Here's a little practical help to get you started on your next retreat.  

Truth #1: You Cannot Choose a Date to Please Everyone

Selecting the date is your greatest challenge! Don't conflict with a holiday or a special church event. Announce it early! The best months for a weekend retreat are September, October, November, January, February, March and April.

Truth #2: Location, Location, Location!

If possible, stay within one hundred miles of your church. The location should have a good reputation and be affordable with comfortable lodging, nice meeting rooms and... great food.

Truth #3: The Speaker is Your Most Important Responsibility

Your speaker will lead your group in developing a stronger walk with the Lord. It is essential her doctrine and beliefs agree with those of your church. Her personality and teaching style should fit the personality of your group.

The internet provides excellent directories listing Christian speakers and their topics. Visit ours too. Most speakers have websites that provide background information and personal faith statements. Do not hesitate to request references.

Once your speaker is selected, communicate your group's needs with her. Some groups prefer a light study, others a more in-depth one.

Speaker fees vary. In addition to any fee, your ministry should cover travel, food, and lodging and any other expenses incurred while traveling (e.g., parking, tips, etc.). A nice touch is to assign someone who will take care of your speaker by providing transportation, water at the podium, room snacks and simply being available for her needs. I call this the "speaker's keeper."

Truth #4: Affordability is an Issue

For some women, the cost determines whether or not they can attend. One solution is to offer full and/or partial scholarships. If there are no extra funds in your women's ministry budget, ask women in your church to contribute to a scholarship fund. Most are willing to give a little extra or provide an entire scholarship for another woman to enjoy a special weekend.

Here are some helpful hints on cutting costs:

• Search for a speaker within driving distance. This will eliminate airfare and possibly even some other expenses depending upon their proximity. 
• Choose the music leader from your church. She will probably be delighted to contribute her talents.
• Host the retreat at your church when money is limited. Remember, there's no place like home! Also, an outdoor venue, while dependent on weather, can be a truly cost effective alternative as well. 

A date, a place, a speaker and some cash flow will get the ball rolling. In Part 2, we'll have a look at promotion, program, leadership and prayer.

Frankie Sherman is a guest columnist for womensministry.net. She is a speaker and comedian and has a ministry called Perfect Timing Ministries. Share your women's ministry articles and ideas with us at WM Get Published!