FAQs
Our program is especially designed to address the unique communication challenges and issues specifically experienced in a male-female marriage relationship. We encourage same-sex couples, dating couples, and unmarried couples to explore/attend relationship programs that can better meet their specific needs. We are happy to direct these couples to programs of which we are aware that might be of interest to them.
Virtual/Online Experience: Breaks and mealtime breaks are intentionally built into the virtual/online experience, thus each couple has the opportunity to eat as many meals and snacks as desired.
Non-Residential Experience: Because the experience is totally inclusive, it is important that you both be present to participate in each session from start to finish because the concepts learned in each session are then used in subsequent sessions. Thus it is important that couples are present for the entirety of each session of the program as scheduled in order to receive the full benefits of the program. The weekend scheduling for this experience format allows ample time each morning for couples commuting from their home or a local hotel to eat breakfast and still arrive at the church location prior to the first session.
In-Person Experience: Because the experience is totally inclusive, it is important that you both be present to participate in each session from start to finish because the concepts learned in each session are then used in subsequent sessions. Thus it is important that couples are present for the entirety of each session of the program as scheduled in order to receive the full benefits of the program. Sleeping and eating at the venue also helps reduce stress and promotes a relaxing environment for couples during the weekend in order to avoid the distractions of everyday life.
Guided conversations during meals help couples reach a fuller understanding of the concepts already covered – and special diets are accommodated along with a lower group meal rate that we negotiate with the caterers.
Any legally married heterosexual (man and woman) couple can attend.
The Marriage Encounter experience is about you and your couple marital relationship. As we are a Christian organization, you will hear presenting team couples share their faith as well as Bible verses specific to the marriage relationship. However, no one will try to convert you.
All the more reason for you to attend! With the many demands placed upon you as a couple, you and your spouse need to take the time to nurture the health and happiness of your own marriage relationship in order to continue to feed the members of your congregation.
Marriage Encounter is a marriage enrichment experience designed for each individual couple to enjoy private time together learning how to use a new set of communication tools. Although sessions include the entire group of married couples attending, no couple is ever required to share openly about their relationship with the group. After each session, each couple is encouraged to privately share their thoughts and feelings with each other.
Marriage Encounter is not a marriage boot camp, retreat, Bible Study, group counseling, social weekend, or sensitivity clinic where you are required to openly discuss your couple relationship with the group of attendees. Nor are couples ever separated during the event for “he” and “she” lectures.
The entire experience is presented for and to you together as a couple, and your privacy as a couple is respected at all times.
All materials you need to help you learn how to use your new set of communication tools are provided during the experience.
Special FREE online and offline resources – including enrichment videos – are available for you to use after your experience as well.
You are not required to purchase supplemental materials in order to receive the benefits of your experience or to continue enjoying its benefits after your experience.
Although it is possible for a couple to see improvement in their overall communication if only one spouse attends a relationship program, it is far more successful for their relationship for both the husband and wife to learn the communication tools we teach and practice during a Marriage Encounter experience. Thus we highly recommend both spouses attend to receive the full benefits of the experience.
During your experience you will be given the opportunity to contribute toward the actual cost (in addition to the $100 application fee) that is stated on the specific experience you have selected and will be explained again as a reminder. Please be aware that any contribution you make is entirely voluntary, and we appreciate any donation you can make to this ministry.
PAYMENT
We offer secure payment online when applying to attend our experience with the use of your credit/debit card or PayPal account. Payment also can be made using our offline application and your personal check. Please visit our Apply Now page to download, complete, and mail an offline application form and check.
Financial assistance is available for those in need. Money is often a trigger for strong feelings. Couples can feel anxiety, doubt, fear, and even anger over finances. If you experience any of these feelings when considering the cost of this experience, please don’t let that stop you from attending. Please inquire about financial assistance by contacting us prior to applying.
REFUNDS
The $100 application fee per couple for your experience is refundable if you cancel on or before the deadline shown for each experience. Refund requests received after the refund deadline date shown on each experience’s page cannot be accommodated.
GIVE A GIFT CERTiFICATE TO A COUPLE YOU LOVE
If you would like to give a Marriage Encounter experience to a special married husband and wife in honor of their wedding anniversary or another special occasion, you can do so online here – we thank you for helping make marriages happier!
“Life doesn’t get much better than learning how to love my spouse better – this experience is like none other!”
“Marriage Encounter made me realize that my spouse is my most important relationship.”
“Our Marriage Encounter experience literally changed our lives. It is powerful!”
“Our home is full of joy since our Marriage Encounter experience. . .thank you!”
