Southwest Arkansas Churches of Christ
Man Up Men's Retreat
March 12–14, 2027
Barton Bible Camp · Lake Greeson · Kirby, Arkansas
2027 Theme
United
Stronger Together in Christ
“That they may all be one…” — John 17:21
A weekend of preaching, singing, hiking, and honest fellowship for men and young men. No cost to attend — just get here.
What to expect
A weekend in the woods with men who mean it
There is a plan for the weekend, but there is no pressure. Sit in on everything or none of it, speak up or just listen, join a group or drink your coffee by the lake. Nobody is keeping score, and no one is stuck in class all weekend.
Preaching that lands
Straight-ahead lessons from men who have walked it, plus topical breakout groups where you can talk as much or as little as you want.
Singing under a tin roof
A pavilion full of men singing is worth the drive by itself. Bring your voice, not your excuses.
Food and fellowship
Meals together in the mess hall, coffee early, and long conversations that don't happen in a church foyer.
Get outside
Hiking the bluffs above Lake Greeson, service projects around camp, evening basketball, and a fire when the sun drops.
From the 2026 retreat
This is what it looks like
Schedule
The 2027 weekend
Four keynotes on being united — at home, at work, with God, and in the church — with breakouts, activities, and plenty of room to visit. Think of the schedule as an offer, not a requirement: sit in on what interests you, skip what doesn’t, and take the rest of the time to hang out with other men.
Friday, March 12
- 4:00–6:30 pmArrival and registration
- 5:30–7:00 pmFish fry
- 7:00 pmWelcome & Singing
- 7:30 pmUnited at Home — keynote
- 8:00–8:45 pmBreakout conversations
- 9:00 pmCampfire fellowship and snacks
- 10:30 pmLights out
Saturday, March 13
The full day — jump in wherever you like- 7:30–8:30 amFull Breakfast
- 8:30 amUnited at Work: One Faith, Wherever We Go — keynote
- 9:00–11:00 amChoose Your Morning
- 11:00 amUnited with God: When My Will and God's Will Collide — keynote
- 11:30 amUnited in Prayer, led by men from area congregations
- 12:00–1:30 pmLunch and fellowship
- 1:30 pmSinging
- 2:00 pmUnited in the Church: Pursuing Unity Without Compromising Truth — keynote
- 2:30–3:00 pmBreakout conversations
- 3:00–6:30 pmFree Time & Activities
- 6:30 pmHamburger & Hot Dog Supper
- 7:30 pmYoung Men Lead
- 8:00–8:45 pmBringing It Together — small groups
- 9:00 pmCampfire fellowship and snacks
- 10:30 pmLights out
Sunday, March 14
- 7:30–8:15 amCoffee and light breakfast
- 8:15–9:00 amClean up and pack
- 9:00 amLakeside Bible study and worship
- 10:30 amDismissal
A closer look
Breakouts & activities
Friday evening
United at Home
8:00–8:45 pmFollowing our Friday keynote on unity in the home, choose one of several conversations focused on strengthening our closest relationships.
Building a Home That Pulls Together
What practical habits help create stronger marriages and families? Communication, spiritual leadership, family priorities, and the small things that make a big difference over time.
When Home Isn't Easy
Family life doesn't always look like we hoped. Navigating conflict, disappointment, difficult relationships, forgiveness, and pursuing peace when circumstances aren't ideal.
Passing Faith to the Next Generation
How do we help our children and grandchildren develop a faith of their own? Teaching, modeling faith, having spiritual conversations, and influencing the next generation.
Young Men: The Man You're Becoming
A conversation specifically for teens and young men about character, faith, relationships, and the decisions shaping the kind of man they will become.
Final breakout topics may vary.
Saturday morning
Choose Your Morning
9:00–11:00 amAfter the Saturday morning keynote, choose how you'd like to spend the next two hours. Join something, switch at 10:00, or just take it easy with other men — all of these are fine.
Fellowship & Conversation
No agenda and no program. Grab some coffee, sit down with old friends, meet someone new, or simply enjoy some free time.
9:00–11:00
Service
Work alongside other men on practical service projects around camp. Bring work gloves and clean-up tools (rakes, loppers, blowers, a weed eater) if you have them. A chance to serve, visit, and accomplish something together.
9:00–11:00
Swap Shop
Men sharing what's working. The first hour focuses on personal faith and family life; the second on ideas and ministries working in our congregations. Come ready to share an idea — or just listen.
9:00 personal & family · 10:00 church & ministry
Someone to Talk To
Sometimes you just need someone to listen. A licensed counselor and experienced shepherds will be available for private conversations, encouragement, and prayer. Stop by at any point during the morning.
9:00–11:00
Terry Time with the Teens
Terry Davis will work with our young men as they prepare to serve and lead — practicing song leading, Scripture reading, prayer, and short devotionals before helping lead our Saturday evening gathering.
9:00–11:00
Saturday afternoon
United in the Church
2:30–3:00 pmAfter United in the Church: Pursuing Unity Without Compromising Truth, we'll move directly into conversations about what biblical unity looks like in real congregations.
United Despite Our Differences
Christians will not agree about every judgment, preference, or opinion. How do we distinguish between matters that require biblical conviction and differences we can live with — and how do we disagree without becoming divided?
Every Man Matters: Finding Your Place in the Body
The church needs more than people who attend. Discovering where we can contribute, overcoming hesitation, serving with the abilities God has given us, and helping other men get involved.
Leading Toward Unity
You don't need a title to influence a congregation. How elders, deacons, teachers, fathers, older Christians, and other influential men can help create a culture of humility, peace, truth, and unity.
Young men are encouraged to participate alongside the adults in these Saturday discussions.
Saturday afternoon
Free Time & Activities
3:00–6:30 pmOur current working list for the afternoon. Organized groups head out around 3:30, but staying at camp and doing nothing in particular is a perfectly good option. Mark your interest on the registration form so we can plan.
Golf
Travel to the Glenwood area; we're considering 9 holes so it fits the three-hour window. Golf takes advance planning, so let us know on the registration form if you're interested.
Organized group
Fishing
Lake Greeson is accessible from camp on foot. We may also have a short boat fishing trip if we have boats and volunteers, plus bank fishing.
Organized / flexible
Hiking
A scenic hike within driving distance of camp. We're still finalizing the destination based on the three-hour window.
Organized group
Games & Recreation
Cornhole, volleyball, basketball, and other activities at camp.
Come and go
Fellowship & Free Time
Stay at camp, visit, rest, walk around, play cards. No organized activity required.
Completely flexible
Activities are still being finalized and may change.
Saturday evening
Bringing It Together
8:00–8:45 pmSaturday evening will be different. Instead of choosing a topic, we'll gather in smaller groups to reflect on the day.
Group reflection
Our speakers will provide discussion questions from their lessons, giving us an opportunity to talk about what challenged us, what we learned from one another, and what we want to take home.
Speakers
Confirmed for 2027
Song Leading & Young Men
Terry Davis
Terry is back with us for 2027 and will be leading our singing for the entire weekend.
He also leads Terry Time with the Teens on Saturday morning, helping our young men get ready to lead singing, Scripture, prayer, and devotionals that evening.
Terry Davis
2027 Song Leader
Past speakers from 2026
Leon Barnes
Marc Addison
Terry Davis
Bill Paxton
Scott Hobson
Lodging & camp
Barton Bible Camp
Visit bartonbiblecamp.orgThe camp sits in the hills above Lake Greeson near Kirby, Arkansas, with bunk cabins, indoor bathrooms and showers, an open-air pavilion for services, and a mess hall for meals.
- Cabin bunks are first come, first served — bring your own bedding, pillow, and towel.
- We have 5 RV hookups total, and they are 30 amp only. Mark it on the registration form and reserve by phone.
- Tent camping is welcome, and commuting from home is fine too.
Before you come
Know before you go
There is no cost
Registration is not required, but it is strongly encouraged so we can plan meals and lodging.
Young men are welcome
Men under 18 are strongly encouraged to attend, but a responsible adult must be available to supervise them.
Bring a comfortable chair
Plus normal Bible camp items: bedding, Bible, pen and paper, toiletries, and shower shoes.
Pack for March nights
Many cabins have heaters, but a few extra small space heaters would be helpful if you have one available.
Games are set up
The camp has basketball, volleyball, and ping-pong, and we set up cornhole boards. Bring any other games you would enjoy.
Lend a hand
If you notice small projects around the campground that need attention, your help is appreciated. Feel free to bring basic yard tools.
Come and go as you can
Stay for the entire weekend if you are able, or slip in for the sessions your schedule allows.
Registration
Save your spot
Registering helps us plan food, cabins, and materials. It takes about a minute and there is no cost to attend.
Questions
Good to know
Contact
Still have questions?
Send us a note with your mobile number and an organizer will text or call you back.