Blog | Tips for a Successful Church Staff Retreat
Tips for a Successful Church Staff Retreat
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a one-day local retreat, taking intentional time away with your church staff is a valuable investment you can make in the health, unity, and vision of your ministry team. A staff retreat isn’t just a break from the routine — it’s an opportunity to refocus, refresh, and realign for the season ahead.
Here are some practical tips to help you plan a meaningful and successful church staff retreat:
1. Start with a Purpose
Before you book a cabin or plan an itinerary, clarify the “why” behind the retreat. Is this time for strategic planning? Team bonding? Spiritual renewal? Conflict resolution? Make sure your schedule and environment support the purpose you’ve defined. A retreat without clear goals can easily become a vacation or, worse, just another staff meeting in a new location.
2. Balance Structure and Rest
Good retreats aren’t over-programmed. Build in rhythms of teaching, discussion, and vision-casting, but also leave time for conversation, prayer, meals together, and free time. Staff members are often juggling a heavy ministry load, so don’t underestimate the value of simply giving them space to breathe and reconnect with God.
3. Choose the Right Environment
The setting matters more than you might think. Look for places that inspire rest and creativity — nature, quiet spaces, or a peaceful retreat center. If your team spends most of their days indoors at desks or in meetings, getting outside can make a huge difference in how refreshed they feel.
4. Invite God into the Process
This is more than just a team-building exercise — it’s a spiritual moment for your staff. Begin the retreat with prayer. Incorporate worship, personal reflection time, and opportunities for the team to listen to God together. Invite a guest speaker or spiritual director if helpful, but make sure to allow space for the Holy Spirit to move.
5. Don’t Forget the Fun
Fun breaks down barriers and helps people connect. Plan a game night, a hike, a campfire, or a shared meal offsite. These lighter moments foster the kind of trust and joy that makes working together in ministry far more sustainable. Laughter is holy, too!
6. Include Everyone
Be intentional about making everyone on the team feel seen and valued, regardless of their title or role. Use group discussions, team-building activities, or even informal check-ins to ensure all voices are heard. Consider any accessibility needs or dietary restrictions when planning the logistics.
7. Plan the Follow-Up
What happens after the retreat matters just as much as what happens during it. Take notes on action items, next steps, and new ideas. Schedule a follow-up meeting to check in on goals and continue conversations started during the retreat. The best retreats are catalysts for ongoing growth and unity, not just one-time events.
Final Thoughts
Ministry is demanding, and your team needs time to reconnect — not just with the mission, but with each other and with God. A thoughtfully planned retreat can bring new energy, deeper unity, and a clearer sense of calling to your church staff. So take the time, make the plans, and trust that the investment will pay off in the months ahead.
What has made a church retreat meaningful for your team in the past? Share your tips or favorite retreat moments in the comments!
About the Author
Josh Tarp is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and worship leader from Minneapolis with over 15 years of experience in church & worship leadership. Josh serves as the Director of Marketing at Motion Worship, helping to write various blog posts, managing social media, designing graphics, and handling customer service.