Have you ever wondered why the ACTS Retreat Manual calls for 13 weeks of team formation? At first glance, it may seem longer than necessary. After all, each retreat team includes about one-third “veterans” who already know the flow and logistics of the weekend. Couldn’t everything be organized and planned in far less time?
The answer lies in the purpose of those weeks: they are not simply about logistics—they are about spiritual preparation and unity.
Over the course of 13 weeks, the team gradually comes together, not just as a group of volunteers, but as a community of servants united in Christ. As seen on page 150 of the ACTS Retreat Manual, the team formation sample schedule intentionally includes dedicated time for the spiritual companion to lead prayers, meditations, and reflections. This is not “extra” time; it is essential time. It allows team members to place themselves in God’s presence, invite the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and deepen their personal relationship with the Lord.
These meditations and reflections also help each team member discern how God is working in their lives. As they share, pray, and journey together, bonds of trust and spiritual friendship grow. This process creates the foundation for a team that not only serves efficiently but serves joyfully, lovingly, and with one heart.
In many ways, team formation mirrors the retreat experience itself. Just as the retreatants are invited to encounter Christ and grow in community during the weekend, the team is invited to do the same during their weeks of preparation. By living this journey first, the team is better able to guide retreatants into their own encounters with God and with one another.
So, while 13 weeks may seem long on paper, in reality it is a sacred journey of transformation. It ensures that when the retreat weekend arrives, the team is spiritually united, ready to serve, and prepared to help others experience the love of Christ in a profound way.
