FAQ's

1. General Event Questions

• What is the purpose of this retreat? 

The purpose of “Stand Fast in Faith” is to help Covenant Christian men more fully embrace their divine responsibilities as husbands, fathers, brothers, and defenders of truth by strengthening our faith, building brotherhood, and courageously addressing the real challenges we face in family leadership, community safety, and safeguarding gospel knowledge.

• Who is this retreat for? (age range, background, etc.)

Covenant Christian men aged 12 and up. Feel free to invite other men you feel may be interested in participating with us.

• Why is it called “Stand Fast in Faith”?

The theme of the retreat is I Cor. 1:73 -- Watch, stand fast in the faith, conduct yourselves like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.

2. Venue and accommodations

• How do I get there? 

Full directions and map link are available on the "Venue" page.

• What kind of accommodations are available (cabins, tents, RVs)?

There are a number of beds in the lodge and in several separate cabins. Additionally, there is ample space for tent setups as well as trailer and RV parking. More info regarding reserving lodging is available on the "Lodging" page of this website.

• Is there electricity, running water, and Wi-Fi at the venue?

Yes. The lodge is fully modern with a commercial kitchen. In addition there is water and electricity available on the property.

• What kind of toilet/shower facilities are there?

The lodge is equipped with 12 restrooms as well as common shower facilities. Additional portapotties will be available near the camping area. We ask that the men in attendance work together to take reasonable showers and to turns using the shower facilities and ensure that everyone gets a chance. Although the facility does have some towels provided it may be best to bring your own towels and toiletries.

3. Registration & Cost

• How much does the retreat cost?

There are costs associated with renting the lodge and grounds, as well as additional rentals. Information regarding costs is on the "Lodging" page of this site, HERE.

• What is included in the registration fee?

Lodge and cabin fees include lodging, bedding, towels and soap, use of the kitchens. Tents and trailer/rv fees include the site, and use of the facilities at the lodge. At this moment, no food is planned although that is subject to change as we continue to prepare for the retreat.

• What is the registration deadline?

No deadline, but we prefer to have a number of anticipated attendees so that we can properly prepare seating, activities, etc.

• Can I register on-site?

Yes. Further information on registration is located on the "Lodging" page of this site. Additionally, be advised that lodging and rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. However, there are likely more than enough tent and RV sites for all comers. 

4. What to Bring / Preparation

• What should I bring to the retreat?

Food for the weekend. A jacket. Notepaper and pens. A camp chair for each person. Your scriptures. An open heart and mind. We also urge you to prayerfully consider the three topics prior to the conference, see which one speaks to you, and participate in that group earnestly. We also plan to have several pre-event discussion sessions featuring Men's Congress facilitators, to begin to discuss and hone the issues.

• Do I need to bring my own food?

As of this moment, there is no group food planned. There is a full commercial kitchen in the lodge, and several barbecue grills. Again, we ask that you all work together to make sure that harmonious cooking can take place. Perhaps group together on your own to plan some meals, etc. 

• Is there anything I should not bring?

Please do not bring pets or girls or women or children under 12. Fireworks, drugs and other dangerous implements are right out. Please do not bring strife, stress, contention or a bad attitude. We really just want a chill relaxing retreat with the chance to get to know and form bonds with our brothers. There is no place to ride ATV's on site.

• What kind of clothing and gear is recommended?

As you know, fall in Utah is a bit unpredictable, though early September, Morgan, Utah, features pleasant, mildly cool weather with average daily highs around 75 degrees and lows near 49. It is one of the sunniest months, averaging 17.3 hours of clear daylight, with only a 15% chance of rain on an average day. Early autumn brings warm days and brisk nights, perfect for outdoor activities. So plan accordingly, and bring any gear you wish for personal recreating. Fishing the Weber River is a nearby option, as is a quick trip to Pineview Reservoir, or hiking in the hills, or many other possibilities. 

• Are there any recommended preparations before attending?

Please take time to prayerfully read, ponder and consider the three topics presented on the Overview page of this site.

5. Schedule & Activities

• Will the Sunday morning speakers be recorded or live-streamed?

We hope to have a live stream of the Sunday morning speaker session. In any event, it will be recorded and preserved for Restoration Archives.

• How long are the discussion groups?

Currently there is a two hour block budgeted for the discussion (Congress) groups. Depending on the needs and wishes of participants this can be changed.

• Is there time for recreation and free time?

Absolutely. All of day 1 and most of day 2 are unstructured. We plan to offer a recreational activity and a service project which are both optional but an excellent way to hang out with the other guys and learn to work and recreate and communicate together.

6. Atmosphere & Expectations

• What is the tone and atmosphere of the event?

Hopefully, one of comaraderie and unification. It's not meant to be rigid. There is no prescribed outcomes or goal, other than to discuss some important topics, and take the thing in the direction the body wants to take it. Please come with open hearts and minds and get ready to forge bonds with fellas that are meant to help the Lord advance His work.

• Will there be alcohol at the BBQ & Banter session?

If you bring it, there will be. Within reason, please.

• How “open” or honest are the discussions expected to be?

Our recent "Mousetrap" talk has taught us that willingness to discuss difficult topics is important as we move forward with the restoration. However, this does not mean, as we were taught just recently, that you can be rude or contentious to each other. The focus of that talk was to look within ourselves as to how we receive information, rather that spew vitriol onto others. Therefore, while we are hopeful that honest and forthright discussion will take place, that it will take place in an atmosphere of congeniality and brotherhood. No fisticuffs, please! But also, no judgement or overtly offensive criticism should be present here.

7. Family & Special Needs

• Can my 12-year-old son attend with me?

Yes, anyone of traditional "priesthood age" (12 and up) is invited to attend. Although we all love children and grandchildren, the meeting space is not that large and smaller children running around would be a big distraction from the speakers and the Congress.

• Is this event appropriate for younger teens?

Absolutely. The restoration will be relying on the young people of today to help move it forward, and as such we hope that they will want to join us in this great cause.

• Are there any health or mobility considerations I should know about?

Morgan is "out in the country." So there are usual concerns like insects, perhaps the odd snake or two in the weeds. Bears aren't really an issue, but other creatures are around, so locking food up at night is recommended. The lodge has refrigerators that can be used. The lodge itself has ground floor entry for wheel chairs, but sleeping rooms are up stairs. If memory serves, there is also a ground-level entrance on the second floor. 

8. Miscellaneous

• Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Contact Chris at chris@mismi.group or Spencer at spencer.morley70@gmail.com.

• Will there be future retreats or follow-up events?

We hope that whatever arises or results from this retreat and Congress will serve as a foundation for many more events and discussions in the future.