Women's Retreats- Ugh

There are two words in the English language that I like and identify with- women and retreats. But when placed side by side and turned into the oft-dreaded experience of women's retreat, I begin to shudder. I'm not against women (obviously), and I'm not against retreating (though as a Southerner I prefer an advance, but that might sound cheesy). And I'm not against the concept of retreating with other women. I'm just against stereotypes and generalizations.

Let me back up. I'm becoming more and more convinced that my job is primarily about creating environments where connections and conversations can happen that lead to discipleship.

For a couple of years, Steph Modder and I have kicked around the idea of doing a women's retreat. In the beginning, I was motivated by a desire to create a women's retreat experience that would be loved by women who don't really like women's retreats. Hey- I love challenges. But I stopped the planning because I realized I needed a better primary motivation than that.

Now, I'm thinking that creating an environment for the women of NCC to connect might be something that is beneficial. Steph and I have timorously resurrected that conversation, and I'm just thinking out loud...wondering if it's worth pursuing...imagining what it would look like...ideas are welcomed...