Retreat-Based Counseling

Retreat Setting

We believe people in Christian ministry need a safe place where they can work through challenges. They need intentional time for renewal and growth so they can move forward in health and wholeness. That’s why our retreats are held in a beautiful, peaceful residential setting. This immersive format minimizes distractions and gives us space to address your whole person: physical, emotional, relational and spiritual.

At Alongside, we approach every participant’s story with a humble and compassionate curiosity. Our retreats are facilitated by onsite, licensed counselors who come from a variety of ministry backgrounds. They’ve experienced many of the complex challenges of ministry, including those unique to cross-cultural settings. They offer compassionate care from a biblical perspective while providing practical guidance and helpful skills.

Retreat Format

Most of our retreats have three daily components:

Growth-oriented seminars on personal, relational and ministry topics that help develop new perspectives and foster growth.
Group counseling sessions that offer a safe place to share your story, to hear others’ stories and to learn from each other.
Personal counseling sessions that enable individuals and/or couples to meet with an Alongside licensed counselor.

Peaceful Spaces

Three people sit at a table, working together on a colorful jigsaw puzzle in a cozy living room.

home in secluded area with a lot of trees

field of flowers with silo in background

Schedule

A typical retreat schedule looks like:

MORNING

Devotional (15 minutes)
Seminar (one hour followed by a brief break)
Seminar (one hour followed by a brief break)
Small group (one hour followed by lunch break)

AFTERNOON

Personal counseling (up to one hour)

WEEKENDS

There is no programming on the weekends; we encourage rest, recreation and Sabbath.

Flourishing in ministry is possible.

At Alongside, you’ll find the care and support you need to continue living out your calling with passion. You’ll be equipped to reconnect with the people who matter most. And instead of being stuck in survival mode, you’ll grow in your health, joy and effectiveness as you learn how to move forward with hope.