With spring coming just around the corner and summer shortly to follow, many campus ministries are pushing for their associated conferences and retreats. If you're wondering why anyone would go, here are a few reasons why:
1. Road trips
Naps, telling jokes, playing zitch dog, and jamming to your guilty pleasures turn easily turn the dread of having to drive all the way to [insert destination] to "LET'S GO!!"
2.Cool Swag
Depending on the time of year, your ministry may design an awesome tank top or comfy sweatshirt . Wearing it is perfect for getting excited for the event, promoting, and for...
3. Competing against other schools
If you attend a ministry with campuses nationwide.There is a good chance your retreat will be held with other school's ministries. Not only is it a neat to meet people from other college campuses, you get the chance to engage in some friendly competition with them in different games, cheering, and overall coolness.
4. Fun games
Nothing beats playing a minute-to-win-it type game in front of a huge group of college students. The prize: some awkward object the staff picked up from the store or some type of non-tangible glory.
5. Great speakers
Getting to hear an amazing guest speaker or another school's campus ministry is always a fun treat and may even help you find a new favorite speaker. You may even get to meet a famous person like Sammy Rhodes.
6. Good worship
Worship led by a good worship band is amazing in general but doing so in the presence of up to hundreds of college students is phenomenal.
7. Getting to know the other people in your ministry
What better time to talk to or introduce yourself to that person you always see but don't actually know? You may even make a lifelong friend.
8. Small groups
Retreat/conference small groups are a great way to establish closer, more intimate relationships while on your retreat and a great way to process everything you're learning from the talks.
9. Free time
Retreats are always held at a cool camp, in the mountains, on the beach, or in an awesome city. Take your free time to explore the town, take a swim, go on a hike, or just relax with some friends. Plus you'll get great material for the gram!
10. Hanging out with the staff
What's better than hanging with your campus ministry's staff? Hanging out with them in a more relaxed, fun environment where you can be goofier and more loose.
11. Book stores
Nothing beats geeking out to study Bibles, journals, devotionals, the book the speaker just recommended, and other works by awesome authors like John Piper, Tim Keller, and Kevin DeYoung.
12. Learning about other cool opportunities you have to grow in your ministry
Ministry's often use their retreats as times to make shameless plugs for other conferences, staff or internship opportunities, mission trips, or even post grad tracks that will help you transition into the real world. Something may even catch your attention and affect future plans.
13. Meeting bae
Looking for your Boaz or your Proverbs 31? Look no further! It's not why you went, but, let's be honest, it's probably the first thing you're going to look for.
14. Dance parties
Often themed, nothing beats the opportunity to shamelessly bust a move with some of your brothers and sisters in Christ.
15. The inside jokes
Creating a goofy memories, snapping a silly picture, or establishing a running gag is a small beauty of campus ministry retreats. Not everyone will understand them when you get back, but you and your friends will have a little piece of the trip to carry around with you.
16. Fall in love with Jesus
As wonderful and fun as retreats are, the best part is being learning more about the beauty of the gospel and our Savior's love for us. It may involve giving up a weekend, but you definitely won't regret investing in your walk with your growth in the Lord.
