The word retreat can be defined as a strategic withdrawal.  In the spiritual life of a person, strategically withdrawing from the activities and demands of daily life and to spend time with God renews hope and spiritual health.  There are many opportunities throughout Ohio for church retreats, and using the following suggestions will help you find, or even plan, a church retreat that is right for you.

1. Determine the group’s profile.  Will most of the attendees be singles that prefer to mingle with others?  Or will the majority of the guests be middle-aged men that would rather have opportunity for long hikes and solitude?
2. Consider the venue.  Many Ohio church retreats fall into one of three categories: lecture, guided, and private.  Lecture retreats center around a keynote speaker with several sessions offered daily.  Guided retreats suggest a topic with scriptures to read, questions to answer, and often includes small group discussion meetings.  Private retreats have no speakers or group discussions, but rather, allow time for individual solitude and meditation.
3. Pick an appropriate time. Pay attention to the obvious.  Be careful not to schedule a retreat for men if the date falls on Mothers’ Day weekend.  Choose a time of year when the weather will cooperate with the activities you’re planning.   Ohio church retreats can be tricky to plan because the weather can be unpredictable.
4. Choose the best atmosphere for you.  Some retreat guests want to “get away from it all.”  In Ohio, church retreats may take place at a retreat center with acres of forest.  Other centers offer lakeside settings, perfect for restful times of prayer and rejuvenation.  Still another option is a large building with many smaller rooms available for such activities as small group prayer time, etc.
5. Determine the main objectives of the retreat.  Some retreats are geared toward emotional healing, and some focus on equipping people with strategies for dealing with difficult life situations. Most Ohio church retreats simply hope to bring spiritual refreshment and vision.