Getting away for a Christian conference or retreat can be a fantastic opportunity. But they can be busy occasions with lots going on – how can you get the most out of them? Here’s some ideas to help delegates get the best from their time away.
1. Meet new people
Depending on the size of the event, you’re probably going to be running into people you don’t know well or don’t know at all. Perhaps it’s colleagues you don’t usually work with, people from a different part of the country or from a different church or organisation. You might be tempted to just stick with those you know, but try and push past any awkwardness and strike up a conversation with new people instead! It might be an exciting networking opportunity, a new best friend, or just someone who teaches you something new. And of course it’s not just about what you get from it – you might make someone else’s day by asking them how they are.
2. Try something different
Get out of your comfort zone and do something you wouldn’t usually. Maybe it’s a seminar on something you don’t usually get into, or a chance to do a sport or activity you’ve never tried. It’s a great way to connect with some different people, and you might be surprised by how much you enjoy it. The fresh surroundings of a retreat are a chance for rest and a reset; trying something different and challenging is a great way to expand your horizons while you’re away.
3. Get time alone
The great benefit of a conference is all the people you can meet and enjoy spending time with. Extroverts probably love it, introverts might love it but only up to a point – we all need alone time too. Amidst all the busyness, make sure you get some time to yourself, partly so you’re not overwhelmed or wiped out by the first day, but also so you can reflect and process your time away. At a Christian conference you’ll want to let the teaching and seminars sink in, think about what you’ve been learning, what you’re feeling and thinking. Your home living situation might mean you don’t often get to be by yourself, and the busy rhythms of modern life make quiet time seem like an indulgence. Prayer, reflection, meditation – these can feel like luxuries you don’t have time for. But at a conference with the comfort of your own private room and time to yourself, it’s a valuable opportunity to enjoy that quiet time for yourself.
4. Write about it
Journaling is a great way to process your thoughts and get you in the right headspace. When you’re getting teaching and seminars, writing down what you’re learning and thinking in response can help it all sink in deeper. It can be really helpful to look back on too, in a few months or years, and remember the insights you gained, how you felt, what you were praying about or what resolutions you made. You could write something before or as you get to the conference, reflecting on what you’re feeling and what you want from the event. At the end of the conference, you can similarly look back on what you’ve experienced and how you found it all. If you’ve got constructive feedback for the event organisers, let them know (they’ll probably ask for your feedback anyway) so they can make an even better event next time.
5. Plan what you’re going to – or who you’re seeing
If your Christian conference organisers have told you what’s coming up at the event, use that as a chance to plan ahead! What are the seminars you’ll want to be at? Do you need to book in to any sessions in advance? Who’s going to be there, is there anyone in particular you’re looking forward to meeting or getting to speak with? If so you could get in touch with them to book in that time so you you don’t miss the opportunity. Some might prefer to save all this for the event itself, but if you know you benefit from some early planning, take the opportunity!
6. Have fun!
It might sound obvious but don’t forget to enjoy this opportunity. There might be areas you’re unsure or concerned about, which is totally normal – of course you can talk to your event organiser about these if you need to. But try to think about the opportunities as well as the challenges, what’s happening here that you might not be able to get anywhere else? Be open to new things, but also go at your own pace and do things that will bring you joy and rest. Getting together with other people should be fun and exciting, a chance to build others up and be built up yourself. Enjoy all the fun and community that comes with an in-person gathering!
