What are the Biblical cornerstones for The Crucible Project?
Our experiential weekend retreat is based on Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestles with God, receives a new name and blessing, and begins a new relationship with God. This biblical teaching — and several others from the life of Jesus and other biblical characters — fuels our vision to create a world of men and women who live with integrity, grace and courage, fulfilling their God-given purpose.
Other Biblical influences on our weekend experience include:
Integrity: (Matthew 5: 37; Ephesians 4:15; James 5:16; Matthew 7: 3-5)
Courage: (1 Thessalonians 5: 14-15; 1 Timothy 4:16; Proverbs 20:5)
Grace: (Romans 15:7; Matthew 7: 1-2; Romans 12:15; 1 Peter 4:8)
Is The Crucible Project connected to a specific church or denomination?
The Crucible Project’s board, leadership, and retreat leadership are Christians in churches across the spectrum of Christianity. We are not connected to any one church, denomination, or movement. On the weekend, you will be encouraged to grow and live out your faith in your local church community.
Who goes to these weekends?
The participants who come on our weekends want to experience truth and grace in a community of other people of faith living in an authentic faith-living community. They have the courage to take off their masks and honestly explore what is and what is not working in their lives and to cut through the false pretenses that keep them from leaving a legacy to impact in our world, like Jesus did (1 Corinthians 16: 13-14).
Is the weekend only for Christians or can anyone attend?
The Crucible Weekend is designed for participants who are actively living out their Christian faith as well as anyone who may be wrestling with faith or doubting God. Participants of no faith, and other faiths, who are tolerant to biblical references have reported that they received great benefit from participating in the weekend.
Is this a different version of counseling or group therapy?
No, this is a series of trainings and exercises to help ignite Christ-like change through radical honesty and grace. Although anyone may find the teachings, exercises, and understandings of this weekend to be useful, it is made with the understanding that neither The Crucible Project, nor those leading the weekend, are engaged in presenting specific medical, psychiatric, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should engage in a program of treatment, prevention, cure, or general health only in consultation with a licensed, qualified physician, psychiatrist, therapist or other competent professional. Any person working through psychiatric issues should consult a mental health professional for services.
I know someone who completed the Crucible Weekend. Why won’t they share specifics?
If you are like most people, life’s distractions keep you from being present in the moment. We do not provide a detailed schedule of what happens on the weekend in order that you might be fully present, without distraction, to take a fresh look at your faith and life from a different perspective beyond your normal comfort zone. We also believe that you are most likely to experience new levels of honesty and grace on this weekend through a series of exercises which build upon each other and the element of the unknown instead of preparing or performing for what comes next. Most participants who attend the weekend say they were glad no one told them specifically what to expect ahead of time and that there’s value in just trusting the process.
Is the weekend physically challenging?
The weekend has some physically challenging parts to stretch you into new capacities and perspectives. It is not a boot camp or health and fitness retreat. Safety protocols are always followed and accommodations are available so that individuals at almost every physical level can experience the full weekend. We also ask you to take responsibility for your safety and encourage your communication with staff on the retreat regarding your physical wellbeing. You can choose to pass on any activity.
Can I leave if I decide it’s not for me?
All participation is voluntary. You are free to decide for yourself what is best, whether to pass on any process or exercise, or leave if you desire. Since the weekend is designed to be challenging, you may experience times when you would rather be somewhere else — just like in life, your job, your relationships and other responsibilities. A key to any growth is not running away but pushing through the limits, fears or truths you may have been avoiding. The participants who persevere are glad they did.
What time does the retreat begin and end?
Participants should arrive at the retreat site Friday between 6:45-7:00PM in the retreat facility's time zone. Retreats end at or before 3:00PM Sunday in the retreat site's time zone.
What does the price for the retreat include?
Registration includes housing, meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday breakfast and lunch), and on-site materials. Participants are assigned an individual bed in a shared room with other participants. Room sizes vary site to site. You will be guided in an impactful experiential retreat with opportunities for individualized grace-filled experiences. You also will receive three free group sessions after the retreat.
What is not included in the price of the retreat?
The price for the retreat does not include travel to and from the retreat, though we encourage you to carpool with other participants and assist with carpool coordination. Travel-related meals are not included. Please note that dinner on Friday is not included, participants should eat prior to their arrival.
Why is the registration fee $595?
The following chart is a breakdown of how a participant’s $595 registration fee was used for every retreat during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The majority of each registration fee covered weekend materials, food and the facility rental fee. Leader travel accounted for $53.55 and retreat leaders were provided a stipend of $154.70. Crucible certified leaders have invested years in learning to lead our high quality, safe and impactful retreats. Back-office fees accounted $5.95.
What should I bring with me?
Prior to the retreat, you will receive a list of items you are responsible to bring. This will include personal items, such as clothing, toiletries, etc., as well as a couple of common items to share.
I heard that carpooling is encouraged. Can I drive by myself?
We ask everyone who attends the weekend, including staff, to carpool. Logistically, parking is limited and carpooling lessens our environmental impact. Sharing the journey also gives you the opportunity to connect with other participants during the trip, which is an important dynamic before and after the weekend. Many participants find they have more in common than expected and lasting friendships are forged. That said, carpooling is not required.
How do I get to the location if I fly in from out of town?
While transportation to and from the retreat site is your responsibility, you will be invited to carpool with other participants to and from the airport. Communicate with the coordinator when you receive your weekend registration confirmation.
I have diet restrictions. Can I bring my own food?
We work with participants to accommodate food allergies and diet restrictions. You will be given the opportunity to indicate any special needs/restrictions on your Health Form included in the registration process.
Should I attend if I get sick prior to the retreat?
We encourage everyone who is ill to postpone attending the retreat until their health is restored. You will have a better experience if you are not sick, and you will prevent the spread of your illness to others by not attending. Registration fees are transferable to another retreat. Communicate as early as possible if your illness will prevent you from attending.
What if I get sick on the retreat?
You are responsible for your wellbeing. We encourage participants who become ill during or after the retreat to report to Crucible Retreat Leadership. Safety is important and we will support your decisions regarding any health concerns you might have.
What if I have more questions?
Attend one of our live Q&A sessions, Exploring Crucible Retreats: A Live Pre-Retreat Q&A Wednesdays at 6:00pm CST. Once you register for a men's retreat or women's retreat, a Participant Coordinator for your specific retreat will contact you via email and will be able to answer questions specific to that retreat. Otherwise, we encourage you to talk with the person who introduced you to The Crucible Weekend, or contact us and a staff member will respond to you.