High School Retreats - An Intentional Focus On Becoming Godly Men & Women

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- TWCA’s High School girls spent Monday, January 13 in fellowship together at the High School Girls’ Retreat held at Church Project. Author and Speaker Grace Valentine kicked off the day of reflection and fellowship by speaking to the high school girls on real-life issues from a relatable perspective.

Valentine reflected on what she wanted all the girls to take away from her message. “I hope that they can hear God’s voice in some way," she said. "Whether it’s through their journal, through a friend, or through a leader.”

Valentine did just that when she engaged the girls with funny quips and personal stories and then deepened her message by highlighting five women in the Bible who emphasize her overall message that points back to the verse, “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love” (Romans 8:28 NIV). She ended her keynote with insight on three phrases for the girls - discernment over delusion, community over clicks, and to remember that God is over it all instead of being overwhelmed.

A compliment to Valentine’s authentic storytelling was the engaging chatter in small group discussions that opened dialogue on her message of remembering the power of being loving instead of trying to prove you are worth loving. Senior Grace Miller shared a sentiment echoed by many students when she said, “It was so awesome to have a speaker so in tune with our generation. It felt so sincere and genuine.”

After a delicious lunch and time for community-building through worship, the girls made crowns for the Lower School girls with plans to distribute them later in the year along with a message from Isaiah 62:3 (NIV), “You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of our God.”

B.A.M - "Be A Man" Men's Retreat - Learning God's Design for Biblical Manhood

While the women were off campus for their retreat, the men of TWCA stayed close to home with guest speaker Marcus Hayes, a pastor at Crossroads Church, delivering a powerful message of Biblical manhood to our high school boys.

When the world is telling men that their eyes should see what God has said not to see; When the world discourages men from leading in the way God has called men to lead; When the world is telling men to feel shame for their sin and that forgiveness is not for them; When the world is saying to care more about yourself than others — WE tune out the noise. WE dig into HIS word. WE seek counsel from those who have been there.

The day was intense, with students and faculty alike challenged by the idea of living out Biblical manhood. Our staff led with great humility, sharing their struggles, their sin, but also their redemption in Christ. They led as Godly men, mentoring and coaching, hopeful that a harvest would grow.

Our guys competed, they served on campus and with our Lower School, they shared in small groups, and they heard from a variety of voices answering questions about life, relationships, hardships and the challenge of being a Godly man in a world that encourages everything but.

This incredible day is thanks to our amazing High School team who put together both retreats for our students! Hear more from our High School students in the video below!

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