A MESSAGE AND A METHOD

An Excel retreat is not a bible study, but is scripturally based and founded upon the Bible for all lessons.  The Excel name actually comes from the teachings of Paul.  Paul writes in 1Corithians of how we are all given gifts from the Spirit and when we use these gifts, together, we form the Body of Christ and in doing so as written in 1Corithians 12:31.. “and now I will show you a more Excellent way”

EXCEL (Exercise in Christian Community Living) is a unique Christian experience held in a setting that provides participants with a message and a method for balancing their personal spiritual life and an active Christian life within his or her home church.

The EXCEL movement is a lay educational program, who partner with local churches around the globe.  The purpose of the movement is to renew Christian life among the people of the Church (the members of the Body of Christ), bringing new life, new vitality, and new effectiveness to congregations through members who attend Exercise weekends. EXCEL does not work directly on the problems of Church or society; nor does it take on projects to solve problems, or organize groups to do good works.

EXCEL teams are self governed; following the standard operating processes of Excel Retreats Ministries, Inc. EXCEL is also self supporting and is a 5013c not for profit organization.

EXCEL builds up, strengthens, and encourages people to do all those things that make the Church come alive and realize its full potential. This transforms the Church to the "living" Body of Christ, moving ... alive ... and in action. EXCEL offers people of the Church, whose lives are sustained by prayer and study, a life, which is kept conscious and growing by sharing with others who are similarly motivated.

 

PREPARING PEOPLE

EXCEL prepares and presents people to the Church. Because of the continuing growth they receive in post-exercise activity, they are effective workers for Christian renewal in their respective congregations, in their committees, and in the organizations of which they are a part.

EXCEL has its effect through the people it forms, nurtures, and sustains.

EXCEL stimulates people to try to live a life in union with God and to spread that life.

EXCEL attempts to offer people to the church who are formed in what is fundamental to being a Christian, people who are working on becoming saints and apostles, people who want to live in union with God (Saint) and who share this life with others (Apostles). "Saint" literally means "holy one", that is, one consecrated or dedicated the work of God, one belonging to God. "Apostle" literally means "one sent out", that is, one commissioned to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ by proclaiming it and living it.

EXCEL does not say that living in union with God and working to bring others to God is all that there is or all that is needed. It does say, however, that this is the basis for everything else in Christian life and service. Everything else must be built on this.

The strategy of EXCEL involves a definite approach to living in union with God, and spreading that to others. EXCEL gives people the message and the method.