H7 Story: Men's Retreat Recap
Around 70 men gathered at Longview Ranch for this year’s Men’s Retreat, enjoying a weekend away to grow in God’s Word, strengthen friendships, and be challenged to live as men of God in every sphere of influence.
Throughout the weekend, the men learned, laughed, competed, and served alongside one another. The retreat featured plenty of memorable activities, including shooting, axe throwing, log-sawing competitions, paintball, and other outdoor challenges. And, of course, no Men’s Retreat would be complete without great food. Saturday night was a highlight for many, as the men enjoyed generous platters loaded with a variety of smoked meats.
More than just a weekend of fun, the Men’s Retreat provided an opportunity for men from across FCC to step away from the demands of everyday life, be encouraged by God’s Word, and grow alongside other men seeking to faithfully follow Jesus at home, at work, in the church, and in the community.
Throughout the weekend, the men learned, laughed, competed, and served alongside one another. The retreat featured plenty of memorable activities, including shooting, axe throwing, log-sawing competitions, paintball, and other outdoor challenges. And, of course, no Men’s Retreat would be complete without great food. Saturday night was a highlight for many, as the men enjoyed generous platters loaded with a variety of smoked meats.
More than just a weekend of fun, the Men’s Retreat provided an opportunity for men from across FCC to step away from the demands of everyday life, be encouraged by God’s Word, and grow alongside other men seeking to faithfully follow Jesus at home, at work, in the church, and in the community.
Fourteen-year-old Grant Radank attended the retreat with his dad, Bob. “The Men’s Retreat was full of activities and learning,” Grant said. “I loved being there with my dad, shooting him with paintballs, chopping wood together during the lumberjack challenge, and growing in our faith during the session times.”
Grant also shared, “The food was incredible, especially the meat platter on the last day. The sessions were great, and I learned more about who God is and what we, as men, are called to do.”
Grant also shared, “The food was incredible, especially the meat platter on the last day. The sessions were great, and I learned more about who God is and what we, as men, are called to do.”
Brayden Gebauer, a regular in the Pillar community, also attended. “The paintball and lumberjack competitions were extremely competitive, which made them even more fun,” he said. “They gave us the chance to work together as a team while building new friendships and strengthening existing ones.”
For Brayden, however, the greatest impact came through the relationships. “One of the most meaningful parts of the retreat was spending time with other godly men who genuinely love and fear the Lord,” he shared. “One of the many ways God used this retreat was by reminding me of the importance of pointing my actions, thoughts, and words toward sharing Christ.”
Brayden also reflected on a quote from Travis Chapman’s message that particularly challenged him:
“Maturity is when love for Christ and concern for those in your sphere of influence lead you to voluntarily lay it all down. A godly man does not demand rights or service. He asks, ‘What most helps my wife, children, coworkers, church, and those around me see Christ clearly?’”
— Travis Chapman, I Have Made Myself a Servant to All (1 Corinthians 9:1–27)
As the weekend came to a close, the men returned home encouraged, challenged, and better equipped to lead with humility, serve sacrificially, and make Christ known in every area of life.
For Brayden, however, the greatest impact came through the relationships. “One of the most meaningful parts of the retreat was spending time with other godly men who genuinely love and fear the Lord,” he shared. “One of the many ways God used this retreat was by reminding me of the importance of pointing my actions, thoughts, and words toward sharing Christ.”
Brayden also reflected on a quote from Travis Chapman’s message that particularly challenged him:
“Maturity is when love for Christ and concern for those in your sphere of influence lead you to voluntarily lay it all down. A godly man does not demand rights or service. He asks, ‘What most helps my wife, children, coworkers, church, and those around me see Christ clearly?’”
— Travis Chapman, I Have Made Myself a Servant to All (1 Corinthians 9:1–27)
As the weekend came to a close, the men returned home encouraged, challenged, and better equipped to lead with humility, serve sacrificially, and make Christ known in every area of life.
As the weekend came to a close, the men returned home encouraged, challenged, and better equipped to lead with humility, serve sacrificially, and make Christ known in every area of life.
Posted in Tell the Story