As a pastor in ministry, I have found that it is vital for my spiritual well-being to make time for spiritual retreats, where my time with the Lord has nothing to do with messages or programmes I need to prepare. These have often been opportunities to get away and spend some time in nature and refresh my soul.

As a coach, I began providing spiritual retreats each year for leaders. These were great times of refreshing for all concerned, often providing healing for some nearing burnout.

Last year I ran two physical retreats based on the practice of ‘fixed hour prayer’. These retreats really enriched the attendees and I prepared to offer one again on 18th March 2020. 

Then COVID-19 happened... 

Two attendees were self-isolating. I knew it would be beneficial for them, so I decided to connect online. I sent through printed material ahead of time and we connected virtually a few times throughout the day to look ahead at the next set of readings, share and pray.  

It worked so well that after the initial week of lockdown, I decided to offer the retreat again using Zoom meetings. In connecting with many pastors, I could see the stress they were experiencing. These were exactly the sort of times when Jesus would go away from the crowds to be alone with God. I have now run five virtual retreats, with 29 leaders from Kaikohe to Invercargill. I thank God for putting this tool into my hand for such a time as this. 

If you are interested in connecting with one, email me here

Contributor: Raewyn Moodie, Children’s and Family Ministry Coach, Northern Baptist Association

Add comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Read More Articles

Pondering: Why few women are senior pastors in Baptist churches Image
Opinion

Pondering: Why few women are senior pastors in Baptist churches

“As sole pastor, for over a decade now… I have faced challenges. Some challenges are unique to our specific location, some due to being single…

Pre-election reflection: Gospel view of poverty Image
Opinion

Pre-election reflection: Gospel view of poverty

What is a Gospel view of the world, and how does it help me decide who I will vote for?

Pre-election reflection: Encouraging people to vote Image
Opinion

Pre-election reflection: Encouraging people to vote

From a fellow Gen-Z: “if you have enough effort to care, you can tick a box. And if you don’t care, think again. If we…

';

Privacy Preference Center