When my friend at church first told me about Abide, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. He told me how much they love getting together with the other reformed young adults in our area, and that it was even better to meet people from all over the country at the retreat. Still, I found myself skeptical. Could something such as spending a few days together at a retreat with random people really provide the kind of deep and meaningful connections we all long for?
I noticed that in the reformed world, the community is relatively small, and every friendship feels significant. I wanted to build relationships that would stand the test of time, ones that extended beyond my local congregation. I hoped for fellowship with believers who shared my convictions, and people I could share my burdens with, along with moments of joy regardless of physical distance.
Despite my hesitations, I decided to get on a plane and head out there with my buddy. Arriving at the retreat, I felt a mix of emotions. I didn’t know what awaited me, but from the very beginning, the atmosphere was welcoming. The retreat center itself was nestled in a breathtaking location, surrounded by mountains and the glistening Lake Tahoe. As someone who finds solace in nature, I was immediately struck by the sense of peace that the setting provided.
What stood out most initially was the diversity of those attending. While we all shared a reformed faith, our backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences varied widely. It was a beautiful reminder of the universality of the gospel and the richness of the body of Christ. The retreat organizers had thoughtfully planned icebreakers and activities that made it easy to step out of my comfort zone and engage with others.
One of the most memorable moments happened on the second evening. A group of us decided to hike to a scenic overlook at Lake Tahoe to watch the sunset. As the sky turned brilliant shades of orange and pink, we decided to sing some palms and contemporary hymns. There was something like 20 of us up there worshiping together. What made the moment even more special was that there was a random group of people there who listened and joined us in song. It was a spontaneous, heartfelt expression of our shared faith.
The retreat was also deeply enriching spiritually. The teaching sessions were grounded in Scripture, with a focus on practical applications for young adults navigating faith in today’s world. Small group discussions provided a good space to wrestle with theological questions and share personal struggles. I recall one conversation about the concept of “the catholic church”—not in the Roman Catholic sense, but the universal unity of believers across time and geography. It was humbling and inspiring to see that unity come to life in the room, as we celebrated our common bond in Christ despite minor doctrinal differences.
What surprised me most was how easy it was to connect with others. The variety of activities—from hikes and sports to late-night psalm sings and deep theological debates—meant there was something for everyone. I found myself gravitating toward outdoor excursions, where I could marvel at God’s creation alongside fellow believers.
Since the retreat, the relationships I formed have continued to bless my life. I’ve stayed in touch with a few friends I met along the way—one I bonded with during an activity and another who led my small group discussions. We regularly check in with each other, whether through phone calls or social media. These friendships have provided encouragement, accountability, and even practical help. For example, I recently recommended a church in Southern California to a friend, thanks to someone I met at Abide.
I can honestly say it exceeded my expectations. I came hoping to enjoy a weekend of fellowship and left with lifelong memories, spiritual growth, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of Christian community. The retreat reminded me that we’re not meant to walk this journey of faith alone. God has given us the gift of fellowship to strengthen and encourage one another, and Abide provided the perfect setting for that to happen.
If you’re hesitant about attending an Abide retreat, let me offer this encouragement: go. Take your journey to Abide. Whether you’re feeling isolated, disconnected, or simply in need of a spiritual recharge, you’ll find a welcoming community of like-minded believers who are eager to glorify God alongside you. It’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life, build meaningful connections, and experience the joy of worshiping Christ in a unique and memorable way. It’s an experience you won’t regret, and it just might change your life—as it did mine.
Check out some of the sessions from Pastor Christopher Gordon on Abide's YouTube channel!
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