Online Retreats Double

When the Spiritual Life Development team first began discussing the possibility of running regular and accessible online spiritual retreats, they hoped that at least a handful of people might be interested. Instead, the team was delighted when 98 people from across the territory attended at least one retreat in 2024. 

With the final retreat for 2025 now completed, the numbers are in—and to everyone’s surprise and joy, participation has nearly doubled. A total of 170 people took part in at least one retreat during the year, with some attending more than one. 

‘When we started the conversation about running these retreats it was just a dream—a wondering, really,’ explains Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Lieutenant-Colonel Liz Gainsford. ‘There was a nervousness around whether people would be willing to join online. But to have such a strong response last year, and now this significant increase, tells us that people are finding real value in them.’ 

Captain Janet Green, a member of the Spiritual Life Development network, coordinates the online retreats. With the overarching theme Reflect, Refresh, Refuel: A Day for Quiet Reflection, Janet says the true benefit of attending lies in the impact on participants’ relationship with God. ‘That’s what I get excited about,’ she says. ‘People have been really surprised by how deeply they’ve connected with God—especially when they’ve been questioning things, making decisions or feeling tired. Initially, some wondered how they could possibly fit a whole retreat day into their busy schedules, or cope with that much silence. And yet, when we do commit to setting time aside, God honours that by showing up in amazing ways.’ 

The retreats are facilitated by officers and spiritual directors, and Liz and Janet are keen to clarify that participants are not online all day. Instead, they gather for approximately 30 minutes at the beginning of the day and again at the end for a time of sharing. Themed resources are provided for use throughout the day, but the space itself is intentionally open, allowing participants to follow where God leads. 

Some people choose to spend the day at the beach or in a park, while others remain at home. There are no rules for how a retreat unfolds. 

Janet affirms that the real gift of a retreat day is simply being open to trying something new and seeing what God does. She is particularly encouraged by the strong response from Salvation Army staff and volunteers. 

‘I’ve been really encouraged by line managers who recognise that spirituality is an important part of a person’s overall development,’ she says. ‘Taking a retreat day acknowledges and affirms that Christ is the “why” behind everything we do as The Salvation Army. Supporting the spiritual development of staff and volunteers is something truly special about who we are.’ 

While some may feel nervous about the technological aspects of attending an online retreat, Liz and Janet are quick to reassure participants that support is readily available. Upon registration, participants receive an email with a link to the retreat and tech support is provided on the day, along with troubleshooting if needed. Some facilitators are retired officers who are now very comfortable using the technology. 

‘Sometimes we even do a practice run with people who are unsure,’ says Liz. ‘On occasion, people without access to the technology gather with others who can help.’ 

In some cases, this means corps or staff groups come together in a shared space, with a facilitator or corps officer overseeing the technology—while still honouring the intent of a quiet day for reflection. 

Looking ahead, Janet is excited about what 2026 may bring. ‘I think there’s a clear invitation from God to come aside and see what He can do as we meet together in the quiet,’ she says. 

Liz agrees. ‘The growing participation suggests there is a hunger for more of God and an openness to new ways of being with Him. The breadth of people attending is also beautiful—staff, corps members and officers. Some might assume retreats are only for one group, but this diversity is a really rich and encouraging dynamic.’ 

Online retreats are held four times each year. The dates for 2026 are: 

• Saturday 21 March
• Monday 22 June 
• Wednesday 12 August 
• Thursday 5 November