NET teams deliver dynamic, faith-filled retreats that meet young people where they are. Through relational, peer-with-peer ministry, students are invited into a safe and welcoming environment where small-group connection, authentic conversation, and age-appropriate formation build trust and belonging, opening the way to discover purpose and encounter Jesus Christ.
NET Ministries has developed a retreat format for students that seeks to engage reasoning, judgement, application and evaluative skills while exploring the theme of the day.
This is achieved through the use of small groups, creative activities, topical debates, experience based learning activities and prayer experiences.
Interactive games and small group activities create connection and break down barriers, helping students feel comfortable and ready to engage.
Dynamic talks and personal testimonies invite students into deeper reflection, followed by guided small group discussion.
Quiet personal reflection time and prayer experiences allow students to respond authentically to what they’ve seen and heard andleave with practical tools to help them continue their journey of faith beyond the retreat.
Enhance each student’s self-esteem through awareness of God’s unconditional love and acceptance
Encourage a positive attitude towards faith, family, society, and the Church through authentic witness
Demonstrate the value of personal faith through team members’ lives and encourage students to make their own response to Jesus
Break open each theme through creative workshops, experiential activities, personal sharing, and small group discussions
“The things I learnt from you ‘Netters’ will never be forgotten. Hearing all of your personal stories about how much of an impact God and church has made in your lives, and hearing about your first God experience honestly inspired me to find something more in my life.”
-Year 10 Student
Wonder – Discovering God in the everyday
At times our world can seem bleak and hopeless but Jesus has come so that our experience of the world may be filled with wonder. Our “Wonder” Retreat day offers students the opportunity to stop and consider the possibility of Jesus having relevance to their lives today. During the day they will hear how other young people have encountered Jesus in ways beyond their expectation and be offered an opportunity to encounter Jesus themselves.
Reach Out – Social Responsibility
Yr 10 to 12 only (NZ Yr 11 to 13)
With all the issues that are present in our world, what does it mean for us to reach out to each other? This “Reach Out” Retreat Day provides the opportunity for senior students to go beyond just ideas of social justice and think about what social responsibility could look like lived out in their own lives. Students are reminded of their own human dignity and the dignity of others, as they are challenged to open their perspectives, act with love and be moved by compassion to reach out to those around them and the world.
Rise Up – Meaning & Purpose
What is the real purpose and meaning of life? What’s really important to me? Where does God fit into my life and my future? The “Rise Up” Retreat Day invites young people to make their faith the key component in answering life’s biggest questions as they learn to Rise Up and live their life on purpose!
The Light – Hope & Resilience
In a world that can often feel overwhelming, uncertain and dark, it can be easy to lose sight of hope. “The Light” Retreat Day invites students to explore what it means to be people of hope and resilience as they reflect on the light of Jesus that shines in every circumstance. Through stories, activities, and real conversations, students are encouraged to recognise their own value, see the good in others, and discover how they can not only find hope and light in their lives, but how they can bring hope and light into the lives of those around them – into their relationships, their school, and their world.
Redefined – Servant Leadership
What does it mean to be a good leader? This “Redefined” Retreat Day looks at the model of servant leadership and how we can lead as Jesus did. During this day, students will have the opportunity to reflect on the leaders in their own lives, the kind of leader they want to be, and how they are called to lead among their friends and classmates.
Friendship City – Authentic Friendship
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.” What did Jesus mean when he said this? This “Friendship City” Retreat Day gives young people the opportunity to explore what it means to build a community with those around us based on authentic friendship and how this can bring light to the world to change it for the better.
Un-titled – Junior Leadership
What does it mean to be a good leader? This “Untitled” Retreat Day focuses on leadership as influence and how all of us, whether we have the title of “Leader” or not, have the ability to influence those around us. During this day, students will have the opportunity to reflect on the leaders in their own lives, the kind of leader they want to be, and how they are called to lead among their friends and classmates.
