WELS Men’s Retreat

Friday, January 15 - Sunday, January 17, 2027

Barbecue. Manly games. Faith and fellowship. Bonfires, fishing and outdoor adventures. Bible study and workshops. Maybe even some power tools, projects and a polar plunge?!

Men, you are invited to scenic Camp Shiloh near Pittsburg, TX to encounter adventure and connections with other men. And with God. Check out this page for more info!

Battle Ready!

Men live in a love story authored by God, and we live in a world at war with us. We are called to prepare for a fight. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).

We live as victors, not victims! The armor belongs to God, and he shares his weapons of warfare with us. All of them! Today, brothers, is “the day of evil” and it “comes.” We don’t need to invite it or ask for it. The kingdom of evil and darkness approaches, advances and attacks without our permission, and even without our awareness. 

How aware are you? How battle ready do you want to become? The powerful promises of God make us BATTLE READY when we put them on. It is then that we stand victorious.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). This is the theme of the retreat.

Register now by clicking the “Register” button on this page. If you’re not ready to register yet, submit the form below and you will be subscribed to an email list for VIP email previews, updates and offers.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT rate of $195 is being offered to all registrations through September 30. Tell your friends, and register today!

LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS are included in the price, and offer everything from camping, to cabins, to private queen bed suites. Roommates can be selected. 

Once you submit your registration, you secure lodging and then a retreat representative will contact you about your preferences. There is limited availability of preferred lodging options, so register early!

ARRIVAL TIME for the retreat is Friday, January 15 from 3-5pm. Please plan to arrive during this time and not later. This allows all participants to settle in, get acquainted and be ready for opening ceremonies! 

Also, make travel plans in order to stay until the closing ceremonies of the retreat on Sunday, January 17 concluding at 12 Noon; please don’t leave early. If exceptional circumstances make this impossible, enter comments on your registration form and the retreat team will respond.

Retreat Schedule

RETREAT SCHEDULE: Looking for more information about the schedule of events and activities during the retreat? Click the link above.

BIBLE STUDIES AND PRESENTATIONS: The retreat will feature 3 top notch presenters who will open up the Bible and meaningful conversations about timely topics. All participants will be able to attend the 3 presentations. They are:

  • The incredible lineup of inspirational speakers includes Prof. Mark Paustian in our keynote session presenting "Difficult Conversations," exploring the ways a Christian man can bring wisdom and grace to interpersonal conflicts. In addition to teaching English and Hebrew at Martin Luther College, and writing numerous books, Prof. Paustian holds a PhD in Communication and speaks regularly on interpersonal communication skills.

  • We are honored to have Pastor Don Patterson present about living as men on mission – and how to identify and encourage men and women to step into leadership roles. Pastor Patterson served Holy Word Lutheran Church in Austin for 34 years, during which he served as district president, mentored 23 vicars, planted seven new churches, and wrote two books. 

  • Finally, Jason Jonker, Director of Resilient Recovery Ministries, returns and will lead hands-on training for men to help and support those struggling with recovery. He shares, “Addictions and mental health issues have impacted me and my family. God used resilient recovery to free me from some intense life-long struggles. I’ve changed. I am so proud to be able to share with other people who struggle with a vicious cycle of guilt, shame, and acting out. There is hope for us.”

Bring your friends! Share this page with other men who might be interested.

ADDED OPTIONS for any attendees! 

  • PROJECTS: Arrive early and help with man-sized projects to help improve Camp Shiloh. Arrive on Thursday, January 14, or early morning Friday, January 15. Projects take place on Friday from 9am-3pm. Interested? After you register, a retreat representative will confirm with you and ask you about this option. There is not a place on the registration form to indicate your interest. 

  • EARLY ARRIVAL OR LATE DEPARTURE: Camp Shiloh can accommodate any attendees who wish to arrive on Thursday, January 14 or depart on Monday, January 18. After you register, a retreat representative will confirm with you and ask you about this option. There is not a place on the registration form to indicate your interest. 

REGISTRATION is now open! Register by September 30 and receive an early bird discount of $20 at the rate of $195. After that, the registration fee is $215. The final deadline for registering is November 30. Click the Register Here link above.

Questions? Contact retreat team representative Tim Walsh at timwalsh39@gmail.com or 817-521-8040.