ACTS retreat - what’s the buzz?

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What transpires at an ACTS Retreat?
There seems to be a lot of secrecy surrounding what happens at one of these retreats.
I would like to know the structure of the retreat.
But people I have asked who have gone on an ACTS Retreat will not disclose what they did.
I don’t expect folks to tell what they did 24/3, but I do not see what all the secrecy is about.
Could someone shed some light on the ACTS Retreat?
 
But there must be a format that is followed. A playbook so to speak.
I doubt that a large group of retreatants are bused to a retreat venue and they just let things “unfold” with the organizers of the retreat.
I mean besides prayer and singing, do they have round-table discussions. Are the retreatants asked to confess their inner demons?
Three days and three nights at a far away place is a lot of time.
All I am asking is what specifically, these folks are doing?
I have heard that the retreatants are asked to give up their time pieces and cell phones, so they cannot tell what time it is or maybe contact people outside of the retreat.
It makes me wonder if these folks are free to leave at anytime or are they locked in for three days and three nights.
 
Watches and phones are distractions. The best way to find out is to sign up for one.
 
Three days away from my routine is a lot.
Also, the cost is about $200.
For those two reasons, I want to now that my time invested will do me good.
Also, I want to know more about the structure of the retreat. I am not much of a singer. And I do not like having to share my personal life with others. I do not want to be forced into participation in something that will not be enjoyable.
I want to meditate, to pray and to thinking about trying more to put Jesus in the center of my life, instead of on the sidelines looking on.
 
Watches can be removed and placed in a purse or bag. Cell phones can be turned off. Why must they be confiscated?
 
Cheating at a retreat? LOL
Why would anyone do that? Would that not defeat the whole reason for a retreat?
Can retreatants not be trusted to simply remove their time pieces and to put away their cell phones? That seems a bit silly to me.
Sounds to me like those running the retreat are on some sort of power trip. We will tell you what time it is and when it is okay for you to communicate with someone outside of the retreat.
But, that is just an opinion. I have never attended an ACTS retreat. The secrecy involved, the so-called river rule and others, cause me not to question participation in this sort of event. That taken together with the cost and the three days and three nights away from civilization.
 
People are emotionally attached to their phones. Some live by their watches. I do at times; always checking the time. They don’t intend to cheat but are creatures of habit and they do ‘cheat.’ Yes, it is kind of funny, but I for one am lost without my watch. Just one of our many foibles.
 
I am not attached to my phone. I am concerned about losing or misplacing it. Many days, I do not even wear a watch. I have never been much of a clock watcher at work or at home. But that’s just me.
I have been told confidentially that retreat leaders give talks to retreatants (on adoration, community, theology, and service) and then there is an exchange of stories (i.e., testimonials).
Singing, prayer, reconciliation, Mass, etc.
What else goes on?
 
Go to the link posted near the start of this thread. It is well explained. There is nothing secret about it.
 
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