The ambience of Barnabas Landing, Keats Island, BC. A time to reflect. A group of committed marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders. A platform for peer group members to lead a discussion on issues they wrestle with. That was a recipe for a phenomenal experience.
The ELO Christian Entrepreneurs Retreat took place at Barnabas Landing from May 21-23. ELO Peer Advisory Group members had a fantastic opportunity to delve into key life, faith and business issues.
From a content perspective, the retreat provided an opportunity for Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders to build relationships over meals and coffee breaks.
All ELO Peer Advisory Group members had an opportunity to address issues of interest to them: risk and failure; life planning; spiritual journeys; the role of prayer; innovation; and reinventing / recalibrating.
Dale Lutz, a PAG member, is also Chair of the Board of Barnabas Landing and a long-time supporter and user of the facility. He provided a guided tour of the unique facility, including its own greenhouses for vegetables (including 57 types of tomatoes), 99 chickens and 12 pigs. Dale also introduced us to Wilber who will be the bacon at next year’s retreat.
Dale shared the story of the development of the facility. The visionary behind Barnabas is Rob Bentall, whose amazing 50-year journey of faith, perseverance and steady fundraising has led to the present spectacular facility. Barnabas Landing is very busy most of the year, particularly over the summer. It hosts family camps which are typically sold out
One member referred to the "Fred Factor" book published in the early 2000s. “We bought a copy for every staff member at the time. We worked hard to get the idea of exceptional service into everyone's DNA, and I think we did succeed. Here's a summary of the main points of the book complete with links to some videos of the speaker delivering the main points.”
One member talked about the notion of failure as part of the Christian experience. For example, structural engineers deal with life safety as part of every project. There are typically issues on some projects every couple of years. He cautioned to be mindful that there but for the grace of God go I.
One member focused on generosity and highlighted six principles:
- Giving is a heart issue (Mt. 6) – your heart will follow the investment
- God gave first
- God owns it all, we manage (Ps. 24)
- Seek first the Kingdom of God (Mt. 6)
- Heaven, not earth, is my home
- Giving brings joy
He also referred to the story of Alan and Katherine Barnhart who capped their salary even as their company steadily grew over time.
One member talked about intentionally being part of a church in one of the poorest postal codes in Canada. He noted that God’s heart is with the poor—when you serve the poor you are close to God. He also stressed that we need to be generous with time and not just financial resources.
Another member talked about the role of prayer. He noted that we should be, “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Eph. 6:18). What is “supplication?” It is asking God for needs. He identified 20 types of prayer, including:
- “Imprecatory” – praying for justice against evil
- “Intercession” – praying for others
- “Proclamation” – speaking God’s truths or promises
- “Thanksgiving” – expressing gratitude to God
- "Listening" – hearing God’s voice in stillness
- “Rebuking” – commanding evil to depart
In short, the Christian Entrepreneurs Retreat, with dynamic peer-led discussions, space to reflect and recharge, and the backdrop of stunning natural beauty, allowed members to be energized, inspired, and ready to take their business—and their leadership—to the next level. It was more than a retreat. It’s a strategic pause with like-minded peers who sharpen one another.
The Retreat is part of the ELO Peer Advisory Group network offering. ELO continually works to be the premiere organization to help meaning-driven entrepreneurs succeed. ELO delivers excellence across a range of services: world-class conferences, the ELO Oxford Leadership Program, acting as a partner with the Harvard Human Flourishing Program, management consulting services and the ELO Peer Advisory Groups.
The ELO Peer Advisory Group Network not only matches what any mainstream peer advisory groups offer but also provides a unique opportunity for Christian business leaders to integrate faith with professional leadership in a meaningful and transformative way.
In today’s fast-paced and challenging business environment, having a trusted circle of peers who share both Christian values and a commitment to excellence in leadership can be an invaluable source of strength and perspective. These groups provide a confidential and spiritually grounded space to process situations.
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