Become a spiritual father.
A three-day retreat for men who are ready to go deeper.
March 19-21, 2027 · AL 4-H Center · Columbiana, AL
Most men get stuck as sons. Few become fathers.
Becoming Spiritual Fathers is a retreat born out of a simple conviction: every man, whether he's just finding his footing or has walked with God for decades, is invited into a lifelong story of becoming a spiritual father. Drawn from the picture Jesus paints in Luke 15, we'll walk together through the journey from lost son, to beloved son, to spiritual father — a path marked by intimacy with God, a deepening sense of identity, and a purpose that overflows into the lives of others.
A spiritual father is a beloved son who has been forged through the trials of his life, sustained by intimate endurance with Christ, and who engages with love and strength through his age, presence, and perspective, offering life and growth to his domain.
Two seasons of life, in the same room, learning from each other.
For men in their 30s and 40s: Becoming a Beloved Son
You'll spend time with older mentors who have learned to live from intimacy with God, discovering their true identity as beloved sons, and are now offering strength as spiritual fathers. We hope as you hear the stories shared by these men, you will be inspired by their stories, and be able to identify where you are in this journey, and gain greater clarity about who you are becoming and what next steps God may be calling you into.
For Men 50+: Becoming a Spiritual Father
Through personal story and the example of the Apostle Paul, you'll consider the profound personal, relational, and eternal impact of becoming a spiritual father in this season of life. This calls for a shift from a life oriented around performance and accomplishment to a life marked by offering strength through presence and perspective to younger men.
What You'll Experience
Throughout the weekend, you'll hear real, honest, and unscripted stories from men at every stage of this journey. You'll watch as an older spiritual father and two of his spiritual sons open up, live, about how their relationship was formed, sustained, and the impact it's had on them both. You'll hear from business leaders in different industries who have learned to lead from humility, presence, and love, and how that overflow has changed the way they lead the people around them.
Together, these stories paint a living picture of what it looks like when spiritual fathers and sons connect across generations and you'll leave with a clear next step on your own journey.
Leadership Team
I
Larry Bolden
Speaker
II
Frank Collins
Retreat Coordinator
III
Mike Woodham
Speaker
IV
Alan Palmer
Administrator & Host
Retreat Structure
Register and receive the prep materials.
Complete required prep work beforehand, including reading Henri Nouwen's The Return of the Prodigal Son with the provided reflection questions
Engage in three days with speakers, live panels, and small groups.
Ready to reserve your place for March?
Registration Details
Limited spots — first come, first served
Registration closes: January 15 or when full
Prep work: Required
Cost: Posted at registration; scholarships available