That is the best word I have to describe the experience with the women of Real Life Community church at their first women’s retreat. As a speaker, I never know quite what to expect so I try to be open and ready for anything.
I was greeted by the smell of fresh coffee brewing, small round tables decorated for autumn and the smiling faces of the team setting up for the retreat. I immediately sensed a relaxed, open atmosphere. The Pastor’s wife, Jodi, set the pace with her laid back demeanor and sweetness. There was no hurry to begin until almost everyone was there. We played the “ungame” which helped me to quickly get to know the ladies in an informal format.
Jodi was also the worship leader and she shared a short reading about the importance of the Word and then explained we would be singing only
songs from Scripture. Now that was refreshing. She didn’t feel the need to impress anyone with her prowess on the keyboard or her great vocal ability – she was there to sing the Word. I hadn’t sung many of the songs in years but they came back to me quickly and in between coughing, I enjoyed singing the Word. Jodi was comfortable just hanging on a worship theme for awhile and letting us soak in His presence. Yes, there was an agenda but it was not the driving force for the day – ministering to the Lord in worship, sitting in His presence was the priority. Now, that’s refreshing.
The women were responsive and receptive as I talked about our Divine Design. The concept of the being God’s Masterpiece, the Crown of Creation, an Ezer Knegdo made to fulfill the Divine Commission through relationships seemed to really minister to them. We are desperately needed as women to fulfill our design so God’s mission on earth can be completed. We also went on a short Personality Safari to discover our personality design so we could better understand God’s purpose for us.
After a delicious lunch and fellowship we hung out in worship again. The agenda called for around twenty minutes of worship, for me to speak and pray with the ladies and be out by 3:00 pm. The agenda went out the door as we followed Jodi’s relaxed lead. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but the women were with Jodi all the way and everyone was focused on worship and prayer. I was trying to discern where the Lord was taking us when Jodi just started playing without singing and encouraged us to share whatever the Lord laid on our hearts. Some shared scripture, some lead in prayer and some of us just sang in the Spirit.
At one point the words “where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom” came to my mind and even though I hadn’t been able to sing much because of my cold and cough, I started singing a “new song” with those words. Then I felt lead to get the anointing oil and start anointing all the ladies and praying for them as the Spirit lead. What an experience. When we felt released to move on to the sharing of the Word we had been in worship for around an hour. The time had flown.
I was trying to discern whether I should speak or not but Jodi gave the nod and I knew I should. We ended with “Embracing Your Divine Design” and standing to proclaim the “I Ams” we had learned that day.
It was a powerful time of Proclamation and a very positive way to end the retreat.
I left blessed and refreshed on many levels. Blessed because these women were ready to receive the Word and willing to wait on the Lord in worship and prayer. I believe God is going to use them in a powerful way in their church and community to share the love of Jesus and reflect the glory and splendor of God. I left refreshed because I had waited on the Lord and been in His presence. Space had been given for worship through fellowship, the sharing of the Word, praise, prayer, body ministry and waiting on the Lord. The Body of Christ is alive and well in
