Individuals and churches from four presbyteries ranging from eastern Tennessee to northern Virginia have joined forces to coordinate an annual youth retreat, and are finding the scope of what they can accomplish together far surpasses what they could do alone. 

Last year Modgnik, a retreat for middle and high school youth, welcomed more than 750 students and adults. Modgnik —kingdom spelled backward because the kingdom of God is backward to our natural way of thinking—began when a handful of youth leaders got together to brainstorm about working together to do a retreat to benefit every church in their presbytery. The first retreat was held in April 2003. Later the presbytery divided, and the group soon grew to include representatives from four presbyteries: Blue Ridge, Potomac, James River, and Westminster. Modgnik split into separate junior high and high school retreats a few years ago when it became clear the group was outgrowing the camp facility where the retreat is held.

The collaboration of men and women from different churches and presbyteries, all playing a role in making these retreats work, is what makes this so unique. Tim Frost, youth pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church and member of the Modgnik planning committee, is excited about the community aspect of the retreat, emphasizing the significance of churches working together. “Collaboration between the presbyteries and the churches has been a phenomenal byproduct of the retreat,” Frost said. “There is no one person in charge, and there are no paid staff. It’s a purely volunteer effort.” Judging by the expansive growth in retreat participation, the cooperative effort seems to be paying off.

For more information on Modgnik, go to www.modgnik.com or email info@modgnik.com.