Retreat and Rest 2025
In the busyness of church life, many leaders push pause only when they hit burnout. But what if rest could be proactive, healing, and formational—not just a recovery strategy, but a rhythm of resilience?
That’s the vision behind the Resilience Retreat Series from the Center for Transforming Engagement. These free, downloadable guides are created for spiritual leaders, and those in demanding roles. Each guide focuses on one stream of resilience: Practices, People, and Purpose. They can be used for a solo retreat, or adapted for a small group of colleagues or leaders. The framework (Gather – Transform – Send) helps move beyond reflection into integration.
1. Resilience: Practices
This guide helps you recognize and reshape the rhythms that sustain your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Practices aren’t about perfection—they’re about intentional care. You’ll reflect on patterns (especially under stress), discern restorative practices, and begin crafting a life that holds space for joy and rest. Through embodiment exercises, Lectio Divina (featuring Matthew 11:28–30), and a visual meditation on Luke 4, you’ll explore what it means to live “freely and lightly” with Jesus.
2. Resilience: People
This guide invites you into deeper reflection on the web of relationships that form your support system. You’ll map your personal community, reflect on the mutual care you give and receive, and consider ways to cultivate deeper connections. Through prayer, Psalm 139, and a guided body scan, you’ll explore how God sees you and how others hold you. The retreat encourages not only external connection but also internal compassion—treating yourself with the kindness and attentiveness you extend to others.
3. Resilience: Purpose (Note: Not included in the uploads, but part of the series)
The third retreat in the series (available on their website) invites reflection on your vocational “why.” What are you called to, who are you becoming, and what practices align your life with God’s vision? This is especially meaningful for discerning next steps, celebrating milestones, or navigating seasons of change.
Each guide includes prompts for individual reflection or group discussion, grounding spiritual practices, and practical tools like the “Mapping Your Community” exercise and “Your Current Way of Life” worksheet.
You can find all the guides and related resources at transformingengagement.org.
If the Resilience series sparks your imagination, here are some next steps to create space for rest:
Make Your Own Retreat
Choose a quiet location— a cabin, retreat centre, or even a home day apart. Bring a journal, your Bible, the Resilience guides, and something creative (sketchbook, music, nature walk supplies). Consider silence for part of the day.Join a Silent or Guided Retreat in your region
Many retreat centres across Canada offer space for clergy or Christian leaders, including:Try a Virtual Retreat
Especially helpful for those with limited travel options. Create a sacred space at home, and follow a structured guide. You might pair it with an online spiritual direction session or a call with a trusted colleague for debrief.Use Books for Retreat Inspiration
Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton
The Radical Pursuit of Rest by John Koessler
Plus, revisit our post from June 2024 highlighting Progressive Pilgrimage and other retreat resources that can help in your pursuit of rest and renewal.
In the busyness of church life, many leaders push pause only when they hit burnout. But what if rest could be proactive, healing, and formational—not just a recovery strategy, but a rhythm of resilience?