What is a Christian Retreat? A Simple Guide to Stepping Away with God.
- leahkearney777
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The Gift of Stepping Away
Every season of life brings its own weight. The busyness, the mental load, the emotional noise, the constant feeling that you need to be “on”… it’s a lot. And for many of us, following Jesus in the middle of all this can feel harder than we expected.
Throughout Scripture, God invites His people into rhythms of stepping away. Jesus Himself often withdrew from the crowds to pray, rest, and reconnect with the Father.
A Christian retreat is simply a way of doing the same thing — pressing pause on the noise so you can be present with God again.
If you’ve ever wondered “What actually is a Christian retreat?” or “Would that even be for someone like me?” — this guide will help.
So… What Is a Christian Retreat?
A Christian retreat is intentional time away from your ordinary routine to rest, reflect, pray, and be with God.
It’s not about “escaping life” — it’s about creating space to breathe, to slow down, and to reconnect with the God who loves you.
Think of it as an extended Sabbath. A sacred pause. A time to step outside the swirl of your responsibilities and let your soul catch up.
Retreats can be:
One-day, weekend or week-long experiences
Silent or guided
Individual or group
Structured or spacious
Focused on a theme (like rest, listening prayer, or spiritual disciplines)
There is no “one right way.” The heart behind a Christian retreat is simple: Intentional time with God, away from the usual noise of life.
Why Did Jesus Retreat? (And Why We Should Too)
It’s easy to forget that Jesus lived with enormous demands on His time. Crowds followed Him. People constantly needed things from Him. His disciples asked questions nonstop.
And yet, Scripture repeatedly shows Him withdrawing:
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”— Luke 5:16
Jesus wasn't running away from responsibility. He was making space to stay connected to the Father, to rest, and to stay aligned with His mission.
If Jesus needed rhythms of retreat…how much more do we?
What Happens on a Christian Retreat?
People often think a retreat means:
hours of intense praying
lots of group sharing
or feeling pressure to be “spiritually switched on”
But that’s not what Christian retreats are designed to be.
Here are the kinds of things people actually experience:
1. Unhurried Time with God
You’ll have space for:
Scripture reading
Journaling
Silence
Listening prayer
Sitting with God without rushing
It’s not about performing. It’s about presence.
2. Rest — Genuine, Soul-Deep Rest
Retreats help you slow your breathing, your thoughts, and your internal pace. People often tell me:
“This is the first time I’ve felt my shoulders drop in months.”
Rest is not a luxury in the Kingdom. It’s a spiritual practice.
3. Learning or Guided Sessions
Most retreats include:
short teachings
Scripture reflections
practices like Lectio Divina, solitude, examen, or breath prayer
These aren’t lectures — they’re gentle invitations into spiritual formation.
4. Time in Nature
Something beautiful happens in creation that often doesn’t happen at home. God whispers more clearly when we slow down.
5. Safe Community
You’re not forced to share…but you’re surrounded by people who “get it.”
Retreats create a kind of quiet solidarity — a space to breathe alongside others who also want more of God.
Who Are Christian Retreats For?
Here’s the truth: retreats are not for the “super spiritual.”
They’re for:
exhausted mums
overwhelmed workers
people who feel spiritually dry
those who haven’t stopped in years
people longing for a deeper connection
anyone who senses God whispering, “Come away with me.”
You don’t need to have a perfect quiet time routine. You don’t need to know lots of Scripture. You don’t need to “be more spiritual.”
A retreat is a place to show up as you are — tired, hopeful, unsure, hungry — and trust that God will meet you.
What Are the Benefits of a Christian Retreat?
Christian retreats create space for:
1. Clarity
When life is loud, everything feels confusing. But when we slow down, clarity comes.
2. Spiritual Renewal
Retreats are like hitting the reset button — they help you remember who God is and who you are.
3. Emotional Release
Many women tell me they didn’t realise how tightly they were holding everything until they stopped.
4. Hearing God More Clearly
Not because He speaks louder — but because you’re finally quiet enough to listen.
5. Reconnecting with Yourself
Retreats help you tune in to what’s actually happening in your soul, your body, your emotions.
6. Establishing New Rhythms
People often return home with new spiritual practices that carry them through the next season.
Different Types of Christian Retreats
If you're wondering what kind of retreat might fit you, here are a few common types:
1. Guided Retreats
Led by facilitators who gently guide the process with teaching and practices.
2. Silent Retreats
Deep, restorative stillness. No pressure. No performing.
3. Women’s Retreats
A safe, relatable community environment.
4. Personal Retreat Days
One-day or self-led getaways.
5. Themed Retreats
Such as:
Rest
Sabbath
Spiritual disciplines
Listening prayer
Healing
Grief
Each brings its own beauty.
Why Christian Retreats Matter More Than Ever
Our world is louder, faster, and more demanding than any previous generation. People are exhausted — not just physically, but spiritually.
Christian retreats offer what modern life takes away:
quiet
reflection
unhurried connection
presence
restoration
It’s not self-care. It’s soul-care.
A retreat doesn’t change your life because you try harder. A retreat creates space for God to do what only He can do.
A Gentle Invitation
If something in you is whispering, “I think I need this…”, you’re not alone.
A retreat is not a reward for having it all together. It’s a gift from God for the weary, the hopeful, and the curious.
Whenever you’re ready, you’re invited to step away — even just for a day — and let God meet you in the quiet.
You don’t have to run on empty. There is rest for you.
Ready to explore a retreat experience?
I run day and weekend retreats across Victoria designed to help Christian women reconnect with God and find rest.
Comments