WINDWARD
Bible Study Conference
September 12-19, 2026
Take a breath, set your sails, and embark on an immersive week in God’s Word!
Windward is a Bible Study Conference set in a retreat environment, designed for adults of all ages, that invites you to engage Scripture in ways that bring fresh life and perspective to your faith journey. Guided by a Bible scholar, each day features in-depth teaching balanced with rhythms of worship, rest, and meaningful community. Cedar Bay is located on over 500 acres of beautiful natural surroundings on the north shore of Lake Huron, providing a peaceful setting to reflect and grow.
More than a retreat, Windward is a discipleship opportunity for those who desire to engage both their heart and mind in a deeper knowledge and understanding of God’s Word.
Questions?
Email [email protected] or call 906.484.2294
"It’s a great event for life transitions, whether finishing school, starting ministry, or just switching gears. For the level of education we’re getting, like learning from Biblical scholars, combined with a bit of camp experience, it’s worth the cost; a high-value experience!”
-Christina
“The combination of teaching that stimulates the mind, worship that touches the heart, and fellowship that nourishes the soul has been life-changing, like a three-legged stool supporting your whole being."
-Gerald & Kathy
“As a pastor, you look for opportunities to be refreshed, to be renewed, to get out of the ‘same old, same old’. Windward has provided exactly that, a place to grow, both spiritually and intellectually. It’s a great opportunity to come before the Lord and let Him examine you as you examine His Word.”
-Clifford
Meet our Keynote Speaker!
Keynote Speaker - Dr. Garwood Anderson
Dr. Garwood P. Anderson is a professor and scholar whose academic career spans more than four decades. Following his service as Dean and President of Nashotah House Theological Seminary (2017–2024), he assumed a role as Distinguished Fellow in Biblical Studies at the Lumen Center. He previously served in campus ministry with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for 18 years and taught at Asbury Theological Seminary and Nashotah House. In addition, he has served as a visiting professor at Bethel Theological Seminary, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Reformed Theological Seminary, and West African Theological Seminary in Nigeria.
Dr. Anderson’s teaching and research focus on narrative approaches to the Gospels, the parables of Jesus, Pauline soteriology, and New Testament theology. He is the author of Paul’s New Perspective: A Soteriological Journey and a frequent contributor to scholarly publications.
CONFERENCE DETAILS
Main Sessions
Dr. Garwood Anderson will be teaching on the Parables of Jesus
"Jesus' parables are often studied as individual stories, but what if they were also meant to be understood together? As we explore how the Gospel writers wove these teachings into the larger story of Jesus' ministry, we'll discover not only a richer understanding of Scripture, but also practical wisdom for faithfully living as citizens of God's Kingdom."
-Garwood Anderson
Bible Study Tracks
Each morning session will be followed by a Bible Study Track, led by one of our Windward Planning Team members.
Practical Methods for Becoming a More Thoughtful Student of Scripture – Greg Schrader
This interactive track explores practical Bible study methods and resources: manuscript study, word studies, comparing translations, Blue Letter Bible, commentaries, and AI chatbots, using Paul's letter to Titus as a canvas to see how each tool can enrich your personal study. The goal isn't just familiarity with new tools, but to become more careful readers of Scripture, faithful interpreters of God's Word, and mature followers of Christ.
The Liturgy of the Hours - Pat Zandstra
We will explore the ancient practice of "The Liturgy of the Hours" which leads people like us through a daily rhythm of Scripture reading, confessions, and prayer to help spiritually form us into devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Together we'll examine this rhythm firsthand, discovering how it can shape our own daily walk with Christ long after the conference ends.
AI and the Christian Faith - Will Cardona
Artificial intelligence is now in the hands of the children and grandchildren in our pews, yet only 12% of pastors feel equipped to teach on it. This track opens Scripture, from Genesis and Deuteronomy through the prophets to the New Testament, to trace what the Bible says about technology, then builds a practical framework for the AI decisions leaders face at home, in the classroom, and in the church. Leaders will leave with a personal plan for shepherding the people God has given them.
What does a typical day look like?
8:00 a.m. - Breakfast (Coffee Shop Open until 9:30)
9:00 a.m. - Singing/Worship & Main Session with Garwood Anderson
11:15 a.m. - Bible Study Tracks
12:30 p.m. - Lunch
1:30 p.m. - Personal Study Time
2:30-4:00 p.m. - Free Time (Coffee Shop and Boating Activities Open)
4:00 p.m. - Optional Electives & Afternoon Activities
5:30 p.m. - Dinner
7:00 - 8:15 p.m. - Small Group Discussions
8:30 - 10:00 - Evening Snack & Discussion
Sunday and Friday will include Silent Retreats for Reflection
Housing and Program Fees
Windward will be held at Old Mill Point, along the pristine shores of Lake Huron
WILLOUGHBY LODGE ROOM or POINT CABIN - Private Guest Room - Queen bed with bunks. Nearby community bath / private showers.
- Single Occupancy* - $1,275/person
- Double Occupancy** - $875/person
CABIN GUEST ROOM - Private Guest Room w/bathroom - Queen bed with a bunk. shared kitchenette and leisure area.
- Single Occupancy* - $1,540/person
- Double Occupancy** - $1,060/person
FAMILY CABIN - Private Cabin w/bathroom - Queen bed with bunk, kitchen, leisure area with fireplace or wood stove.
- Single Occupancy* - $1,855/person
- Double Occupancy** - $1,275/person
OFFSITE LODGING - Includes only meals and program.
- $640/Person
Deposit - $100/person with registration
Are you a student? Contact registration about student rates! - [email protected]
*Single Occupancy - During the registration process, you will have the option in the "Shared Housing Option" section to indicate if you are willing to share your housing with a roommate of the same gender. If we can pair you up, we will adjust both registrants' pricing to reflect the Double Occupancy rate.
**Double Occupancy - Please indicate in the "Roommate Request" section the name of the person you share your room with.
Directions to Camp and Transportation
Cedar Bay is located on the Eastern side of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, 30 miles east of the Mackinac Bridge in the Les Cheneaux Islands area.
Due to the uniqueness of having two different sides of camp, we have two different driveways. Each is marked with a well-lit sign. Old Mill Point is located at 1128 S Cedar Campus Rd, Cedarville, MI 49719. The entrance to Mariners Cove is located one mile east along M-134. Windward will be held on the Old Mill Point side.
If you want to fly rather than drive, Chippewa County International Airport is just 40 minutes away. Let us know with your registration, and we’ll be happy to shuttle you to and from camp!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us! 906.484.2294
