Friday - Saturday, February 20-21

Chicago West Men’s Retreat

Getting away to refocus on Jesus together

Men, this is a significant opportunity for us to get away together for a refocus on Jesus for 24 hours. We are praying for and anticipating three powerful sessions with two strong speakers who love Jesus. During breakouts and discussions, we will share with each other how God is shaping and transforming us.

In addition, there will be team competitions to keep us hyped in various ways as well as a huge gymnasium with all-night access. This will all take place on a beautiful property along the Fox River in St. Charles, IL, only an hour from Chicago West church, which will provide opportunities for personal time inside and outside. This is an all-inclusive retreat including three meals which will kick off on Friday evening.

We believe God has determined this weekend to be our first ever men’s retreat to seek after Him to move in and through us!

Retreat Speakers

Ray McElroy

NFL Player, Chaplain, Speaker

Ray McElroy, a former NFL player, has spent over 20 years inspiring individuals and organizations through his Life Beyond the Game initiative. Known for his unique blend of entertainment and powerful messages of desire, discipline, and dedication, Ray has impacted thousands across various industries. He’s worked with top organizations like CITGO, Discover Financial, the Chicago Cubs, and State Farm, bringing his expertise to the corporate world.

Beyond speaking, Ray is dedicated to community transformation. He leads youth programs, mentoring over 80 students weekly, and hosts football camps for at-risk youth through his non-profit, A Ray of Hope on Earth. As a team chaplain for the Chicago Bears and associate pastor, Ray’s work extends to faith-based initiatives, where he partners with his wife, Michelle, to coach couples in strengthening their relationships.

Daniel Yang

Senior Director of Global Mission and Church Movements, World Relief

Daniel Yang serves as the Senior Director of Global Mission and Church Movements at World Relief. Prior to that, he was the Director of the Church Multiplication Institution at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. Daniel has been a pastor, church planter, engineer and technology consultant. He has planted churches in Detroit, Dallas, Toronto, and Chicago, either as the lead planter or through recruiting, training, assessing, and mentoring church planters. Daniel is a sought-after conference speaker, missional strategist, consultant, and co-author of Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church and Becoming a Future-Ready Church: 8 Shifts to Encourage and Empower the Next Generation of Leaders.

Location

Riverwoods at Fox Valley Christian Action is an 85 acre wooded campus, on the Fox River, just off of Rt 25 in St Charles. Riverwoods is uniquely located—far enough away to escape the pace and noise of suburbia, close enough to be accessible with just a short drive.

35W624 Riverwoods Lane
St. Charles, IL 60174

Itinerary

Friday, February 20th

5-7 PM – Check-in at Fox Valley Christian Action- www.fvca.org.

6 PM – Easy grab & go dinner available

7 PM – Intro for retreat focus & process

7:30 PM – First session (worship/speaker)

8:30 PM – Team discussion & connection

9:00 PM – Free Time (gym open, game room, hang out, bedtime in dorms)

12:00 AM – Gym & main building shut down

Saturday, February 21st

8:00 AM – Breakfast onsite available (competitions)

9:00 AM – Heart prep (prayer available)

9:30 AM – Intro & 2nd interactive session

11:30 AM – Break (competitions)

12:00 PM – lunch onsite (a couple planned competitions)

1:00 PM – Planned team competitions

1:30 PM – Free time w/ designated options (possibly an “Amazing Race”)

2:30 PM – 3rd session (worship, speaker, group discussion, prayer)

4:00 PM – Close retreat w/ prayer, competition results, prizes.

4:30 PM – Further connection, evaluation form, & final pack up

5:00 PM – Depart

5:30 PM – Possible optional designated place nearby to get dinner & more connection before heading home.