About Us
The Christian Retreats Network wasn’t always the network you know today. It started over a decade ago with a full-service Christian conference center that was fully committed to offering Christian hospitality and facilities that exceeded expectations and that were truly affordable. As a 50-year veteran in this ministry at the time, Lake Williamson led the industry with a host of best practices, extraordinary service, and all-inclusive event packages that had strong appeal to event planners.
In time, other Christian conference and retreat properties in the Midwest began to join with Lake Williamson to form what was known then as Midwest Christian Retreats. It began as a collaboration among three properties in Illinois and Michigan where each property became a champion of winning network brand promises and combined their strengths to market their ministry services.
Until 2015 when the addition of two partners, located outside the Midwest, in the Mid-Atlantic region provided the opportunity for an upgraded name that did not have the geographical limitations of the former “Midwest” label. So, in response to a growing network and a wider market, we introduced the Christian Retreats Network. The name was changed, but the brand quality, value, and service were all still deeply embedded in who we were. In fact, the growing network offered more flexibility, options, and value than ever before!
The network concept has thrived for all partners and has been a great example of the power of collaboration! Along with the addition of our Kansas partner in 2018, we were happy to see the network expand regions once again as we partnered with our Great Plains partner in Nebraska in 2019.
To think the small collaboration that Midwest Christian Retreats was at the time would develop into the large-scale network it is today is truly a blessing. The network is not only a great example of the power of collaboration but an opportunity for these partners to continue their ministry for the long-term future. That’s truly the goal of Christian Retreats Network; to provide our partners with the opportunity to grow and be sustainable so they, in turn, can continue to provide an off-site event environment where faith can grow and lives can be transformed.
Network properties include Lake Williamson Christian Center, Wheat State Retreat Center, The Crossing Retreat Center, Faholo Conference Center, Lost Valley Retreat Center, Potomac Park Retreat & Conference Center, and Pine Creek Retreat Center. Our goal is to provide excellent facilities and guest services at all properties, while maintaining affordable rates for our guests. The heart of our ministry is to provide a place where people can get away from their day-to-day and find God, deepen their faith, and connect with their family, friends and peers.
The following functions happen at…
- Lake Williamson Christian Center is headquarters for the retreat center network. Our Group Accounts, Marketing, and Management teams are based out of the Carlinville office. They can be reached at 800-500-5922.
- Conference Services for each property is based out of each property’s on-site office. Conference Services is on site to host tours and lead guest service team members.
- On-site Guest Services is provided at each property. These team members prepare meeting spaces, assist during your event, and handle the check-out process.
For more information about the Christian Retreats Network, please contact our headquarters at 877-833-2272.