There is something powerful about stepping away from the familiar. Church retreats create space to pause, reflect, and hear from God in a way that everyday life often doesn’t allow.
“There is value in bringing our congregation to a place that’s different than what they normally experience. I think God uses those threshold type of experiences where you’re not in your routine to speak to you in a unique way. And what a better place than the beauty of a place like Redwood Christian Park,” says Mark Johnson, lead pastor at Grace Fellowship in Jackson, CA.
Church retreats are not just about getting away. They are about creating intentional moments where God can meet people in fresh and meaningful ways.
Mark’s First Experience at Redwood Christian Park
Mark’s story with Redwood Christian Park began when his wife introduced him to the camp, sharing how deeply it had impacted her life.
Mark had high expectations coming here because of what his wife had told him, and Redwood Christian Park did not disappoint. He says he was so excited to make his own memories there and bring his kids. And after 34 years of being a pastor, he decided that Redwood Christian Park would be the perfect place to take his church for a retreat.
Renewal Through Church Retreats
Over time, Mark has brought his church to many different camps at Redwood Christian Park, experiencing firsthand the value of stepping away.
“I always looked forward to this time here because this is a place where I often heard from the Lord,” says Mark.
Church retreats offer something essential for a congregation. The usual pace of life slows, and time together is no longer rushed or confined to a Sunday morning. Meals stretch longer, conversations go deeper, and moments of worship feel more personal. Instead of rushing from one thing to the next, people linger, listen, and connect. Here, the church isn’t just gathering, it’s being renewed together.
“It provides a unique opportunity for us to be able to do life kind of together outside of a Sunday morning or the brief interactions or our small group opportunities we have on an ongoing basis,” says Mark.
Over the years, through attending church camp, relationships have grown not only within Mark’s church but with families from other churches as well.
“The relationships that are developed, particularly over time at RCP, become significant,” says Mark.
These relationships don’t just stay at camp. They carry back into everyday life, strengthening churches and encouraging continued growth in faith.
Growing in Faith Together
We are all coming to the same camp to grow in our faith.
The mission of Redwood Christian Park is for people to “leave rested, refreshed, and equipped to carry out the calling that God has on their lives,” says Mark as he reflects on all the camps he has been a part of.
This mission reflects the heart behind church retreats. It is not just about time away, but about returning with clarity, strength, and renewed purpose.
Why Church Retreats Matter
Church retreats at Redwood Christian Park create space for something deeper than a typical getaway.
They are a place to:
- Step outside of routine and encounter God in a fresh way
- Be refreshed after seasons of pouring into others
- Build lasting relationships within and beyond your church
- Create meaningful memories with your family and congregation
“From the programming, which is excellent, down to the details of our accommodations, which have always been comfortable and clean, to the food, which has been tasty and healthy, we’ve really enjoyed being a part of RCP,” says Mark.
Learn how you can host your next church retreat here.