When I think of the word “retreat,” I immediately associate it with a church. I remember the retreats I took with our high school youth group and leading retreats as a youth pastor. So, if retreats are generally associated with the church, why would we prioritize three days away from home and school for one? While I am definitely the new guy on campus, I can think of two reasons we would take time away from school for such an event

But first, a statistic: The Barna Group is a Christian research firm that aims to help Christians understand the times based on relevant data. In their book Faith for Exiles: 5 Ways for a New Generation to Follow Jesus in Digital Babylon, David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock note that today’s young people face a “Digital Babylon” unlike any previous generation. They cite a recent survey estimating that 65% of children who grow up in Christian households and attend church regularly during their youth will walk away from their faith upon graduation (Kinnaman and Matlock 2019, 15) These statistics are sobering, and The Barna Group isn’t the only research group uncovering such discouraging numbers. Gallup and Lifeway Research point to similar findings.

So what does this have to do with retreats and, more specifically, why are they a priority at Hill Country Christian School? In short, we are aiming to reverse the results of those statistics listed above and recognize the powerful tool relationships and Christian community can play in doing just that. The Barna Group also notes “that the main reason young people drop out of church or fall away from faith is insufficient discipleship” (Kinnaman and Matlock 2019, 28).

Two significant things happen in our students’ lives on retreats:

1. Students form invaluable relationships with their teachers and peers. The Barna Group speaks to the power of discipleship to reverse the alarming trend. And discipleship doesn’t happen by itself. Of course, our own time alone with God is of immense importance, but I’m guessing all of us can point to various ways in which God has used others to grow us in our own faith journey. Specifically, that of mentors (think teachers in this case) and peers. On these retreats, the relationship-building process is supercharged simply by the amount of time everyone spends together. These relationships will (Lord willing) form the basis of years-long discipleship, all by pulling away and spending time with one another. May God use these relationships with teachers and peers to grow our students’ faith.
   
2. Next, our students can set aside time away from the hustle and bustle and the numerous distractions, and focus on their relationship with God. Through prayer, time alone, time in worship, time listening to the Word, and time to reflect, our students have the opportunity to begin the school year fully focused on their relationship with God through Christ. May God also use this time to grow our students in their faith.

And, may God use all of this to keep our students connected to Him throughout all their days. To God be the glory!

Have a great week!

Eric DeVries, Head of School