Leadership Team Training ​10-day Israel Experience
Land only = $3764.00 

Latest update: 8-1-21. Wording issues fixed.

Click to view the 5 minute Inverness Vineyard trip video yours is fashioned after. 
note: This amazing team-building experience for the Downtown Vineyard leadership and volunteers' spiritual growth includes 9 full days in the land with a travel day to/from. Flight priced separately. The locations where we stop will remain flexible throughout our time together as no location stop can be guaranteed, thus is the nature of international travel and traffic. 

Day 1 (Sunday, June 5) Travel Day
Meet at the airport after church on Sunday evening (time TBA) and board your international overnight flight. Details on flight TBA. (or meet us in Tel Aviv if you want to add a European Layover before or after your trip or use airline points to cover your flight).

Day 2 (Monday, June 6) Arrival Day !
Fly and fly, then grab your luggage and meet our guide in Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport (hopefully a early-afternoon arrival, TBA in July/early Aug 2021). Ride in our air conditioned bus into ancient Joppa on the coast (that we just flew over) and enjoy a walking tour that includes a stop at the door to Simon the Tanner's house (people live there so we can't go in). Get back on our bus to take the coastal highway south to the Dead Sea Region. We will make a road-side stop at the Valley of Elah (David & Goliath Field) and walk the streambed where David chose his 5 smooth stones. Then, we'll make our way through the Judean Wilderness and stop for communion at an overlook of the Dead Sea region's soft colors. Our ride will drop steeply below sea level by 600+ meters! After a late check in at our resort hotel, The David Dead Sea Resort & Spa, we will have dinner at the hotel with optional time for a restorative Dead Sea soak before bed.

Day 3 (Tuesday, June 7) - Desert Wilderness Day
Enjoy a bountiful Israeli breakfast early (you don't want to miss this for a few minutes of sleep!) Climb on our bus for our first stop: Masada (video), Israel’s last stand in 73 AD. [You may take a strenuous climb up the “snake path” (no snakes) in 40-50 minutes ~1800 feet from the valley floor; it is very hot. Or take the cable car to the top.] We’ll learn the story of Herod’s Fortress in the Desert and tour the massive grounds. Then we head north along the Dead Sea to Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul and hike up to David’s waterfall. Bring wet/dry sandals for hiking and a bathing suit because you can climb into any number of enticing blue pools or waterfalls and the desert air will dry you off before you return to the bus! You'll have free time in the afternoon to enjoy the amenities at the resort, take a Dead Sea float, book a spa treatment, or shop for some Dead Sea products. Tonight there will be a Team meeting out on the shores of the Dead Sea to view the same sky as Abraham when God promised him descendants as plentiful as the stars of the sky. (You can get back in the water after if you want to.)

Day 4 (Wednesday, June 8) Desert Wilderness transition to Galilee Day
After another bountiful Israeli breakfast we will pack up our bus and tootle a few miles down the road to Qumron where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Then settle in for a drive north to the Galilee region, passing Jericho on our way. Bet She'an, once the home of a thriving Christian community, is our next stop. With a timely departure we might have time for a cool-off stop at Gan HaSlosha (the three gardens/three pools), a beautiful 3-tiered swimming hole with manicured lawns and turquoise waters. Then we continue on to our hotel the Gai Beach Hotel in Tiberias, located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. You can crash in your room before dinner or go see if you, too, can walk on water. 

Day 5 (Thursday, June 9) Christian Sites around the Sea of Galilee Day
​After a nice Israeli breakfast, we will visit the Jesus-Biblical sites today. We will start with a contemplative time at Magdela, the home town of Mary Magdalene and a 2009-discovery of a 1st-century synagogue where Jesus would have preached! Then on to St. Peter's Primacy, where Jesus cooked the fish breakfast and Peter found forgiveness. Then on to Capernaum to see Peter's home near a 300-B.C. Synagogue. We'll stop to see the Jesus Boat Museum and take a 50 minute "cruise" on the Sea of Galilee. Then have the option to either have another contemplative stop at the Mount of Beatitudes and then back through Tiberias to the Jordan River for an optional Yardenit baptism (re-baptism) $10 USD can rent a gown and towel. In the evening, we will have a team meeting on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and anyone who wants can take a short walk into town to explore the boardwalk area on their own. (shopping, ice cream, street musicians, etc.)

Day 6 (Friday, June 10) Northern Israel & Modern War Stories Day
After an early breakfast, we will drive north and visit Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus asked Peter, “But who do you say that I am?” and discover the significance to His phrase “and the gates of hell will not prevail against (the coming of the Kingdom).” Then drive to a 30-minute stair-hike to hidden Banias waterfall and option to grab a Druze snack made before your eyes (cheese and a thin "pita" with olive oil.).  If there is time this morning, we'll enjoy a short kayak trip down the Jordan River. Then make our way through Nazareth to Nazareth Village for an included (but late-in-the-day) traditional Bible-era lunch. Then continue to drive west toward Mt Carmel where we can see where Elijah slew the prophets of Ba'al and the Valley of Armageddon. Then make our way back to Tiberias for dinner at our hotel.
     Team worship & debrief on shores of Galilee--bring your flashlight. Midnight swim, anyone?

Day 7 (Saturday, June 11)  Transfer to Jerusalem (on Shabbat/the Sabbath)
After breakfast, it is an early check out from our hotel for a full day of exploring. We begin by driving south past Jericho and enter the Judean Wilderness again for a minute before turning toward Jerusalem. Where we may stop to see the St George's Monastery clinging to a cliff side a.k.a. "the Valley of the Shadow of Death" and where Jesus' temptation is said to have occurred. You'll have a chance to meet some Bedouin peddlers who sell their wares at the top of the cliff.  Another 25-30 minutes of bus time as we "go up to Jerusalem" and read the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 121-136) together just as they did in the ancient days. 
     Our driver will drop us off at the top of the Mount of Olives for the iconic view of the city. Then we will walk down the (paved) pathway called the Palm Sunday Pathway, past the Tomb of the Prophets to the Garden of Gethsemane, and stop to view the Golden Gate (Gate Beautiful). Our driver will pick us up there. Then we will ride over to Gilo, a Jerusalem neighborhood, for a view of Bethlehem where we can do some more intercession. If there is time, we can stop by the Herodian. Then drive by the new American Embassy to see what all the fuss is about! Before we are dropped off at our hotel, The Dan Boutique, in Jerusalem, on Hebron Road, in time for dinner.
​
Day 8 (Sunday, June 12) Jerusalem Underground Day
After breakfast we will start with a drop off at the Kotel for a few moments of individual prayer at the Western Wall, and then walk through the Rabbinical tunnels for an underground tour of Jerusalem. We will continue from the end of this tour to the Pool of Bethesda (no water for swimming or healing anymore) and explore the ruins, and sing a song in the beautiful acoustics of Saint Anne's Church. Then we walk out the Lion Gate to meet our driver who will take us over to the City of David (active archaeological dig video) where we will change into our water shoes & submerge into a 533-meter underground tunnel containing the Gihon Spring up to 2.5 feet deep in Hezekiah’s Tunnel. It's very close quarters (as small as 20 inches wide in some places & definitely watch your head!) for 1 KM, and completely dark so bring a flashlight or headlamp! If you’re claustrophobic or just need a break you’re welcome to grab an ice cream and chill or talk to some locals on the shaded patio and wait. We will come out at the Pool of Siloam and take a bus back up to the entrance of the City of David to pick up anyone as needed. We'll grab a quick lunch near the Cardo before we head for a visit at the Temple Institute to view some of the actual implements that have been restored and created for use in the coming Third Temple! We’ll have free time from 3:30-5:30 (you can wander the streets, hang out at a local cafe, head back to the hotel for a nap, or try to get in some shopping). 

Day 9 (Monday, June 13) 
We will start after breakfast at the Tower of David and traverse Jerusalem’s streets over to the Old City's Jaffa Gate to meet our guide before climbing up the ramparts to walk on top of the Old City Ramparts (walls), to walk the Christian and Arab side of the Ramparts toward Damascus Gate while interceding for the sons of Ishmael to see the Living God as their own Savior. At Damascus Gate, we climb down and head to the ​Garden Tomb for a British-guided tour and enjoy the quietude of the Garden where we will see the empty tomb, view the Place of the Skull up close, and have some alone time with the Gardener of our Souls.
Our driver will pick us up and drive us around the Old City to Zion Gate where we will go to the Upper Room for some "Come, Holy Spirit" time and stop by King David's tomb (not much to see, but to say you were there). Then we'll walk past the Southern Steps where Jesus and His disciples taught, on our way down to Caiaphas's house to see the cistern where Jesus was held before his crucifixion. Then we trek uphill back into the Old City through the Dung Gate for a final view of the Western Wall, Mount of Olives and Garden of Gethsemane.

Day 10 (Sunday, June 14) Finale Day & Transfer to Airport 
After a delicious Israeli buffet breakfast we will pack up and check out of our hotel by 8:15. Today we visit Yad Vashem, the world’s premiere Holocaust Memorial. We’ll take a recovery minute and grab some coffee in the cafe for a light lunch, if you want to.  We will stop and plant a tree as a lasting memory in Israel at Neot Kedomim.  Then we head over to the coast to explore Caesarea, an ancient port city and see an on-site film about King Herod the Great's crazed building frenzy. We'll make a short stop to see the still-standing ruins of the ancient Roman Aqueduct at the Mediterranean shore. 
The bus and guide will drop off our group at Ben Gurion Airport back near Tel Aviv and pass through about 15 security checks then board your flight(s) home between 11:00 PM and 3:30 AM. Flight details will be available closer to time.
​You can grab a little dinner in the airport if you need something to eat before dinner is served on the airplane home.

Day 11 (Monday, June 15) Travel Day
Today will be super long as you fly west with the sun. You should arrive back home by evening on Monday with memories and pictures galore and new and deepening relationships with the Lord God of Israel and friends from your city!

All the Details You Really
​Want to Know

We suggest that you start training your body as you train your heart for this trip, so you will be able to fully participate in it with your teammates. Trips include accommodation, breakfasts and dinners in the land, transportation via bus, a certified tour guide and bus driver, entrance to sites, one book, Israel Basics: What Every Christian Should Know to help you prepare your grid of understanding and A Spiritual Journey Through Israel book/journal for on the ground in country. This book will help record all the spiritual encounters we will enjoy with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and help inspire you for the portion you will lead on-site.
However, lunches, tips (plan: $7-10/day), health insurance, trip insurance, and souvenirs are on your own. Flights are priced separately, and cost is set by the airline.

This trip is personalized and limited to 25 people. Our small size allows great access. There is an aspect of  leadership development and personal spiritual development, prayer activations, spiritual formation exercises, and "Friendship with Jesus" strengthening and deepening that accompany each Ruth Israel Initiative Unhurried Pilgrimage at nearly every location stop in the Land, and the Lord usually shakes some things up in our hearts in a beautiful way. If you are not accustomed to journaling or "listening prayer" Seth Barnes book Listening Prayer is another book you'll want to pick up to prepare your heart and skills for listening for God's voice as you interact together in the Holy Land. This devotional is great even if you are skilled at hearing God's voice. 

If you become intrigued with the new information you are gaining in knowledge and want to go further,  purchase the book Unbroken Cord by D.H. Withers to read on your own. Or another great one is Sandra Teplinsky's book Why Still Care About Israel? These books will really fill out your foundation so that you can get the most out of your time in Israel. See the Resources Page for even further study. 

​We will offer several team meetings before we go and scattered throughout our time together to build friendship as we share what God is doing in our hearts, but you will also have some evenings free to rest or explore on your own. Each leader will get a chance to lead our group in communion, or read his or her favorite story/scripture on the location where it happened (or a location of choice). 
Ready to go? Download an application from the top of this page, or request an application via email from the contact form to the right. We also invite your questions! Your down payment must accompany your application. Mailing instructions are on the application.

Designed specifically for Vineyard leaders and pre-leaders in Grand Junction, Colorado. 

Download a brochure or application:

Leadership Trip Features include:
1. Following Jesus' ministry route, starting in the desert, up to the Galilee, and ending in Jerusalem.
2. Planned over two weekends to cost you fewer vacation days.
3. Leadership development through spiritual formation exercises and team meetings to build relationship among the leadership teams, and "everyone gets to play."
4. Must be a member & volunteer at one of the Vineyards in Grand Junction, CO to register. (Or related to one. i.e. spouse or child over 14.)
5. As of latest info, vaccination and a negative Covid PCR test will be required to fly and enter Israel. 
6. Our guide will be Baruch Kerem, who's name means "blessing" in Hebrew!

Important Information

• Special Pricing is based on double occupancy and a minimum of 15 people traveling (limit 25 people). Apply early to save your spot! Single-room supplement available at $880 additional.​
• You will want to work on fitness several months before traveling to fully participate with your team.
• See all the "B-4 You Go" topics in the drop down list in the header.​

Easy Payment Schedule:
$500 due with each application 
$1000 due September 1, 2021
$1000 due November 1, 2021
Balance on account due in full April 1, 2022. (~60 days ahead of travel).
If you need to pay on a credit card, please add 4% to the cost of each payment as these prices do not include any office or admin fees.

---

Accommodation
We will try several different levels of accommodation from Boutique Hotels to Resort-level, so you can experience the wide variety that is Israel. 
Learning
There is a ton to learn and catch up on, even if you know your Biblical history. This will be like a college level course, so we require some pre-req. reading so we all have an equal grid of understanding when arriving in Israel.

Unplugged
It is not required, but we highly suggest going unplugged at least during the day while you are in Israel so you can fully engage in where you are. Share on social media at night or when you return home. If your phone is your only camera, decide to use it only for taking photos or ask around and see if you can borrow a camera for the trip . (PS you may want to practice going unplugged once or twice before you leave the country! We know it can be hard even for non-millennials!)

Insurance
If you want to purchase trip insurance to ensure your travel, trip interruption, or emergency medical evacuation insurance you'll need to contact your personal insurance specialist or try our favorite here: Insurance.

Packing
Check out our packing  suggestions here! Due to bus space, we are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on sized bag. We suggest a back pack that rolls for ease of transiting  long international terminals.

Team Meetings
We will have 1-2 team meetings on Zoom before we leave the country to prepare you and get your questions answered.
Food/Snacks/Coffee
Lunch and snacks are on your own. We suggest bringing a box or two of protein bars in case lunch is delayed by our adventures. We don't want any one to get hangry!
​
Everybody Gets to Play:
After you've been accepted to participate in this trip, you'll want to visit this Schedule of  Locations Spreadsheet link to choose the location where you want to lead the group in our on-location exercise/talk etc. You will receive a book, A Spiritual Journey Through Israel,  as part of your welcome package to help you plan. 

Click one of the below links to download your application!

blank_israel_application_and_release_form_2021.pdf
File Size:	414 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---