RRC Retreat Notes

Welcome and Introduction

The event commenced with Sherwin Soriano as the emcee. He expressed his excitement about gathering and encouraged participants to praise God for the chance to rest amidst their busy schedules. Sherwin prompted attendees to greet not just their neighbors but also those participating online, reminding everyone of the blessings of community, rest, and fellowship during this retreat.

Emphasis on Rest and Community

Sherwin emphasized the importance of taking a break and the need for Graduate Development Group (GDG) moments that foster love, patience, and grace towards each other—friends, partners, and community members. He encouraged everyone to enjoy this time together and interact actively, stressing the significance of creating lasting memories.

Activities and Engagement

To energize the atmosphere, Sherwin initiated an action song. He involved his wife in leading the song, ensuring everyone participated and enjoyed the moment. Laughter and camaraderie marked this part of the event, reflecting the retreat’s focus on community building and fun. After the song, Sherwin invited Grace Standard, the designated welcomer of the retreat, to take over.

Purpose of the Retreat

Grace welcomed attendees to the three-day retreat at Rizal Recreation Center. She highlighted that this event is an opportunity to step away from daily routines and commitments, particularly for those engaged in ministry or studies. She encouraged participants to disconnect from assignments and instead embrace the chance for refreshment and spiritual growth that the plenary sessions will provide. This retreat aims to create meaningful experiences with family and peers and develop community bonds.

Recognitions

Grace also took a moment to recognize various groups in attendance, including first-time attendees, graduating students, faculty, and administrative staff. This recognition aimed to foster inclusivity, ensuring that everyone felt acknowledged during this significant gathering. She shared statistics about the retreat, noting 301 registrants, underscoring the diversity and scale of the involvement.

Spiritual Framework and Worship

As part of the program, an emphasis was placed on worship. Attendees stood to engage in praise and worship songs, reinforcing a spiritual environment focused on connection with God. The songs highlighted themes of unity as a church body and love for one another, which aligns with the retreat's purpose of community building.

Reflections on Jesus' Mission

The speaker, Dr. Jim Welchel, was introduced as a long-time missionary and influential figure. He began his session by discussing the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, emphasizing the relevance of these teachings to today's believers. Dr. Welchel urged participants to reflect on their calling and how it aligns with the mission to make disciples of all nations.

Focus on God's Call

Dr. Welchel addressed the importance of understanding our divine purpose and the Great Commission's role in each individual's calling. He reminded those present that their journey at the institute was not merely academic but part of God’s preparation for future ministry work. Refreshed purpose leads individuals back to the field—where ministry often extends beyond educational pursuits.

Engaging with the Great Commission

Delving deeper into the Great Commission's elements, Dr. Welchel discussed the necessity of making disciples, the scope of reaching all nations, the process involved in teaching and baptizing believers, and the promise of God's presence. Each area was unpacked to make clear the practical implications for attendees’ ministries and encouragement on fulfilling this divine calling.

Making Disciples

Dr. Welchel emphasized that making disciples involves more than mere teaching; it requires building deep relationships, sharing lives, and modeling Christlike behaviors. He challenged participants to consider their roles in discipleship, stressing that this is a lifelong commitment beyond the confines of classroom learning.

The Scope of Outreach

He elaborated on the call to reach not just familiar communities (like Jerusalem) but also to extend to nearby cultures (like Judea and Samaria) and eventually to the ends of the earth. This drive to reach diverse groups reinforces the urgency of sharing the Gospel in various settings, thus highlighting the need for cross-cultural mission work.

The Process of Baptism and Teaching

Discussing the process involved—baptizing and teaching—Dr. Welchel noted that it signifies a public declaration of faith and obedience to God's commandments. He urged the community to focus on teaching new disciples to do the same, perpetuating a cycle of growth and evangelism across generations.

Conclusion and Call to Action

As the session concluded, Dr. Welchel encouraged everyone to assess their commitment to God’s purpose, challenging them to move beyond academic requirements and engage actively in discipleship. He shared anecdotes of his ministry journey and reminded participants of the exceptional promise Jesus made: His presence will accompany those who commit to making disciples. Participants were invited to reflect on their mission, consider their roles, and ultimately be part of God’s great movement of disciple-making.

Group Discussions

The session wrapped up with instructions for group discussions, emphasizing the importance of sharing thoughts on calling, the Great Commission's impact in their lives, and ways to deepen commitment to these values during their time at IGSL and beyond.