Proximity Retreat: October 2026

As we have been praying and seeking God for Proximity, we felt God spoke to us about wounded soldiers, Christians living and working in low-income areas who feel like they have lost the battle and may want to give up. We spoke with a church leader who found themselves in this position and he shared that when he felt like this he was invited to a retreat with likeminded people which helped him to ‘go again’. The challenge was, could Proximity create more spaces of retreat for those in urban ministry?

So we have! Together we’ll be learning and growing, and we’d love you to be on this journey with us.

This retreat is for those leading gospel ministry in urban estates and inner-city communities. Proximity retreats are tailored to meet the needs of senior leaders, who are looking for gentle reflection and time with like-minded people. If you’re unsure if that’s you, get in touch with us and we can have a chat.

You can expect…

~ An opportunity to slow down and take a breath in rural north Yorkshire.
~ A time to connect and share with others doing urban ministry.
~ A time to connect with God.
~ To enjoy good food and conversation around the table.
~ A time to gently reflect on your ministry.
~ Some ancient tools and practices to support your spiritual life.
~ To bring your faith, disappointments, experiences and hopes.
~ A guided retreat including times of teaching, listening and sharing in a group.

Once you’ve booked your place we will send out a more detailed programme nearer the time of the retreat.

We are keeping the exact location under wraps for now. You’ll have to take our word for it, it’s a beautiful location in North Yorkshire! There are plenty of communal spaces to sit, read, pray, journal, walk and have times of quiet or gather for a chat.

Arrival: Guests are asked to arrive between 5-5.30pm on the first day.
Departure: The retreat finishes after lunch (around 1/1.30pm) on the last day.

The retreat will be hosted by some of the Proximity team, all staff at the Message Trust and all have personal experience of urban ministry in a variety of contexts.

The retreat is free to all guests, we only ask that you pay for your own travel to get to and from the location in North Yorkshire. In some cases, we may be able to contribute towards travel costs if finances are difficult. If this would be helpful please do speak to us.

This retreat is currently for 18 years and above.