Living the Miracle
February 14-15, 2025
Tauranga, New Zealand
Ministries of Pastoral Care Retreat
Living the Miracle
God’s plan and desire is that His love would flow freely through our lives, completing us and overflowing to others.
As much as we strive to live in this flow, barriers to His love can build up in our hearts. We might sense that we’re being held back, but on our own we can’t clearly see what the barrier is or find a way to remove it. Praise God, He has not left us on our own.
Through His cross and shed blood, Jesus brought something purely divine and radically new into this world – forgiveness! His miraculous gift enables us to
Accept ourselves as God accepts us, leaving self-hatred behind.
Embrace His forgiveness and gladly wear Christ’s righteousness as our own.
Forgive those whose sins have hurt, harmed, and hindered us.
We often need help from Christ’s Body to receive His gift. Through worship, teaching, and prayer this retreat will offer that help, and equip us to share the miracle with others.
Who should attend
All seekers of the kingdom of God are encouraged to attend. Those who struggle with roadblocks in following Jesus will find real help. Ministers and lay leaders from all denominations, and those in caregiving roles and professions, will be equipped to help others live as forgiven and forgiving people.
Retreat format
9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday, February 14 & 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday, February 15.
We’ll enjoy
Worship singing that lifts hearts to adore our glorious God
Scripture-infused teachings that shine God’s light into our souls and relationships
Warm fellowship over tea breaks and meals
Personal stories and testimonies that bring the gospel to life
Space for quiet listening-reflection
Spirit-led corporate and personal prayer ministry
We count it a privilege to stand with you in prayer, listening together for God’s redeeming, healing, and creative word, and supporting you as you respond with life-changing decisions to trust and follow Him.
Retreat preparation
We encourage all participants to read Restoring the Christian Soul or The Healing Presence by Leanne Payne as preparation for the retreat. The Baker Books print edition is available from amazon.com, christianbook.com, and bakerpublishinggroup.com, and the audio book is available from audible.com and audiobooks.com.
How to register
The information you share through our online registration helps us prepare to serve you at the retreat. All information you share with us is confidential. We will receive your registration prayerfully, and are able to accommodate most registrants.
We anticipate that this retreat will reach full capacity, so early registration is encouraged in order to secure your spot. MPC reserves the right to decline any registration.
[We will email you a confirmation of your registration to attend this retreat. Please do not make non-refundable reservations until you have received this confirmation from us.]
About Ministries of Pastoral Care
We build up the Church through the cross of Christ by helping his followers reach maturity in him. Our work is inspired by the writings and ministry of Leanne Payne. Our team is led by Sarah Colyn, a seminary-trained psychologist with a passion for the gospel. This retreat will be staffed by a team of worshippers, speakers, and prayer ministers who are seasoned witnesses to Christ’s power to remove barriers and set His people free.
“Once Christ abides within, one with our spirits, then His life can radiate throughout our souls. As His light encounters dark places of unforgiveness and woundedness within us, healing can take place.”
Retreat location
Bethlehem Baptist Church
90 Bethlehem Road
Bethlehem, Tauranga 3110
Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Travel to Tauranga
For attendees traveling from out of town, we recommend The Tauranga on the Waterfront. You may inquire about special room rates by calling the hotel at +64 7 578 7079 or emailing stay@thetauranga.co.nz. Reference “Ministries of Pastoral Care” for the special rate.
If you are traveling to Tauranga by air, we recommend flying into [airport name].
Meals
Our retreat will include fellowship over meals. The registration fee covers lunch both days and dinner on Friday only. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options can be selected when you register.
Registration fee
The retreat fee of [$xxx] covers all retreat sessions, materials, and meals. The fee is due at time of registration.
Scholarships
If the registration fee is prohibitive in your circumstances, you may request a partial scholarship. Partial scholarships are limited and thus awarded based on need and availability of donated funds. We recommend you seek support from your local church or fellowship group to help sponsor your fee before applying. A scholarship application is available upon request to those who’ve registered for the retreat.
Registration deadline
Registrations will be received through February 3, 2025.
We are not able to accommodate walk-in registrations.
Accessibility
Bethlehem Baptist Church is on one level and generally accessible to all.
Cancellation and refund policy
Up to February 3, 2025, a $100 administrative fee will be retained.
After Februrary 3, 2025: No refund
Written requests for cancellation must be emailed to our registrar.
QUESTIONS? Write to Wendy, our retreat registrar at registrar@ministriesofpastoralcare.com.