Men’s Ministry: 2026 Retreat

April 10-12

It’s that time once again. Time to step away from the noise and get into the mountains.

From Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12, we’re heading back to Montreat Retreat Center in North Carolina for our annual Men’s Retreat.

For years now, Montreat has been for us what the old Celtic Christians called a “thin place.” Not because God is more present there than he is in Knoxville — but because men consistently say, “I didn’t come back to Knoxville the same man.”

This year, Dr. Jim Coffield will join us to help us face a question every man must wrestle with: What are we really longing for?

So many of us try to fill that ache with work, achievement, distraction, screens, or addictions. But what if the desire underneath it all is not something to suppress, but something to redeem?

As C.S. Lewis wrote:

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

In past years, men have found clarity in their calling, courage to fight hidden sin, renewed love for their wives and children, and friendships that have carried them through hard seasons. Others have simply taken a deep breath for the first time in months and come back better able to serve in their families and communities.

Lodging Options

We’ve again created a tiered pricing system so you can choose the experience that best fits you:

Assembly Inn (recently renovated, hotel-style experience)

• Up to 24 single rooms for men who prefer solitude or privacy

• Double rooms with two beds and private baths — perfect to room with a friend

Winsborough Lodge (classic retreat setting across the river)

• Double rooms with private baths

• Large and rustic open gathering spaces (with N64) and a fireplaces built for late-night conversation and camaraderie

Meals covered:

• Breakfast Saturday and Sunday

• Lunch Saturday

• Dinner Saturday night

And yes — Dynamite Coffee Company will be with us both mornings.

This is more than a getaway. It’s a chance to reset your heart, strengthen your soul, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other men who are serious about following Jesus.

We cannot wait to be there with you.

Let’s go to the mountains.