5 days in the Rocky Mountains to facilitate discussions about things that matter the most in life and ministry. This retreat is designed specifically for youth ministers to dig into the heart of why they do what they do. The week will be filled with rest, solitude, and listening to God's call on your life to find the strength to follow His lead.

The retreat is at the Spring Canyon Conference Center near Buena Vista, Colorado (about two and a half hours from Denver International Airport). The location is a pristine wilderness with Aspen groves, mountain streams, meadows, and peaks from 12,000 to 14,000 feet. Wilderness is designed to provide time away from the office, phone, internet, emails, committee meetings, deadlines, and the pressures of daily responsibilities. Rest in the solitude of the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains, including opportunities for hiking, fishing, or simply discovering a quiet place to think and talk with God. There are also interactive discussions with other youth ministers on issues that matter most.

More important than the location of Wilderness is the dynamic we want to create in small group relationships. Each participant will be assigned to a group with 6 to 7 other youth ministers and one mentor. The small group will spend time each day working through important life and ministry issues. The mentor’s role is to lead discussions (not lectures) about things that matter most.

All of our mentors are active in ministry and have a heart for youth ministry. They will also follow up with each member of their small group in the following year to touch base, encourage, and add another layer of accountability to the lives and ministries. Throughout the week, there is also the opportunity to experience and put into practice many of the following spiritual disciplines: journaling, prayer, solitude, silence, meditation, worship, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.