Indeed, special events nurture Christian growth for at least three reasons. Decisions made at critical junctures establish the direction of a person's life. Too many people fail to recognize the pivotal moments and simply drift through the circumstances of their lives with little intention or foresight. A retreat or special event at the right time will help people set their sails with a clear sense of purpose. Some sort of interlude with spiritual input helps people sort through their options and decide on wholesome priorities.
Special events can provide an occasion for profound self-examination and the impetus for action.
Progress in the Christian life requires a firm foundation of basic belief. The ability to hold fast to Christian truth is strengthened in special moments when God's ways appear to be obvious, which often occurs at a special event. Spiritual confidence can grow in the quiet stillness of a prayerful retreat, or in the midst of a multitude lifting rousing praise. Such events enable believers to see themselves as part of a great throng of witnesses through the ages, to know that they are not alone. Equip for adversity.