Top 10 Tips for Planning a Men’s Church Retreat
Matthew BellShare
Planning a men’s church retreat is more than just organizing a weekend getaway—it’s about creating an intentional space for men to encounter God, build authentic relationships, and be challenged to grow in their faith. In today’s world, where men are pulled in many directions by work, family, and culture, a retreat offers a sacred opportunity to unplug, reflect, and recharge spiritually.
Whether you’re leading a men’s ministry or hosting your first retreat, this guide will walk you through 10 essential tips to make your event impactful, spirit-filled, and well-organized.
1. Seek God’s Vision First
Every great retreat starts with prayer. Before anything else, go before the Lord and ask for His direction. What theme or spiritual focus should guide the weekend? Is it spiritual leadership, purity, biblical manhood, fatherhood, or something else?
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally..." — James 1:5 (KJV)
When your retreat is centered on God’s will, it sets the foundation for a powerful experience.
2. Form a Strong Planning Team
Don’t carry the weight of planning alone. Gather a group of spiritually mature men who can help delegate responsibilities and offer wisdom. Assign roles such as logistics, communication, spiritual direction, and hospitality.
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." — Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)
A team approach ensures the retreat is well-balanced and covers all angles—from the practical to the spiritual.
3. Choose a Location That Encourages Reflection and Brotherhood
Pick a venue that supports the retreat’s goals. It could be a rustic camp, mountain lodge, lake house, or church property. The key is to find a space that allows for undistracted time with God and one another.
Ensure the location includes areas for worship, small groups, quiet time, and recreation. Sometimes, nature itself is the best setting for hearing from God.
4. Set a Realistic Budget
Be upfront about your expected costs for the retreat, including lodging, meals, transportation, speaker honorariums, materials, and any fun activities. Consider offering early-bird pricing or group discounts to encourage sign-ups.
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost..." — Luke 14:28 (KJV)
A clear and responsible budget helps everyone prepare and prevents financial stress on your ministry.
5. Select Spirit-Led Speakers and Worship Leaders
Choose men who are grounded in Scripture, relatable, and passionate about equipping others. Their teaching should challenge and encourage men to walk boldly in their faith.
Worship leaders should facilitate a space where men feel free to praise and open their hearts—this often leads to powerful moments of surrender and spiritual breakthrough.
6. Design a Balanced Schedule
Avoid the temptation to pack the schedule too tightly. Include structured teaching and discussion sessions, but also leave space for rest, prayer, and recreation.
“Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while...” — Mark 6:31 (KJV)
Men need time to process what they’re learning and apply it personally. A few hours of solitude or fellowship can be just as powerful as a sermon.
7. Facilitate Small Group Connection
Encourage small groups throughout the retreat for discussion, prayer, and accountability. Many men struggle with isolation; small groups break that barrier and foster brotherhood.
Prompt questions can be tied to the retreat theme and should encourage transparency and trust.
8. Include Physical Activities
Men often connect deeply through action. Plan team-building exercises, sports, hikes, or challenges that promote camaraderie and fun. These activities can be tied into the theme—teaching spiritual lessons through physical metaphors.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." — 1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV)
The body and spirit are linked—engaging both is a powerful tool for discipleship.
9. Offer Opportunities for Prayer and Personal Ministry
Build time into the retreat for men to receive prayer or respond to what God is speaking. Whether it’s through altar ministry, one-on-one counseling, or silent reflection, these moments are often life-changing.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you..." — James 4:8 (KJV)
Don’t underestimate how deeply God can move when men feel safe to be vulnerable and open their hearts.
10. Plan for Post-Retreat Follow-Up
A retreat should spark long-term spiritual growth, not just a weekend high. Encourage men to plug into a small group, mentoring relationship, or discipleship program after the event.
Host a follow-up gathering or use a messaging platform to keep conversations going and accountability strong.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
Final Thoughts: A Weekend That Can Change a Life
A men’s church retreat is more than just a break from routine—it’s a time for renewal, realignment, and revival. When men gather with open hearts and a hunger for God, amazing things happen. Lives are changed. Marriages are restored. Leaders are born.
With intentional planning, prayerful leadership, and a commitment to God's Word, your retreat can have eternal impact.
If this helped you, share it with a friend or ministry leader who could benefit from it!
You never know who’s been waiting for the encouragement or tools to take the next step in their men’s ministry.
