2026 Fall Cohort Retreat
Join us September 18-19th in scenic Charlotte, NC!
If there's one thing we know for certain, it's that the Ministry Strong Retreat is an experience you don't want to miss. Having seen the power of our first retreat firsthand, we can say with full confidence: this gathering will move you. While our online meet-ups are a wonderful way to connect across time zones and distances, there is simply nothing like being in the same room together.
That's why we are so excited to invite every member of our fall cohorts to the 2026 Ministry Strong Retreat on September 18–19 at The Barn at Levi Oaks. This is your chance to meet your cohort sisters face to face, go deeper in connection, and celebrate everything God has done and is still doing through this group. Details to help you plan are below, and we are believing you'll be there!
KEY DETAILS: 2026 FALL MINISTRY STRONG RETREAT
DATES: September 18-19, 2026
START TIME: Friday, September 18, 4pm EST*
END TIME: Saturday, September 19, 4pm EST
LOCATION: The Barn at Levi Oaks, Charlotte, NC
NEAREST AIRPORT: Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
COST: Free to Cohort Members
Travel & lodging are the responsibility of the individual (See nearby hotels)
Optional: Dinner out with Cohorts*
DEADLINE: Please RSVP HERE no later than Tuesday, September 1st
Note: RSVP includes liability & privacy waiver
TLDR: The venue is adjacent to a private home residence, so please don’t post/share the address or pictures of the property
Official venue address is released to guests after signed waiver is received
WHAT TO EXPECT
Unlike a traditional conference that includes a jam-packed schedule of teaching sessions and breakouts, the goal of this retreat is simple: to provide time and space for relationship. We realize that is a rare luxury for many ministry leaders, so our schedule is intentionally flexible and relaxed. (Think “family gathering” - not “leadership meeting!”)
All retreat activities and meals will take place at The Barn at Levi Oaks, with optional opportunities for each cohort to gather off-site with their individual members. Travel and lodging at the responsibility of the individual, so feel free to reach out to your other cohort members if you would like to coordinate hotels, carpooling, ride sharing to/from the airport, or even shopping & exploring in Charlotte.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
*Denotes optional activity.
We understand budgets and schedules may vary, so the schedule is built in such a way that you can choose your arrival/departure time based on your needs. (For instance, you can arrive on Thursday and leave Saturday morning to maximize your time away, or simply arrive Friday morning and leave that same evening. Your choice!)
Friday, September 18th
12:00-3:30pm: Suggested arrival time; Check-in to your lodging
*4:00pm: Welcome & Coffee Reception with Lisa at Levi Oaks
No formal sessions; Simply a meet and greet hangout for those who arrive on Thursday
*5:30pm: Dinner Out with Your Cohort (Your choice! See options.)
*7:00pm: Shop/Explore Charlotte
Saturday, September 19th
*Note: Check-out of your hotel prior to arrival at Levi Oaks, if needed.
8:30am: Arrival at Levi Oaks; Coffee & Refreshments
9:00am: All Cohort Gathering with Lisa + Team
10:30am: Session with Lisa + Scott Whittle
11:30am: Lunch at Levi Oaks
12:30pm: Guided Cohort Activity
1:45pm: Coffee Break & additional local guests arrive
2:00pm: Session with Lisa + Friends
3:30pm: Prayer, Reflection & Communion
4:00pm: Conclusion & Dismissal
*4:30pm: Dinner Out with your Cohort (Your choice! See options.)
*6:30pm: Shop/Explore Charlotte
QUESTIONS?
Got a question that you don’t see answered in the RSVP LINK or VENUE PAGE? Our team is happy to help! Simply post your question in the GroupMe thread or email support@lisawhittle.com. We look forward to seeing you in scenic Charlotte, NC!