April Q&A

 

This month’s Q&A is about hosting a Christian Women’s Retreat but applies to other organized programs as well.

“Should we pray about when to do a retreat and how to make that happen?” ~ Carla

Thank you for your question!

It is so easy to say, I want to put on this retreat/event/program because I want to, without giving it a second glance. Then jump right in and get creative.

STOP! Don’t Do That! There is so much more to it!

First, examine your motives and purpose! We can easily deceive and convince ourselves that we are doing something for the good of others, when it might be for the good of only us all along.

During your self-examination determine if you are doing this to gain favor with others, gain popularity, gain monetarily directly or indirectly, or to promote yourself. Or are your intentions pure to serve others, build others up, encourage others, and enhance other’s lives.

The Word will also help you define, discern, and apply biblical principles to the matter. If God has already revealed his will in Scripture, you must obey.

Once you have completed your exam and you feel that your intentions are pure, the next step is prayer.  Commit the decision to prayer and be secure in the knowledge that God has your best interest in mind.

Praying is not a one and done thing. Pray for an answer if you are to move forward, pray for discernment throughout the processes, pray for finances, people, and all elements that will be needed for the event. You will pray throughout the entire process of planning, executing, and post evaluations. Nothing is too small or big to take to prayer.

Exercise faith and remember that decision making is a process that takes time. You may be wanting to do a spring event in a few months and God has still not answered! God’s timing is not our timing, and we must learn, and here it is, a hard word/practice for many…patience!

Your answer can be solidified from other sources as well. Begin research and gathering information for the event. Maybe once you have some facts in place, you might find that it is simply not doable. Or you may find that you have more to work with than you thought!

Obtain some council. Get other’s opinions on what you are wanting to do. Meet with a group or several individuals one at time. This is a great way to get feedback and allow others to ask questions and help you process. Meet with those who will give you their honest opinions. Don’t seek out your “yes” friends for this.

Make a list of things that you think would be most important for God in this decision. Not what is important to you. Make a list of pros and cons to help you determine if what you are doing is within His will.

By establishing your spiritual priorities, you will have gathered enough information to know whether you should move forward. Be ready to accept and obey God’s answer, regardless of what it is. It is unlikely that God will reveal the answer if he already knows you will not obey.  Your gut feeling will also help you with this. If you have started the planning because you thought you heard yes, and you are having a bad feeling about it, then stop and go back to prayer and informational gathering. It’s okay to pull the plug if you feel you are out of God’s will. No one will judge you for it.

If the answer is yes, you can proceed with confidence, and he will light your path as you move forward with an event that will bring growth and many blessings to those in attendance.

The Planning:

Now that God is trusting you with much, map out the details. Remember to pray about every detail! Always work with real facts and numbers during your planning to head off surprises.

Start by making a list. What is your goal with the event, what are all the possible working parts, how many helpers/volunteers will it take to pull it off, what will be the roles for the key members on the planning team. What about financing: who will be recruiting sponsorships, will guests pay to attend. Detailed planning, down to the minute, is a must.

Create a planning chart, like the one below. Planning charts are very helpful to keep things on track and organized and it keeps the team members in their own lane with their event assignments. Depending upon how large your event is, you may have several organizational charts or spreadsheets.

Your plans should include contingency options as well. What happens if… the caterer doesn’t show, all the financing doesn’t come in, the keynote doesn’t show. Always have a backup plan and ready to pivot in a moment’s notice.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (NLT) Proverbs 3:6

Submit your questions to the newsletter through the online form! 

Debra Lee

Author/Keynote Speaker/Life Coach/Biz Coach/Blogger

Books: "Making Wise Choices" & "It Is What It Is"