By Barbara Rolen, Program Director, Serenity Retreat 

You know that feeling when you can sense God’s up to something, but you’re not quite sure what it is yet? That’s been me—and honestly, all of us here at Serenity Retreat—for the better part of this year. Collectively, we sense the Lord forming new wine skins—new rhythms and new structures so we are ready for what’s to come.  

I am proud of the effective training courses we offer at Serenity Retreat, from intro to internship. Since there’s always room for improvement, each of the courses is undergoing refinement this year and next to improve the effectiveness and experience for participants. 

And now God is also stretching us to expand our training to include TPM 201 Immersive for those looking for the convenience of a self-paced on-demand course, culminating with a dynamic, immersive experience at our Bellville Retreat Center. 

The Real Heart of TPM 201: You First 

Both our six-week TPM 201 course and the new Immersive format are designed to help you tend to your own heart first—before you even think about helping anyone else. 

Here’s what I mean: you learn to recognize what’s actually happening inside you when thoughts like these won’t quit plaguing you: 

• “Where did that explosion of anger come from? I hate hurting my family like this.” 

• “I know God’s Word says that He’ll never leave you or forsake you, but it sure feels like I’m all alone, even abandoned.”  

• “I’m sick and tired of fear running my life.” 

• “God, make it stop! It’s just too much!” 

• “When will my life ever change? Will I always feel like there is something wrong with me?” 

Whether you choose the six-week TPM 201 course or the TPM 201 Immersive, the goal is the same: learn how to use TPM as a lifestyle so you can gain God’s perspective any time of day, anywhere—even 3AM lying in your bed, or in your office, or while mowing your lawn or folding clothes. 

Introducing the TPM 201 Immersive: A Whole New Way to Learn 

Let me explain how TPM 201 Immersive is different from our standard six-week course. 

The traditional TPM 201 is six weeks of live classes—one session per week, everyone moving through the material together on the same schedule. The first hour each week is spent discussing the homework questions and chapters read. During the second hour, students get to experience TPM in small groups in breakout rooms with a coach mentoring the sessions. 

The Immersive? It’s designed for people who need more flexibility and want the in-person experience in Bellville. Here’s how it works: 

• On-demand course—Complete the core teaching modules at your own pace, covering the same content as our six-week TPM 201 course  

• Three Connect Points—Join your classmates for Saturday Zoom calls where you’ll share insights and get questions answered. (We keep it real with optional breakout rooms for your own TPM sessions—so you can experience what you’re learning, not just talk about it!) 

• Your own TPM sessions (at least 3 before the gathering)—Experience the transforming work of the Holy Spirit for yourself with a trained mentor, so you arrive at the weekend gathering having already experienced the process of TPM multiple times to prepare you to use TPM on yourself. 

• Community digital platform— Connect with your cohort and coaches between sessions, ask questions, and share insights as you go deeper with the material. 

• A multi-day, hands-on gathering at the Serenity Retreat Center in Bellville, Texas—This is where it all comes together. You’ll deepen your understanding of TPM’s purpose and principles, practice in small groups, and experience the gift of a like-minded community all moving toward the same goal: using TPM as a lifestyle. (Jan 29 – 31) 

Is This For You? 

Maybe you’ve been feeling that tug—that there’s got to be more than this feeling when it comes to your relationship with God. 

Maybe you’ve wondered if God might be calling you toward prayer ministry, but you weren’t sure how to take the next step. 

Or maybe you know someone in your life—someone with a heart for listening, for caring, for shepherding others—who would thrive in this kind of formation. 

If any of that resonates? We’d love to have you join us. 

Grateful for This Season 

As we head into Thanksgiving, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for what God is cultivating here at Serenity Retreat. He’s building something steady and lasting—deepening and expanding what’salready been rooted in His presence.  

Thank you for walking with us. For praying. For supporting. For listening to what God is stirring in your own heart. 

And thank you for being part of what He’s forming here. 

May your Thanksgiving be full of rest, warmth, and the quiet awareness that God is preparing you—and this ministry—for good things ahead. 

With love and gratitude, 

 
Barbara Rolen 
Program Director, Serenity Retreat