Christian Marriage Retreat Ideas
Organizing a Christian marriage retreat poses a difficult yet rewarding challenge. A successful event may save a marriage or even a soul, but fresh ideas are key to its success, especially for couples that have attended previous retreats. In particular, the program should be diverting as well as enriching for the group. Developing a schedule packed with exciting activities and events will ensure the happiest results.
Other People Are Reading
-
Location
-
The notion of a retreat should be to remove couples from their everyday surroundings. Picking an exotic location can help. Wilderness retreats often prove suitable as the absence of urban distractions clears the mind for spiritual thought. In this scenario, couples may stay in rustic cabins and spend nights by the campfire. Generally, groups of more than a few couples will require a ranch or some other facility to accommodate many people. On the other hand, a smaller retreat may be conducted anywhere in the world.
Speakers
-
For large groups, a speaker of note may help attract couples to the retreat. When choosing the speaker, make sure she agrees with your beliefs and the overall mission of your church. A keynote address will set the tone of the retreat so the purpose and content of the speech also should be considered. At the same time, thinking out of the box will keep your group from getting bored. For instance, a Christian comedian may be appropriate to keep the mood light. People want to hear something new or, at least, an important belief expressed in a refreshing way.
-
Music
-
Between speeches, workshops, and one-on-one sessions, musical entertainment will add a little diversion to the retreat. In particular, sing-a-longs are a good way to get people out of their shells. A cantor and accompanist from your church can lead or, if they are not available, find someone else with musical experience. Praise and worship music will be of obvious interest but is not essential.
Games
-
Retreat activities should be designed to help break the ice between couples and the group itself. For instance, "Who's your mate?" involves putting a husband and wife in separate rooms while the group asks the remaining spouse to answer questions about their mate. They should respond as they expect their mate to respond. The other spouse is then brought back into the room and asked the same questions to see how their answers match up. Anything minor or major may be asked in this game, but inserting a few spiritual questions would be appropriate to keep the spiritual tone of your retreat.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
