The church employs a lot of strange words to describe the way we do things. Usually, we rely on redefinitions of common words in hopes that in new contexts they’ll mean fresh things. We use the word “community” as a way to give meaning to the network of relationships that are bound together within the church. Secondarily, community means the neighborhoods where people live. We often use the word “relationship” — singular — to account for the principle governing relationships — plural. We talk about “doing life together” as a catch-all for not being alone. But, it’s a phrase people outside the church seldom use. But, there’s one other word. It’s a word that has meaning in a number of contexts — church, business, military. Yet, it’s meaning, I’m finding, isn’t always crystal clear:

Retreat.

For people in business, it carries with it images of flowcharts, organizational efficiency, paradigm-busting, and synergistic cross-functional-matrix result-driven, time-stamped action items. For the military, a retreat involves an assessment that a given battle cannot continue in the same manner any longer. There have been losses. There have been unexpected challenges. Victory is not lost. But, in order to achieve it, the battle group will need a moment to regather, regroup, and recover before venturing out again. This past week, I was on a retreat.

Some of the pastors from the Mariners network of churches gathered not to re-strategize or re-engage our strategic objectives. Nor, did we gather because we’re losing battles. But, we did retreat. We realize in retreat, that the most effective way our time may be spent is in…building community, harnessing relationship, and realizing that we get to “do life together.” God met us in play…in worship…in meals…in prayer…in laughter and in rest.

I’m excited for all that God is doing in our staff and among our leaders. I am so blessed to be part of such a great family of courageous, servant-hearted staff.

This Sunday, we’ll tackle one of the most courageous and life-altering realities of our present RESET series. I am certain God will do staggering things. It will be a powerful time of reconciliation, restoration, and hope. I’m looking forward to all of what God will do this Sunday.

See you Sunday,

Jeff