Growing Intimacy with God Retreats
Why This Retreat?
Like a mature tree, faith grows through all seasons.
But even the strongest leaders face:
- Spiritual dryness
- Opposition or burnout
- Disappointment or disconnection
This retreat 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 Retreat For?
“This retreat has been a blessing for me as a pastor. Ministry is often hard and our own souls can grow weary. This retreat helped me to strengthen the soul of my leadership by refocusing on increasing my intimacy with God.”
— Pastor, Niagara Region
Retreat Format | Eight Sessions
Introduction to GIWG
Introduction to the Holy Spirit, group safety, sharing symbols, 3R’s exercise.
My View of God
How has this been impacted by my family relationships during my formative years. Introduction to Lectio Divina.
God Given Core Longings & Needs
Core longings and our dysfunctional responses to unmet longings in 4 categories: medicating the pain, self-protection, self-provision and punishment of self and others. Prayer of repentance.
The Lies We Believe
An introduction to the steps toward healing including life situations, dysfunctional behavioural responses, dealing with emotional upheaval, lies and distortions and wounding in life; assessment of 4 core false beliefs (lies) and scriptural truth.
Focussing on the Truth
Experiential session related to truth(s) God has revealed to participants during the week; Who I am in Christ scriptures.
Grieving Our Losses
Emotions ours and Jesus’; unhealthy and healthy emotional responses; reflection on Jesus’ Garden of Gethsemane experience of lamenting; personal lamenting before God.
Spiritual Temperaments
What they are, why they matter, and experiential related to specific temperaments.
Intimacy With Jesus & Farewell
Experiential communion and reflection on how God has met them during the group; 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.
Need Support?
Whether you are flourishing in your life, ministry and walk with the Lord or are experiencing challenges, we are here to walk with you.
Request Care