Discipleship Leaders Retreat

This retreat is perfect for anyone who leads or influences discipleship in the church, including:

• Discipleship Pastors & Ministers
• Adult Ministry & Spiritual Formation Leaders
• Christian Education Directors
• Small Group / Sunday School Leaders
• Executive Pastors involved in discipleship strategy
• Anyone committed to making disciples who make disciples

Whether you’re leading a large discipleship ministry or building one from the ground up, you’ll leave encouraged, gain fresh insights, and form partnerships that help you move your ministry forward.

Step away from the day-to-day and invest in your leadership at the Discipleship Leaders Retreat. Through personal interaction with our guest speaker and access to sponsor-provided resources, you’ll gain new insights and actionable strategies. The retreat offers focused learning, peer collaboration, and a chance for renewal, helping you return to your church with fresh vision and renewed energy for disciple-making. The DLR is a place to learn, connect, and leave strengthened—uniquely designed to help discipleship leaders make a lasting impact in their churches.

MONDAY
Session 1: 7:00 – 8:30 PM

• 4 Foundational Imperatives
  • Leadership
  • Expand the Infrastructure
  • Launch New Groups
  • Strengthen Existing Groups
• Expand the Infrastructure
  • When to Expand the Infrastructure
  • The Shepherding Structure 
  • Coaching 
     

TUESDAY
Session 2: 8:30 – 10:10 AM

• Launch New Groups 1
  • The Undeniable Four L’s 
  • Seven Responsibilities of the Group Pastor When Launching New Groups
  • Nine Systems for Starting New Groups
  • When to Start New Groups
  • Resources 

Session 3: 10:30 – 11:30 AM

• Launch New Groups 2 (Group Roles, Onboarding Leaders, Populating the Group)
  • Group Roles
  • Equipping Group Roles
  • Onboarding Group Leaders 
  • Populating the Group

Session 4: 7:00 – 8:20 PM

• Strengthen Existing Groups 1 (Encouraging Group Leaders)
  • One-On-One Meetings with a Coach or Group Leader
  • Group Leader Huddles
  • Group Leader Retreats
  • Ongoing Training
  • About 4-Minute Seminars
     

WEDNESDAY
Session 5: 8:30 – 11:00 AM

• Strengthen Existing Groups 2
  • Add Potential Group Members Strategically
  • Communicate Purposefully
  • Listening, Learning, and Responding
    • Surveys
    • Listening Sessions
  • Multiply Groups Consistently 

Summer’s Mill Retreat & Conference Center offers a variety of accommodations, including private and shared rooms. There’s even an option for spouses who would like to join you. If you live nearby, you can choose the meal-and-conference option and attend without staying on campus.

The scholarship is named after Reggie Bowman, former Minister of Education at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene who passed away in February of 2006. Reggie was a friend to Christian Educators across the state. His enthusiasm and professionalism were trademarks of his dedication to follow Christ and lead people. As discipleship leaders we honor his example and want to encourage new generations of leaders in Christian education through this scholarship.

Meal/Fellowship Sponsor – $650 This premium level offers high visibility and direct engagement:

• 5-minute presentation to the entire group before your sponsored meal or fellowship time.
• Exhibitor space (one table).
• Logo placement in all email blasts and an insert in registration packets.
• Featured recognition with your logo and website on the DLR webpage.
• Meals included: Breakfast and dinners at the retreat (Tuesday lunch on your own).
   

Exhibitor Table Sponsor – $450 Perfect for organizations looking to network and share resources:

• Exhibitor space (one table).
• Logo placement in email blasts and registration packet inserts.
• Featured recognition on the retreat webpage.
• Meals included: Breakfast and dinners at the retreat (Tuesday lunch on your own).
   

Lodging Details
To provide more flexibility, lodging is now handled as a separate add-on during registration. After selecting your sponsorship level, you will be prompted for the following:

• 1st Representative Lodging: $250
• Additional Representatives: $300 each (with lodging) OR $50 each (without lodging).
• Note: If you choose to stay offsite, please select the “No Lodging” option.