Common Questions

  • You should find this answer and more on the How to Attend page! However, short answer is: sign up for the newsletter for updates and/or follow along on Instagram.

  • Yes, the Pneuma Retreat will be hosted on the rainy, peaceful Oregon Coast for the foreseeable future.

  • Seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis for each retreat. I’ll announce each retreat via email, newsletter, and Instagram. If you can’t attend any particular retreat, Lord willing, the Pneuma Retreat will happen again, so stay subscribed to the newsletter and/or follow me on Instagram.

  • Many Pneuma attendees are “professional creatives” in some capacity, but we’ve also had teachers, military men, corporate full-timers, college students, and others join! Meeting the Lord amidst His beauty in creation does not require a camera. However, hopefully, you’ll be patient with all those men who carry cameras on the retreat, haha!

  • We do get on some trails, but let me say this: my two knee surgeries tend to limit my mileage! If fitness is a concern for you, just let me know in advance so we can plan accordingly. However, if we take a trail that is difficult for some of us, it’s a great opportunity to move slowly and encourage each other!

  • You must be at least 18 years old to attend Pneuma. However, if you’re an elder brother, your attendance is completely your choice! The average attendee age is between 20 and 45.

  • Visit our Statement of Faith page for your answer!

  • This is NOT a workshop or networking. There is no “industry education.” Those things may happen organically, but Pneuma is a retreat. It is oriented toward rest, devotion to Jesus, and encouraging one another in our lives while exploring the outdoors together.

  • There are unique circumstances in which Pneuma has been able to offer scholarships. We pray that the Lord brings financial support for Pneuma so that this might become a more frequent reality in the future. However, we are a tiny operation on a shoestring budget, trusting God for provision every step of the way. As for payment, our aim is to be as flexible as possible to avoid creating financial strain for any attendees, but all relevant payments are due 4 weeks prior to attending any retreat.

  • We do not allow for alcohol or smoking of any kind at Pneuma Retreat.

  • There isn’t a fixed schedule with consistent times or locations for any one Pneuma Retreat because I adapt our schedule based on each group of men, the weather, etc. However, our daily routine usually looks like this: we wake up at the Airbnb together for a quiet, slow morning, sharing a devotion & breakfast, followed by a break for private reflection before we go on an adventure from mid-day until sunset, then we return home, and some men rest while others help with meal prep or spend time in conversation, and in the evenings we stoke good conversations, preferably around a campfire if weather permits.

  • Read the How To Attend page for this info!

  • Simply put, we are retreating. I ask that we avoid technology as much as possible during our time together. My heart is for us to engage with each other—not our devices—and truly retreat. Of course, I recognize the need to contact family or friends, so there will be a margin for this, but please don’t plan to bring work with you. As for ‘unplugging’ our cameras, this is a trip with fellow creatives! Please take as many photos + videos as you want! Never hesitate to pause on a hike or ask for someone to take your pic, etc! But, as for editing, posting, uploading, etc., please refrain during our time.

    Practical tips: set up an email auto-response, delete social media apps if necessary, tell your people about the retreat and its spirit so they know you will have limited availability, turn on ‘do not disturb,’ and don't bring the laptop if possible. I’m not concerned with the letter of the law here because I trust that you will understand the heart behind this!

  • There are unique circumstances in which Pneuma has been able to offer scholarships. We pray that the Lord brings financial support for Pneuma so that this might become a more frequent reality in the future. As for payment, our aim is to be as flexible as possible to avoid creating financial strain for any attendees, but all relevant payments are due 4 weeks prior to attending any retreat.

  • We do our best to create the most hospitable environment possible for all attendees. Your communication is vital to help us! The better we understand your conditions, the better we can love, serve, and bless you (which is not an inconvenience).

    • The PNW vibe is known for foggy rain, but it’s often very windy and cold, too! We don’t stop our adventures because of the rain or cold.

    • For camera gear, try minimalism. Waterproofing is a big bonus. If you’re bringing a film camera, pack more film than you expect!

    • Please don't bring your laptop (see unplugging). I strictly prohibit drones, and there are no exceptions. Sorry.

    • Bring a paper bible, journal, and pen!

    • For inspiration on the packing list, you can watch this video.

    • Winter retreat weather is muddy, wet, windy, and cold (40-55º). It's incredibly beautiful, but the weather is hard! You will be uncomfortable if you don't bring a good outer shell and mud-friendly footwear. Our warm-climate brothers may also want gloves, beanies, etc. We could possibly see the sun, but even then, dress warm and layer up!

    • Fall retreat weather is harder to plan for because it could be warm, but you need to be ready for cold, muddy, rainy, and windy weather. So, a good outer shell and mud-friendly footwear are important. However, we may see the sun in October, and temps could even be warm in the 60º's, but it can still be deceivingly cold. So here's my biggest tip: LAYERS!!

  • Yes:)

  • Morning devotions & evening testimony + conversation time have been the most transformative aspect of the trip for many of us at past Pneuma Retreats. Each morning, John will lead us in a devotional time & each evening, we will take time to share testimonies of what the Lord has done in our lives. We acknowledge that all testimonies are unique, and we embrace that beautiful reality. This time has proven invaluable & I ask that you come willing to be vulnerable as you share & listen. We ask for attendees to be humble, gentle, & gracious as we bring ourselves as we truly are: broken, sinful, and often hurting. If you feel uncomfortable sharing, don’t hesitate to talk with one of the hosts about that. Before your retreat, I ask that you pray over our time together because the Lord has done amazing things with this time in the past.

  • Yes! Lots of Pneuma attendees return as alumni!

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