About Us
The Refuge Retreat was founded by Adam & Kaitlin Neal. Adam graduated from the University of Mobile with a Worship Leadership Degree in 2008 and continued to achieve his Masters in Christian Studies at Southeastern Seminary in 2010, in Wake Forest, NC. Kaitlin finished her Undergrad at UNC Charlotte in 2011 with her degree in Business Finance. Adam and Kaitlin met at Garden City Chapel & Retreat in South Carolina in 2006. After 5 years of dating, they got married in 2011. They now have four daughters: Maelee, Emory, Hadley and Daisy.
In November of 2018, the Lord began to stir an unsettling in their hearts about where He was leading. Almost a year later, after a period of stillness, rest and prayer, they felt confident God was leading them to take another step into the unknown. It was a difficult season while listening to God’s voice, but exciting! In May of 2019, they stepped out and started The Refuge Retreat. The heartbeat was making disciples with the next generation - a generation of students that are often forgotten and counted out. Moving to Western North Carolina was the start of something amazing; something God was doing and continues to do.
Why College Students?
Barna Research Group conducted a study that revealed 65% of college students stop attending church after they graduate high school. That number has grown to over 85% today. The truth is, 18-25 year olds are moving further away from God. Not only are students losing interest in church, but they are not interested in following Jesus altogether. College students are known to be the most neglected generation in the majority of churches in America. These students need for people to believe in them. They need leaders in their life that will empower them and trust them with our future.
This reality is the driving force behind The Refuge Retreat. We want to be a place that targets the most difficult generation to reach for the Gospel. The past 10 years have been spent studying and learning what it means to be a true follower of Jesus. We want to spend our time and energy creating community with the people around us, teaching the ways of Jesus, and providing relaxation and fun with a retreat center.