What Are The Journey Deepens Retreats?
The Journey Deepens retreats are intensive weekends designed to not only link participants with missions coaches and agencies, but to provide sound biblical teaching and guidance in spiritual preparation for missions work. These retreats are sponsored by MissionNext and endorsed by In His Image International and the Perspectives Study Program. TJD retreats are perfect for focusing intently on seeking God while learning more about missions alongside other likeminded individuals. Each retreat consists of times for worship, large group teaching sessions, smaller group times, one-on-one meetings with missionaries and interaction with missions agencies.
Retreats cover topics such as what to do when you think God is calling you into cross-cultural missions, how to deal with student loans, and what’s involved in raising prayer and financial support. The heart of The Journey Deepens retreat is to see individuals deepen their relationship with Jesus and attendance is limited to facilitate personal interaction between individuals, coaches and fellow sojourners with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. If you believe God might be calling you into missions or you’re interested in finding out if the mission field could be in His plans for you, join us for our next Journey Deepens retreat. Visit the Journey Deepens website for more information and to sign up today.
History
John McVay started the Journey Deepens weekend retreats in 2003 as an extension of the regional Heartland MissionsFest Conferences which were held in Oklahoma between 1990 and 2001. Over time it became apparent that conference attendees had a need for more intensive searching and exploration regarding their missions engagements, so McVay developed the Journey Deepens weekend retreats to provide worship, prayer, coaching and interaction on a smaller, more personal and intimate level. The objective is to serve the body of Christ by helping people who are exploring the possibility of missions with their next steps as well as with sending agencies. In June 2008 as more and more people were being mobilized and the demand increased for more retreats in more locations, we realized that continuing this vital ministry would require more work than one person could manage. Thus, the retreats were positioned under the broader umbrella of MissionNext.
Reactions to The Journey Deepens Retreats
“I believe this website and retreat are an important part of what God is doing that we might become more obedient to the challenge of reaching unreached peoples. It is especially encouraging to see a number of churches and organizations relate and work together with other members of the Body of Christ.” —George Verwer, founder of Operation Mobilization
“I am delighted to hear of this initiative to give prospective missionary candidates such an intense weekend. This will be a special time of exposure to mature missionaries and some of the realities of working cross-culturally and help many to have their future role in missions clarified. May God use this vision to impart vision!” —Patrick Johnstone, author of Operation World.
“As I minister throughout the world I am continually meeting people who sense God’s call to missions but are unsure how to proceed. This retreat is a unique opportunity to receive expert information and direction in how to respond to God’s call” —Terry Law, founder of World Compassion