A church weekend away gives your church family time to pause, grow closer to God, and enjoy one another’s company away from the rush of everyday life.
Sundays are a gift, but they can be busy. A weekend away creates space to go deeper. Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” That’s often what people remember most: not just the sessions, but the laughter, the meals, and the late-night conversations with close friends.
Here are a few simple things to think about when planning your church weekend away.
Start with the purpose
Before booking anything, ask what you want the weekend to do in the life of your church. Is it a time for teaching, worship, prayer, rest, encouragement, or vision? Are you hoping to bring leaders together, welcome newer people, or prepare for a new season?
A clear purpose will help shape the theme, programme, speakers, children’s work, and pace of the weekend.
Choose a venue that serves your purpose
A church weekend away needs more than bedrooms and meals. It needs space for worship, time for Bible teaching, quiet spaces for prayer, extra rooms for children’s work & youth sessions, and comfy lounges for relaxed conversations & rest.
The Hayes Conference Centre in Derbyshire.
When comparing venues, ask:
- Is there a main space for worship and teaching?
- Are there rooms for children, youth, prayer, and breakout groups?
- Is the accommodation suitable for singles, couples, and families?
- Are meals, refreshments, Wi-Fi, AV, and meeting rooms included?
- Is the venue used to welcoming churches and Christian groups?
Highgate House Conference Centre in Northamptonshire.
At Christian Conference Trust, our venues are exclusively for Christian groups. We've served millions of Christians at our centres since our beginning in 1910. The Hayes, High Leigh, and Highgate House are set up to serve the Church with warm Christian hospitality.
High Leigh Conference Centre in Hertfordshire.
Keep the programme simple
It can be tempting to fill every hour, but a good church weekend away needs breathing space. A simple rhythm might include arrival and worship on Friday evening, Bible teaching and group time on Saturday morning, free time on Saturday afternoon, worship or testimonies in the evening, and a final gathering on Sunday before lunch.
Leave room for conversation, prayer, walks, rest, and shared meals. Often, the moments people treasure most happen around the table, over coffee, or during an unhurried conversation.
Think clearly about cost
Cost matters, so it helps to understand the full picture early. Rather than only looking at the headline price, check what’s included. Some venues charge separately for meeting rooms, refreshments, AV, Wi-Fi, bedding, or catering.
At Christian Conference Trust, accommodation, meals, meeting rooms, AV equipment, Wi-Fi, and unlimited tea & coffee are included, with no hidden charges and no single occupancy supplements. For church family retreats, children aged 5 and under can stay free, and 6 to 16 year olds receive very competitive reduced rates, subject to terms.
It's all included in one price!
Communicate well
Good communication helps people arrive relaxed and ready. Share the dates, arrival times, venue address, cost, what is included, what to bring, children’s arrangements, dietary forms, accessibility information, and a simple outline of the programme with your guests ahead of time. A successful conference starts with everyone knowing what’s happening and where to go!
Planning a church weekend away?
At Christian Conference Trust, we’d would love to help your church. Whether you are planning a whole church weekend, leader’s retreat, or men’s or women’s conference, our teams at The Hayes, High Leigh, and Highgate House are here to serve you with warmth, care, and practical support.
To talk through your next church weekend away, call 0300 111 4444 to speak to our friendly team or simply click the “Get a quote” button below.
FAQs
What is a church weekend away?
A church weekend away is a residential gathering where a church spends time together for worship, Bible teaching, prayer, fellowship, rest, and shared meals.
What should a church weekend away include?
Most church weekends include worship, teaching, prayer, children’s and youth ministry, shared meals, free time, and fellowship.
How do we choose the right venue?
Look for worship space, comfortable accommodation, good catering, breakout rooms, clear pricing, helpful staff, and experience hosting Christian groups.
How far in advance should we plan a church weekend away?
For larger churches, it is wise to begin planning 12 to 18 months ahead, especially if you need specific dates, family rooms, multiple meeting spaces, or exclusive use. Smaller groups may have more flexibility, but early planning always helps.
How much does a church weekend away cost?
The cost depends on the venue, length of stay, group size, and group size. A clear all-inclusive price can make planning easier and help avoid unexpected extras.
How do we choose the right church retreat venue?
Choose a venue that supports the practical needs of your church. Look for worship space, breakout rooms, suitable accommodation, good catering, clear pricing, and a team that understands Christian gatherings.
Is a church weekend away suitable for children and young people?
Yes, a church weekend away can be a wonderful opportunity for children and young people to grow in faith and friendship. Plan age-appropriate teaching, safeguarding, and moments where the whole church family can worship together.
