Our History

Rise began in 2009 when a group of Texas State University students, desiring to see the body of Christ encouraged and connected on the Texas State campus, got together to pray. Out of that time came the concept of a retreat to give incoming freshman and transfer students a place to connect to ministries on campus and in the San Marcos area. The first Rise Retreat was held in August 2010 at Twin Oaks Ranch in Buda, Texas. After the retreat, students were assigned to mentors with the idea that these relationships would provide a place for counsel, prayer, encouragement and connection. Each step of the way, God has provided beyond measure both the people, through the volunteer efforts of students and contributions of faculty, and the resources to meet the needs of Rise. 

This upcoming year is Rise Retreat’s 8th anniversary.  We are excited for the new students coming this year and to see how God moves in their hearts and lives. Join us!

Our Beliefs

We believe that there is one God eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

Deuteronomy 6:4, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:1-3, Psalms 139, Matthew 28:19

We believe that the Bible is God’s written revelation to man and that it is inspired, authoritative, and without error in the original manuscripts. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17, Isaiah 40:8

We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, death on the cross to provide for our redemption, bodily resurrection and ascension into heaven, present ministry of intercession for us, and His return to earth in power and glory. 

2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 2:5-11

We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, that He performs the miracle of new birth in an unbeliever and indwells believers, enabling them to live a godly life. 

1 Corinthians 12:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13

We believe that man was created in the image of God, but because of sin, was alienated from God. That alienation can be removed through God’s grace alone by faith alone in Jesus Christ, apart from works. 

Ephesians 2:1-10

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.- John 13:15

Rise Exists To…

…provide a weekend of spiritual growth to freshmen and transfer students…

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-10

…through the unity of the body of Christ…

“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.” I Corinthians 12:12

…and to provide an outreach to incoming students…

“…train yourself to be godly, for physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” I Timothy 4:7-8

…allowing them to see God’s influence at Texas State University.