A few weeks ago 24 guys headed off into the Highlands for 24 hours together as part of TCF’s first Men’s Retreat. We had bunk beds, Bible studies, and Balmoral Chicken and it was a fantastic time away. 

 

Finishing work and heading north we met and began with some time just settling in and relaxing before Stephen Dawson, our speaker from Woking, began our first session on 1 Peter. Our first session began with Looking Up, (1Peter 1:3–9) celebrating together what Christ has done for us and that through Him we have been born into a living hope that we can enjoy. 

 

With the aim of the weekend being an opportunity for guys to grow in their faith, friendships, and fellowship this first time away was great for that. The majority of the guys had been at the church for less than two years and were looking for ways to connect with other guys, grow in their friendships, and be encouraged in their faith and this dedicated time felt ideal for that. We ended the night with a great meal before playing some games together in the lounge and heading outside to be around the fire pit. Marshmallows were cooked and stories were told, before the end of a great first night at the Men’s Retreat. 

 

After some of us slept and some of us had some disturbed rest, we enjoyed our second session in first Peter. We were Looking In, (1 Peter 1:13–25)

considering what it means to cultivate holy and sober lives examining are in our lives, the ways we think, coming before a holy God and the concept of Biblical manhood. There was some time for small groups, questions, and an opportunity to pray for one another. It was great to share our hearts with one another and to see how the Lord was at work. After this, we took the opportunity to walk across the hills for an hour, to continue conversations, and to get some fresh air. The Lord blessed this with some great weather before we headed in for sandwiches before our final session. 

 

To conclude the Retreat we were Looking Out (1 Peter 5:6–11), and what it looks like as Christians to stand together as brothers, resist the enemy, and strengthening one another for everyday life. It was encouraging how the guys through themselves into the time together, bonded quickly and made new friends. Pray for the Men of TCF that in life they would seek to live alongside the guys God has placed them with in this season, and that they would point them and others to Christ.