Growing Intimacy with God Group

Why This Group?

Like a mature tree, faith grows through all seasons.

But even the strongest leaders face:

Spiritual dryness
Opposition or burnout
Disappointment or disconnection

This group helps you:

Reconnect with your hunger for God
Discover what’s holding you back
Practice rhythms that bring you closer to Jesus

Who is this group for?

Pastors, Christian Ministry Leaders, & Missionaries

Ministry Spouses

Anyone feeling spiritually stuck

Those seeking intimacy and depth with God

“This group has impacted my life greatly! I felt cut off from God. The information presented in a safe, non-judgmental environment helped me to see where that dam was. I highly recommend the retreat weekend, away from all distractions, to grow a deeper intimacy with God.”
— Anonymous

Group Format | Six Sessions

1

Introduction & My View of God

Introduction to Spirit-led process, group safety, sharing symbols & 3R’s centering prayer exercise. My view of God and how that has been impacted by my family relationships during my formative years.

2

God-Given Core Longings & Needs

What are core longings, recognizing our dysfunctional responses to unmet longings and going to God in repentance.

3

The Lies We Believe

Introduction to the steps to healing including, life situations, dysfunctional behavioral responses, dealing with emotional upheaval, lies and distortions and wounding in life; assessment of 4 core false beliefs (lies) and focus on scriptural truth.

4

Focusing on the Truth

Experiential session related to truth(s) God has revealed to participants during their personal reflection time.

5

Grieving Our Losses (Lamenting)

Emotions – ours and Jesus’; unhealthy and healthy emotional responses; reflection on Jesus’ Garden of Gethsemane experience of lamenting; personal lamenting before God.

6

Spiritual Temperaments, Intimacy With Jesus, & Farewell

What are spiritual temperaments? Learn about your spiritual temperament(s) including opportunities to engage in activities related to specific temperaments. Experiential communion and reflection on how God met participants during the retreat. Next steps & group evaluation.

What You’ll Experience

Soul-refreshing spiritual practices
Honest reflection & safe group sharing
Tools for sustaining intimacy
Healing rhythms you can carry into life & ministry

Group Facilitators

Cathy Gates

B.Sc.N., M.A. Strategic Leadership

Cathy brings leadership experience in both the church and a national clergy support network. She is a seasoned small group leader and workshop presenter. Cathy is the founder of Thrive Ministries, a ministry focused on supporting the spiritual vitality of Christian ministry leaders. Cathy brings a heart of compassion, transparency, and humility that creates an environment of safety and Spirit-filled grace for healing. She holds a Certificate of Formational Prayer from Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio.

Dave Dion

Pastor

Dave brings over 25 years as an ordained minister serving as a pastor and assisting within different mission organizations. He has been married for over 40 years to his wife Evelyn. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys reading and travelling. Dave has received training in formational prayer through Healing Care Ministries (USA & Canada). He understands how brokenness can affect the life and leadership of a pastor. His heart is to see pastors and Christian leaders leading from a place of wholeness and deep connection to God.

Sarah Meza

B.A., SSW

Out of the hardships and reconstruction of her identity in Christ, Sarah hopes to create spaces where people can experience intimacy with God, experience healing in Jesus’ presence, and live a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. She has a degree in Peace & Conflict Studies, a diploma in Social Service Work, and has completed Formational Prayer I & II through Healing Care Canada. She is currently enrolled with Wilfred Laurier University to complete the Trauma Certificate program.