How to Plan a Women’s Retreat (Free Checklist Included)

Have you heard the call to plan a women’s retreat?

Are you ready to answer in the affirmative?

If you feel led to plan a women’s retreat but aren’t sure where to start or how to move forward, I can help.

In this article, I’ll answer the following questions:

• What’s a quick overview of everything I’ll need to do to plan a women’s retreat?
• Where can I find themes to help me plan the retreat?
• Is there an easy reference to all the forms I’ll need to organize and plan a women’s retreat?

My Thoughts when I Hear God’s Call to Plan a Women’s Retreat

Each year about six months before I plan a women’s retreat, I go through several stages. First, I begin to get excited. God whispers to me, “It’s time.” And I say, “Yes, yes, Lord. It’s time! I’m so happy.”

And then… THEN, I begin to think about it. To analyze and consider all that will have to be done. Scary stuff.

I’m too busy, right? I work full time, have a family, like to read…and sit in my recliner. And do nothing.

If I take on planning a women’s retreat, I’ll have no free time. My evening and weekend hours will be filled with forms and phone calls, flyers and emails. I’ll be tweaking agendas and fine-tuning speaking slots, breakout sessions, icebreakers.

Related Post: Planning Food for a Women’s Retreat

I start to worry and wonder if I can do it, and I come up with reasons I can’t. “No, God.  I can’t. I’m too busy. It’s too much work…” But I know I’m only making excuses.

I could fit it all in if I wanted to. Priorities. I wonder at myself sometimes. Am I trying to convince God with my excuses? He knows better.

And He doesn’t let me off the hook. Not when He knows where my passions lie, what I can do for Him. Through Him. Within me, I continue to hear Him. “Julie, plan a retreat. Bring the women together. Let them share My love with one another.” And I listen because I love Him, and I love retreats for Him.

When Brooke and I began planning our first retreat in the Fall of 2012, we hadn’t a clue what to do. We just jumped right in. Over time, I began fine-tuning the details.

As the organizational process became more familiar, I developed checklists and forms to help us along. Soon, I truly had no excuse in giving excuses to God (not that I didn’t still try on occasion).

Many women have contacted me hoping I’d put together a how-to, but I never had. Finally, I pulled together all my files and folders to begin sharing all I know (and I’m still learning so see how much you’ll have to look forward to!) with all of you.

I want every woman to understand her worth in Christ. I pray she never feels alone. I know that together we – me, you, Him – can make a difference.

Related Post: Sample Retreat Agendas

Quick overview of everything you’ll need to do to plan a women’s retreat?

1. Define Your Purpose.

2. Find a Location.

3. Set the Date and Time.

4. Decide on Budget/Cost

5. Do you Need Insurance?

6. Choose a Team.

7. Decide What Food to Serve

8. Plan the Music.

9. Hire a Speaker.

10. Pick Your Icebreakers and Activities.

Grab this free starter guide to plan your women’s spiritual retreat.

It includes a planning checklist, timeline, plus bonus information to ensure you don’t miss a thing in your initial planning stages.

Fill out the form above to receive your free retreat planning starter guide to help in your initial planning stages. 3-hole-punch it and stick it in a notebook.

You’ll want to keep track of everything along the way. It’ll help the first time so you’ll know what’s been done and what’s left to do, and it’ll help you plan for the next time (because you definitely will want to plan another…they’re addicting) because you won’t have to learn the process all over again. You’ll be a pro!

Where you can find themes to help you plan the retreat

Once you’ve started with the checklist, you’ll want to define your purpose and pick a theme early on.

You’ll base your forms, flyers, program, and activities on your theme, so you’ll want to be sure to choose one that’s right for your message.

In my article, 101 Retreat Themes Ideas for Christian Women, you’ll find theme titles, tips for choosing your theme, and tons of extra free resources to effectively share the message of your theme.

Easy references to all the forms you’ll need to organize and plan a women’s retreat

As you begin planning, you’ll need to create several forms and other administrative resources.

A few things you’ll need are:

• promotional flyers
• registration forms (printable and online)
• brochures
• agendas
• exit surveys
• getting to know you forms

For more information on the first fine forms you’ll need, be sure to read Start Here – 5 Practical Retreat Planning Forms.

What Else You Need to Know to Plan a Women’s Retreat

Hopefully, you’ve started out by grabbing the 10 Initial Steps checklist. If you have, you’ll have the perfect start to ensuring you include everything needed when planning a retreat.

If you haven’t signed up for your checklist and more, be sure to do so below:

Check back to find much more information on planning and preparation for Christian women’s retreats.

Feel free to comment below with questions or suggestions. And always remember, when God whispers to you to pull women together to worship Him and support each other, listen to Him!

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