Withdraw Weekend: Stepping Away to Draw Near
On the weekend of April 17, hundreds of young adults from Houston’s First Baptist Church gathered at Camp Tejas in Giddings, Texas, for Withdraw Weekend, a retreat designed to renew faith, refresh spirits, and leave a lasting impact. Young adults from the Summit, Sojourn, and Metro ministries stepped away from the noise of everyday life to encounter Jesus in a personal and meaningful way, taking time to reconnect with what matters most and to build deeper relationships with one another.
With worship led by Davy Flowers and The Worship Initiative, and teaching from Breakaway Ministries Executive Director Brian McCormack, the weekend was marked by powerful moments of connection and transformation. Through sessions centered on the theme of “withdrawing,” young adults explored passages from Mark and Luke that highlight how Jesus regularly stepped away to be near the Father, modeling a rhythm of connection, nearness, and wisdom. Participants were reminded that following Jesus requires that same intentional, ongoing pursuit.
Worship sessions were especially impactful, as voices filled the room and hands were lifted in praise. Many described a tangible sense of God’s presence throughout the weekend, moments that will never be forgotten.
One of the most meaningful elements of the retreat was the Saturday “quiet hour,” when the entire camp entered into a time of silence. From 2–3p, each person found a solitary space to pray, reflect, and spend time in Scripture. Surrounded by nature and free from distraction, it became a sacred opportunity to be honest with God and rest in His presence.
While spiritual growth remained the focus, the weekend also offered space for joy and community through a variety of activities, including breakout sessions, trivia, ziplining, volleyball, and kayaking. Saturday night’s silent disco brought everyone together in celebration, with two hours of nonstop dancing and laughter.
Reflecting on the weekend, Minister to Singles and Metro Venue Pastor Brandon Ayers shared:
“As much as I am grateful each year for what God does at Withdraw Weekend, I find myself continually more grateful for what God does through Withdraw Weekend when our communities return to Houston. That is the beauty of withdrawing. It restores us from where we came, but it also prepares us for where God is leading. I am expectant for the days ahead and where God is leading this community.”
Withdraw Weekend was more than just a retreat; it was a reset, a reminder, and a step forward in faith for everyone who attended.