Like a mature tree, the Christian faith endures many seasons.
A tree planted beside an ever-flowing water source perseveres through droughts and continues to flourish, producing fruit in every season.
Like this solid tree planted beside the water, we often long for a flourishing relationship with the Lord. In reality, we often experience seasons of hardship, opposition, or disappointment that can lead to an inconsistent spiritual life.
Whether you feel you’re in a beautiful rhythm with the Lord or need encouragement, GIWG retreat is designed for you.
We will unpack barriers that impede and explore practices that sustain intimacy with Jesus even amidst the difficulties in life and ministry. Some of the topics explored include God-given core longings, false values we believe in, unprocessed grief and spiritual temperaments that are unique to growing our relationship with Him. We will engage in spiritual practices that draw us into a more intimate and healing walk with Jesus.
If you have participated in an Unfinished Business group this material will provide a meaningful, in-depth review to continue your healing journey. Or, if you’ve been curious to know what an Unfinished Business group is like, this experience will provide you with an opportunity to learn and practice the main elements of this healing group.
Ready to grow?
Provide us with your name, email, and a brief message letting us know your interest in joining a GIWG retreat, and a member from the Thrive Team will be in touch soon.
Session Topics
Session One | Introduction to GIWG
Introduction to the Holy Spirit, group safety, sharing symbols, 3R’s exercise
Session Two | My View of God
How has this been impacted by my family relationships during my formative years. Introduction to Lectio Divina
Session Three | God Given Core Longings & Needs
Core longings and our dysfunctional responses to unmet longings in 4 categories: medicating the pain, self-protection, self-provision and punishment of self and others. prayer of repentance
Session Four | The Lies We Believe
An introduction to the steps toward healing including life situations, dysfunctional behavioural responses, dealing with emotional upheaval, lies and distortions and wounding in life; assessment of 4 core false beliefs (lies) and scriptural truth
Session Five | Focusing on the Truth
Experiential session related to truth(s) God has revealed to participants during the week; Who I am in Christ scriptures
Session Six | Grieving Our Losses
Emotions ours and Jesus’; unhealthy and healthy emotional responses; reflection on Jesus’ Garden of Gethsemane experience of lamenting; personal lamenting before God (homework).
Session Seven | Spiritual Temperaments
What they are, why the matter, and experiential related to specific temperaments
Session Eight | Intimacy With Jesus & Farewell
Experiential communion and reflection on how God has met them during the group; next steps & group evaluation.
Group Facilitators:
Cathy Gates
B.Sc.N., M.A. Strategic Leadership
Cathy brings leadership experience in both the church and a national clergy support network. She is a seasoned small group leader and workshop presenter. Cathy is the founder of Thrive Ministries, a ministry focused on supporting the spiritual vitality of Christian ministry leaders. Cathy brings a heart of compassion, transparency, and humility that creates an environment of safety and Spirit-filled grace for healing. She holds a Certificate of Formational Prayer from Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio.
Dave Dion
Pastor
Dave brings over 25 years as an ordained minister serving as a pastor and assisting within different mission organizations. He has been married for over 40 years to his wife Evelyn. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys reading and travelling. Dave has received training in formational prayer through Healing Care Ministries (USA & Canada) He understands how brokenness can affect the life and leadership of a pastor. His heart is to see pastors and Christian leaders leading from a place of wholeness and deep connection to God.
Sarah Meza
B.A., SSW - Ministry to Missionaries (Honduras)
Out of the hardships and reconstruction of her identity in Christ, Sarah hopes to create spaces where missionaries, ministry people, and Honduran women can experience intimacy with God, experience healing in Jesus’ presence, and live a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. She has a degree in Peace & Conflict Studies, a diploma in Social Service Work, and has completed Formational Prayer I & II through Healing Care Canada. She is currently enrolled with Wilfred Laurier University to complete the Trauma Certificate program.
GROWING INTIMACY
With God Retreat
Like a mature tree, the Christian faith endures many seasons.
A tree planted beside an ever-flowing water source perseveres through droughts and continues to flourish, producing fruit in every season.
Like this solid tree planted beside the water, we often long for a flourishing relationship with the Lord. In reality, we often experience seasons of hardship, opposition, or disappointment that can lead to an inconsistent spiritual life.
Whether you feel you’re in a beautiful rhythm with the Lord or need encouragement, GIWG retreat is designed for you.
We will unpack barriers that impede and explore practices that sustain intimacy with Jesus even amidst the difficulties in life and ministry. Some of the topics explored include God-given core longings, false values we believe in, unprocessed grief and spiritual temperaments that are unique to growing our relationship with Him. We will engage in spiritual practices that draw us into a more intimate and healing walk with Jesus.
If you have participated in an Unfinished Business group this material will provide a meaningful, in-depth review to continue your healing journey. Or, if you’ve been curious to know what an Unfinished Business group is like, this experience will provide you with an opportunity to learn and practice the main elements of this healing group.
Ready to grow?
Provide us with your name, email, and a brief message letting us know your interest in joining a GIWG retreat, and a member from the Thrive Team will be in touch soon.
Session Topics
Session One | Introduction to GIWG
Introduction to the Holy Spirit, group safety, sharing symbols, 3R’s exercise
Session Two | My View of God
How has this been impacted by my family relationships during my formative years. Introduction to Lectio Divina
Session Three | God Given Core Longings & Needs
Core longings and our dysfunctional responses to unmet longings in 4 categories: medicating the pain, self-protection, self-provision and punishment of self and others. prayer of repentance
Session Four | The Lies We Believe
An introduction to the steps toward healing including life situations, dysfunctional behavioural responses, dealing with emotional upheaval, lies and distortions and wounding in life; assessment of 4 core false beliefs (lies) and scriptural truth
Session Five | Focusing on the Truth
Experiential session related to truth(s) God has revealed to participants during the week; Who I am in Christ scriptures
Session Six | Grieving Our Losses
Emotions ours and Jesus’; unhealthy and healthy emotional responses; reflection on Jesus’ Garden of Gethsemane experience of lamenting; personal lamenting before God (homework).
Session Seven | Spiritual Temperaments
What they are, why the matter, and experiential related to specific temperaments
Session Eight | Intimacy With Jesus & Farewell
Experiential communion and reflection on how God has met them during the group; next steps & group evaluation.
Group Facilitators:
Cathy Gates
B.Sc.N., M.A. Strategic Leadership
Cathy brings leadership experience in both the church and a national clergy support network. She is a seasoned small group leader and workshop presenter. Cathy is the founder of Thrive Ministries, a ministry focused on supporting the spiritual vitality of Christian ministry leaders. Cathy brings a heart of compassion, transparency, and humility that creates an environment of safety and Spirit-filled grace for healing. She holds a Certificate of Formational Prayer from Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio.
Dave Dion
Pastor
Dave brings over 25 years as an ordained minister serving as a pastor and assisting within different mission organizations. He has been married for over 40 years to his wife Evelyn. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys reading and travelling. Dave has received training in formational prayer through Healing Care Ministries (USA & Canada) He understands how brokenness can affect the life and leadership of a pastor. His heart is to see pastors and Christian leaders leading from a place of wholeness and deep connection to God.
Sarah Meza
B.A., SSW - Ministry to Missionaries (Honduras)
Out of the hardships and reconstruction of her identity in Christ, Sarah hopes to create spaces where missionaries, ministry people, and Honduran women can experience intimacy with God, experience healing in Jesus’ presence, and live a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. She has a degree in Peace & Conflict Studies, a diploma in Social Service Work, and has completed Formational Prayer I & II through Healing Care Canada. She is currently enrolled with Wilfred Laurier University to complete the Trauma Certificate program.
Still unsure?