Liz Kirkland with Jade Teal – Ward, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) continues to see growth in its Young Adult Ministry through its retreat gatherings—now in their fourth event—that was held at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, March 20-22. What began with approximately seven participants has steadily expanded, reflecting a growing desire among young adults for connection, spiritual growth, and shared experiences in a retreat setting.
This latest retreat welcomed approximately 16 young adults coming from Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, and several other areas across the conference. The event provided an opportunity for several new participants to engage, fostering new relationships and strengthening the sense of community within RMC.
Central to the retreat was a three-part, discussion-based Bible study rooted in Micah 6:8—He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Participants explored each theme in depth, creating space for meaningful dialogue and personal reflection.
“The way that we did Bible studies, everyone was able to engage. They were all discussion based so everybody was involved and everybody had something to add to the conversation,” shared Jade Teal, RMC Young Adult Ministries coordinator. “You don’t often get groups where everybody feels like they can talk, and so it was a really cool dynamic.”
In addition to spiritual programming, participants enjoyed a variety of outdoor and fellowship activities made possible by this year’s unusually favorable weather. The group took part in hiking—instead of snowshoeing—and rock climbing, an activity that proved especially memorable. Several attendees experienced rock climbing for the first time, and notably, each participant successfully reached the top of the route. “It was very impressive,” Teal noted.
The retreat also emphasized community-building through shared meals and informal connection. Attendees gathered for fellowship, enjoyed gourmet meals prepared by GVR’s chef Stefan Teal, and spent time together creating new friendships in relaxed settings, including the facility’s aquatic center.
Overall, the retreat highlighted the continued impact of intentional young adult ministry within the Rocky Mountain Conference, combining spiritual depth with relational connection and outdoor adventure.
—Interview conducted with Jade Teal, RMC Young Adult Ministries coordinator, by Liz Kirkland, RMC Communication director. Initial article draft curated by ChatGPT based on the interview; revisions and editing by Liz Kirkland. Photos supplied.
