You don’t have to look hard to find stories from across the country about male loneliness and how men are trying to combat it, part of what medical professionals call an “epidemic.” For many, making time to strengthen relationships can feel harder than ever — a big reason why this fall’s Men’s Retreat feels uniquely important.
“Fellowship, especially with men, is something I feel I need in my life,” said Pete Newburn, a Blacknall attender who will join the Men’s Ministry event for the first time. “It’s the opportunity to connect with other men and be vulnerable. I want to go deep. I want to build relationships.”
Set for Friday through Sunday, Oct. 24 - 26, at the Montreat Conference Center in the mountains of Montreat, North Carolina, the weekend will offer time for worship, fellowship, and discovery of how the Holy Spirit guides Blacknall men to draw closer to God and one another. Guest speaker Rev. Corey Widmer of Richmond, Virginia’s Third Church will share throughout the weekend on the theme “A Deeper Life with God,” exploring God’s invitation to live a life of intentionality, transparency, vulnerability, and surrender. Men can register to join the retreat now.
Newburn, who has attended many retreats during years of work in ministry, noted how valuable this kind of time away can be. The idea of spending a few days with casual acquaintances or strangers can feel intimidating, he said, but the payoff is immeasurable — especially for those who haven’t attended a retreat in a long time, or ever.
“When you go through stuff alone, you can forget that everyone struggles, and how meaningful it is to be with other guys who face similar challenges,” Newburn said.
Andrew McGannon, a Blacknall member and Deacon, said he’s excited for his first Blacknall retreat as a way to spend intentional time with other men. Brief connections before or after Sunday services are nice, he said, but they don’t truly create strong bonds.
“A retreat is a good way to step away from normal life for meditation, reflection, and community building without the pressures of day-to-day life,” McGannon said. “There are so many great men at Blacknall leading the way — this is a chance to connect in God’s creation with incredible guys in one of the most beautiful places in the U.S.”
The Men's Retreat begins 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 and concludes after worship on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 26. The cost is $180 for lodging and meals. Scholarships are available if you can't pay the full amount. For more information and to register, visit the event's listing on Church Center.