Expectations of Engagement –
Pin Oaks Christian Fellowship Women’s Retreat 2025
Dear Sisters, we are so excited that you will be joining us! Our annual Women’s Retreat is truly one of our favorite events of the year. Our goal is to provide an amazing experience for connecting with the Lord and with each other. To foster an environment where this can flourish, it is essential to establish clear expectations of engagement for all who attend. These expectations are founded on biblical principles and designed to honor God while encouraging mutual support and fellowship.
1. Centering on the Word of God
As Psalm 119:10-11 (ESV) reminds us: “With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
In John 1:1, we are also reminded of the truth of God’s “Word”: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
By prioritizing the Word, we open our hearts to the growth and transformation that can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit. Bring your Bible, journal, and an open mind, ready to learn from the teaching and ready to explore how Scripture speaks into our lives.
2. Cultivating a Spirit of Fellowship
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) guides us: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
We encourage each of you to engage in discussions, share testimonies, and support one another in prayer. Small group activities and discussions will provide avenues to connect on a personal level, creating a safe space for vulnerability and spiritual encouragement.
3. Embracing Active Listening
James 1:19 (ESV) advises, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;”
During group sessions and one-on-one conversations, please practice active listening, valuing the perspectives and experiences of others without judgment. As daughters made in the image of our King, we should model the same spirit of grace, mercy and compassion towards each other as Jesus does for us (see John 8:7-11).
4. Committing to Prayer and Times of Solitude
Philippians 4:6 (ESV) reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
In Matthew 6:33 (ESV), Jesus himself states: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Jesus also modeled the importance of spending time seeking the Father, as shared in Mark 1:35: “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”
There are dozens of additional scriptures we could reference here. We encourage you to dig into your Bible and find your favorites! That being said, the point is that prayer and times of solitude with the Lord are essential! Cultivating and growing these disciplines into your daily habits and rhythms is truly life giving. Because of this, times of prayer and times for solitude will be woven throughout our entire retreat. We encourage each of you to not only pray for each other, but to go to your own “desolate place” with the Father. Use these moments to rest, meditate on Scripture, journal, pray over others, and seek God’s direction for your life.
Whether you are an early bird, night owl, or anywhere in between, it does not matter to the Lord! He will meet you whenever and wherever you call on Him.
5. Maintaining a Positive and Respectful Attitude
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) states: “I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
As sisters in Christ, it is important to uphold mutual respect and kindness. Each of us should commit to maintaining a positive attitude, approaching challenges with grace, and resolving any conflicts in a Christ-like manner. In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus shares specific instructions for resolving conflicts in a Biblical way. As we do in all areas of our lives, we will strive to follow his example, instruction and teaching.
6. Participating Fully and Avoiding Distractions
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) encourages us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ”
While attending a retreat should not be considered “work”, it is time you are committing to seeking Him and growing in your relationship. To do this well, we ask you to engage wholeheartedly and authentically, contributing to discussions, connecting with each other, and being present in both body and spirit. This is a chance to set aside distractions (i.e. cell phone) and fully immerse yourself in the retreat experience. If time is needed for calls or texting, please step away so that others can continue to remain fully engaged in the teaching and discussion.
7. Upholding Confidentiality and Social Media
Proverbs 11:13 (NIV) teaches: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Please understand that we know and trust that each of you follow Christ with all your heart and would not knowingly do anything to harm another sister. However, even when we have the best of intentions, there can be unintended consequences if we are not careful with how we communicate and share information. In order to ensure that this does not happen, we want to establish clear guidelines so that we can maintain the sacred space that this time with the Lord should be.
Confidentiality ensures trust and creates a safe place to share. Our retreat should be that safe place where ladies can fully share what is on their hearts without concern that sensitive or private information will be shared inappropriately. Any and all details regarding personal information shared should be kept in strict confidence and not shared or discussed with others outside of the group.
We want to support each other as sisters, as well as respect each other’s privacy. Because of this, we ask that you refrain from posting details on social media. This includes pictures and videos. If we are truly committing this time to the Lord, there should be no need to engage with any type of media – social or otherwise! However, if you feel like you have something meaningful that needs to be shared, please ensure that those posts are kept to your own personal thoughts or reflections, and do not include details, pictures or videos of anyone else at the retreat. We have several ladies in our community who intentionally do not use any social media platforms, and several who choose not to have any online presence. We ask that you please be respectful of their preferences by honoring this request.
Additionally, if you choose to take pictures or videos for your own personal use (not to share with others), please ensure you have the permission of all involved first.
Conclusion
Romans 12:2 (ESV) instructs us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable, and perfect.”
The ultimate goal of our time together is to leave renewed, transformed and inspired to live a life that glorifies God. We are thrilled that you have chosen to be a part of this incredible weekend, and we cannot wait to see how the Lord will move!
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
1. Centering on the Word of God
As Psalm 119:10-11 (ESV) reminds us: “With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
In John 1:1, we are also reminded of the truth of God’s “Word”: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
By prioritizing the Word, we open our hearts to the growth and transformation that can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit. Bring your Bible, journal, and an open mind, ready to learn from the teaching and ready to explore how Scripture speaks into our lives.
2. Cultivating a Spirit of Fellowship
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) guides us: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
We encourage each of you to engage in discussions, share testimonies, and support one another in prayer. Small group activities and discussions will provide avenues to connect on a personal level, creating a safe space for vulnerability and spiritual encouragement.
3. Embracing Active Listening
James 1:19 (ESV) advises, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;”
During group sessions and one-on-one conversations, please practice active listening, valuing the perspectives and experiences of others without judgment. As daughters made in the image of our King, we should model the same spirit of grace, mercy and compassion towards each other as Jesus does for us (see John 8:7-11).
4. Committing to Prayer and Times of Solitude
Philippians 4:6 (ESV) reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
In Matthew 6:33 (ESV), Jesus himself states: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Jesus also modeled the importance of spending time seeking the Father, as shared in Mark 1:35: “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”
There are dozens of additional scriptures we could reference here. We encourage you to dig into your Bible and find your favorites! That being said, the point is that prayer and times of solitude with the Lord are essential! Cultivating and growing these disciplines into your daily habits and rhythms is truly life giving. Because of this, times of prayer and times for solitude will be woven throughout our entire retreat. We encourage each of you to not only pray for each other, but to go to your own “desolate place” with the Father. Use these moments to rest, meditate on Scripture, journal, pray over others, and seek God’s direction for your life.
Whether you are an early bird, night owl, or anywhere in between, it does not matter to the Lord! He will meet you whenever and wherever you call on Him.
5. Maintaining a Positive and Respectful Attitude
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) states: “I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
As sisters in Christ, it is important to uphold mutual respect and kindness. Each of us should commit to maintaining a positive attitude, approaching challenges with grace, and resolving any conflicts in a Christ-like manner. In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus shares specific instructions for resolving conflicts in a Biblical way. As we do in all areas of our lives, we will strive to follow his example, instruction and teaching.
6. Participating Fully and Avoiding Distractions
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) encourages us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ”
While attending a retreat should not be considered “work”, it is time you are committing to seeking Him and growing in your relationship. To do this well, we ask you to engage wholeheartedly and authentically, contributing to discussions, connecting with each other, and being present in both body and spirit. This is a chance to set aside distractions (i.e. cell phone) and fully immerse yourself in the retreat experience. If time is needed for calls or texting, please step away so that others can continue to remain fully engaged in the teaching and discussion.
7. Upholding Confidentiality and Social Media
Proverbs 11:13 (NIV) teaches: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Please understand that we know and trust that each of you follow Christ with all your heart and would not knowingly do anything to harm another sister. However, even when we have the best of intentions, there can be unintended consequences if we are not careful with how we communicate and share information. In order to ensure that this does not happen, we want to establish clear guidelines so that we can maintain the sacred space that this time with the Lord should be.
Confidentiality ensures trust and creates a safe place to share. Our retreat should be that safe place where ladies can fully share what is on their hearts without concern that sensitive or private information will be shared inappropriately. Any and all details regarding personal information shared should be kept in strict confidence and not shared or discussed with others outside of the group.
We want to support each other as sisters, as well as respect each other’s privacy. Because of this, we ask that you refrain from posting details on social media. This includes pictures and videos. If we are truly committing this time to the Lord, there should be no need to engage with any type of media – social or otherwise! However, if you feel like you have something meaningful that needs to be shared, please ensure that those posts are kept to your own personal thoughts or reflections, and do not include details, pictures or videos of anyone else at the retreat. We have several ladies in our community who intentionally do not use any social media platforms, and several who choose not to have any online presence. We ask that you please be respectful of their preferences by honoring this request.
Additionally, if you choose to take pictures or videos for your own personal use (not to share with others), please ensure you have the permission of all involved first.
Conclusion
Romans 12:2 (ESV) instructs us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable, and perfect.”
The ultimate goal of our time together is to leave renewed, transformed and inspired to live a life that glorifies God. We are thrilled that you have chosen to be a part of this incredible weekend, and we cannot wait to see how the Lord will move!
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.”