H7 Story: Becoming Pillars Retreat Recap
Becoming Pillars Retreat 2026
The Becoming Pillars Retreat is an annual getaway for our young adults with one central goal: to encourage and equip them to be the Church.
In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul describes the church of the living God as "the pillar and support of the truth." We desire to see our young adults embrace this calling, recognizing that as they are rooted in the local church, they can flourish in the mission God has given them.
Each year, our retreat centers around a passage of Scripture, explored through main teaching sessions and practical breakout group discussions. Alongside these times in God's Word, we intentionally make space for recreation, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences that build friendships designed to last a lifetime.
Continue in What You Have Learned
This year's theme came from 2 Timothy 3–4: "Continue in What You Have Learned."
This message is especially relevant for young adults living in a consumer-driven culture that constantly promotes the next new thing while opposing the truth (2 Timothy 3:8). Paul instead calls believers to continue in the foundational truths of the gospel they have already received (3:14–15).
Because all Scripture is God-breathed (3:16), it is fully sufficient to equip God's people for every good work (3:17). As they fulfill the ministry God has entrusted to them (4:5), they are called to faithfully preach the Word (4:2), endure suffering (4:5–6), and eagerly await Christ's return (4:8).
Our prayer for this retreat was to help build young adults who are firmly planted in the truth of God's Word—who continue in it, are shaped by it, and faithfully proclaim it even in the face of opposition.
Reflections from Participants
"I am so grateful I came to Becoming Pillars. Over the past few days, I have seen where our Father has helped me grow through personal struggles and reminded me of areas where I still need His help. My favorite parts were crate climbing, dancing, meeting new friends, early-morning talks with my girls, and the late nights filled with unforgettable conversations. I move away from home this fall, and it is such an encouragement to know I have a community like this to come back to." –Ella Adams
"This retreat impacted me more than I expected. God used this weekend to remind me that healing doesn't always happen in big moments—it happens through laughter, worship, conversations, serving together, and being loved by His people. Some of my favorite memories were river tubing, trying the gun range for the first time, and simply spending time with such an amazing church family. "I felt such peace at Long View and was reminded that I don't have to hide who I am or worry about being enough. I left with a full heart, grateful for the memories, the friendships, and the reminder that God is still writing beautiful stories. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." — 2 Corinthians 3:17 – Ally Loveless
"Y'all, I'm so thankful for my brothers and sisters here. Coming from Alabama has always been exciting, but each year I leave fulfilled in ways that go far beyond friendship. Yes, we had fun. Yes, we had adventures and made new memories. But when Christ is at the center, all of those things are magnified in such a beautiful way that they make me even more excited for heaven.
"My favorite part was our breakout group discussions and hearing everyone's thoughts and prayers after the Word was preached. It's such a healthy way to cultivate accountability within the Body of Christ and to help God's truth take deeper root in our hearts. I don't get enough of that in my community back home, so I treasure it every time I'm here.
"I'm still working on memorizing 2 Timothy 3:14–15, but it has already become a grounding passage for me. My college minister used to pray, 'Let this Word comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.' I believe my heart was 'afflicted' in the best possible way this weekend. I'm praising the Lord for fresh motivation through His gospel. Thank you all for being my home away from home—a strong body of believers I get to walk alongside." –Hannah Arnold
"David generously invited me to this retreat, and I can't express how thankful I am. God used his invitation because this weekend was exactly what I needed. I had been struggling with some health issues leading up to the retreat and was afraid I wouldn't even be able to come. "Even though I found myself becoming bitter and discouraged, God lovingly drew me back to Himself. The personal time with Him was such a gift—spending time in His Word in such a beautiful place, surrounded by people who shared a passion for Christ.
"During my quiet time I read Judges 7:1–18, where Gideon prepares to face the Midianites with a drastically reduced army. I was struck by Gideon's trust in God despite impossible circumstances. It reminded me to trust the Lord even when everything feels hopeless. All glory be to Christ!" –Ellie Schubert
"Before the retreat I had been struggling in my faith. I hadn't prayed, read my Bible, or worked on Re:Gen for several weeks. Taking time to sit in God's creation, talk with Him, and spend time with so many people who genuinely love and fear the Lord refreshed my soul and drew me closer to Him. Thank you, everyone—and don't forget the aloe for those sunburns!" –Charis Rietveld
"The retreat provided a wonderful opportunity to step away from work and focus on God alongside other young adults. I enjoyed reflecting on God's creation while spending time outdoors, serving with others, participating in activities like tubing, making s'mores around the fire, barn dancing, and worshiping together.
"God especially impressed on me the importance of continuing in what we have learned from Scripture, which was timely as I prepare for the upcoming school year. I left the retreat feeling refreshed, encouraged, and ready for the year ahead." –Kevin Watson
The Becoming Pillars Retreat is an annual getaway for our young adults with one central goal: to encourage and equip them to be the Church.
In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul describes the church of the living God as "the pillar and support of the truth." We desire to see our young adults embrace this calling, recognizing that as they are rooted in the local church, they can flourish in the mission God has given them.
Each year, our retreat centers around a passage of Scripture, explored through main teaching sessions and practical breakout group discussions. Alongside these times in God's Word, we intentionally make space for recreation, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences that build friendships designed to last a lifetime.
Continue in What You Have Learned
This year's theme came from 2 Timothy 3–4: "Continue in What You Have Learned."
This message is especially relevant for young adults living in a consumer-driven culture that constantly promotes the next new thing while opposing the truth (2 Timothy 3:8). Paul instead calls believers to continue in the foundational truths of the gospel they have already received (3:14–15).
Because all Scripture is God-breathed (3:16), it is fully sufficient to equip God's people for every good work (3:17). As they fulfill the ministry God has entrusted to them (4:5), they are called to faithfully preach the Word (4:2), endure suffering (4:5–6), and eagerly await Christ's return (4:8).
Our prayer for this retreat was to help build young adults who are firmly planted in the truth of God's Word—who continue in it, are shaped by it, and faithfully proclaim it even in the face of opposition.
Reflections from Participants
"I am so grateful I came to Becoming Pillars. Over the past few days, I have seen where our Father has helped me grow through personal struggles and reminded me of areas where I still need His help. My favorite parts were crate climbing, dancing, meeting new friends, early-morning talks with my girls, and the late nights filled with unforgettable conversations. I move away from home this fall, and it is such an encouragement to know I have a community like this to come back to." –Ella Adams
"This retreat impacted me more than I expected. God used this weekend to remind me that healing doesn't always happen in big moments—it happens through laughter, worship, conversations, serving together, and being loved by His people. Some of my favorite memories were river tubing, trying the gun range for the first time, and simply spending time with such an amazing church family. "I felt such peace at Long View and was reminded that I don't have to hide who I am or worry about being enough. I left with a full heart, grateful for the memories, the friendships, and the reminder that God is still writing beautiful stories. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." — 2 Corinthians 3:17 – Ally Loveless
"Y'all, I'm so thankful for my brothers and sisters here. Coming from Alabama has always been exciting, but each year I leave fulfilled in ways that go far beyond friendship. Yes, we had fun. Yes, we had adventures and made new memories. But when Christ is at the center, all of those things are magnified in such a beautiful way that they make me even more excited for heaven.
"My favorite part was our breakout group discussions and hearing everyone's thoughts and prayers after the Word was preached. It's such a healthy way to cultivate accountability within the Body of Christ and to help God's truth take deeper root in our hearts. I don't get enough of that in my community back home, so I treasure it every time I'm here.
"I'm still working on memorizing 2 Timothy 3:14–15, but it has already become a grounding passage for me. My college minister used to pray, 'Let this Word comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.' I believe my heart was 'afflicted' in the best possible way this weekend. I'm praising the Lord for fresh motivation through His gospel. Thank you all for being my home away from home—a strong body of believers I get to walk alongside." –Hannah Arnold
"David generously invited me to this retreat, and I can't express how thankful I am. God used his invitation because this weekend was exactly what I needed. I had been struggling with some health issues leading up to the retreat and was afraid I wouldn't even be able to come. "Even though I found myself becoming bitter and discouraged, God lovingly drew me back to Himself. The personal time with Him was such a gift—spending time in His Word in such a beautiful place, surrounded by people who shared a passion for Christ.
"During my quiet time I read Judges 7:1–18, where Gideon prepares to face the Midianites with a drastically reduced army. I was struck by Gideon's trust in God despite impossible circumstances. It reminded me to trust the Lord even when everything feels hopeless. All glory be to Christ!" –Ellie Schubert
"Before the retreat I had been struggling in my faith. I hadn't prayed, read my Bible, or worked on Re:Gen for several weeks. Taking time to sit in God's creation, talk with Him, and spend time with so many people who genuinely love and fear the Lord refreshed my soul and drew me closer to Him. Thank you, everyone—and don't forget the aloe for those sunburns!" –Charis Rietveld
"The retreat provided a wonderful opportunity to step away from work and focus on God alongside other young adults. I enjoyed reflecting on God's creation while spending time outdoors, serving with others, participating in activities like tubing, making s'mores around the fire, barn dancing, and worshiping together.
"God especially impressed on me the importance of continuing in what we have learned from Scripture, which was timely as I prepare for the upcoming school year. I left the retreat feeling refreshed, encouraged, and ready for the year ahead." –Kevin Watson