retreat stays at retreat. Guests often feel led to share deeply personal stories and experiences during their time with us. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to share anything!)
To honor their vulnerability and create an atmosphere of trust, we ensure that these stories remain theirs to tell. Sharing someone else’s story can unintentionally add a layer of judgment, and we strive to maintain a culture of unconditional love and acceptance.
The River Rule has its roots in a sacred tradition from a village on the banks of the Zambezi River, where women would travel to an isolated island, creating a safe space to share their truths without fear of judgment. For more on the origin of this powerful tradition, read more here.
We also keep the details of retreat activities under wraps—not as a secret but as a surprise. Just like you wouldn’t spoil a movie’s ending or sneak a peek at your Christmas gifts, we believe the impact of the retreat is greater when guests experience everything fresh and unprepared.
A Personal Touch – Prayer Partners
Before attending, each guest is paired with a prayer partner—a dedicated team member who will walk beside them throughout their retreat journey. These partners stay in touch weeks before the event, answering questions, offering encouragement, and, most importantly, praying over the guest.
During the retreat, the prayer partner serves as a guide and support system, ready to assist with anything the guest might need. This personal connection exemplifies the servant-hearted love of Christ.
Unbreakable Bonds
Retreats are about more than just spiritual growth—they’re also about forming lasting relationships. The shared experience of praise, worship, and fellowship creates deep bonds among attendees. Guests leave not only with a closer relationship with Christ but also with a network of prayer warriors and lifelong friends who will support them in their faith journey.
Volunteers: The Hands and Feet of Christ
The retreats are powered by volunteers—former guests who now serve out of the joy of giving back. Every team member has experienced the life-changing power of a Christian retreat themselves and is passionate about helping others find that same renewal. For many, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus is an even greater blessing than attending.
Life-Changing Impact
Christian retreats are often described as transformational and life-changing. Guests leave feeling spiritually refreshed, emotionally unburdened, and mentally refocused. They find a renewed sense of purpose, a closer relationship with Christ, and a network of support from fellow believers. Many discover fresh joy in studying the Bible and a deepened desire to know God better.
A Ministry of Multiplication
At The Good Part Ministries, our retreat outreach program is not only about hosting retreats but also about spreading retreat ministry to new areas across Louisiana and beyond. We meet Christians online or at retreats who feel God calling them to bring retreat ministry to their hometowns.
Local retreat ministries are already doing incredible work in many areas, and we want to honor and support that. Our goal is to collaborate and work together with these ministries, offering mutual support as we all share the same mission—bringing people into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Christ. If you’re interested in serving as a team member or attending a retreat, but you’re wondering whether a ministry already exists near you, we can connect you with local retreat leaders. Whether you're looking to attend as a guest, get involved in an established ministry or you're thinking about starting one, we’re here to help you take that next step!
Mission Retreats
In our Retreat Outreach Program, our team travels to a campground or retreat center near the target area to host the first retreat. Many of the initial guests are Christians who feel called to serve in retreat ministry within their community.
Mentoring Retreats
For the second retreat in the area, we pair experienced team members with local leaders who will shadow and assist during the event. This hands-on mentoring allows them to learn how to team and lead retreats effectively.
After this process, we entrust the retreat ministry to the local team, empowering them to serve their community with their unique gifts and understanding of its needs. While we remain available as consultants and advisors, we step back from all leadership roles, leaving each ministry in the capable hands of locals God chooses.
Multi-State Retreats
For those outside Louisiana interested in starting retreat ministry in your area, we invite you to attend our multi-state retreat. This retreat, hosted in Louisiana, gathers individuals interested in launching retreat ministries in their own states.
We hope to begin traveling to other states to host mission and mentoring retreats in late 2026 or 2027.
If you’re not ready to start a ministry but want to experience a retreat as a guest, you are always welcome. We would love to have you join us!
Bible Journaling Retreats
For those who enjoy creatively engaging with Scripture, The Good Part Ministries also offers Bible journaling retreats. These events combine art, worship, and fellowship, helping participants draw closer to God through His Word.
Join the Movement
If you’re longing to experience the love, joy, and peace of a community focused on Christ, retreat ministry might be exactly what your soul needs. This ministry is about creating opportunities for God to work in the hearts of His people. It’s about stepping back from the world and focusing completely on Him. Whether you’re looking to attend a retreat, serve on a team, or bring retreat ministry to your community, there’s a place for you in this life-changing ministry.
Let’s bring Scripture to life, one retreat at a time.