Related Information
2009 Marriage and Ministry Report
February 6-7, 2009 was a weekend we looked forward to for months. A weekend being pampered at the Hilton, a weekend free from responsibilities as a seminary spouse, parent, and the many other "hats" we wear, a weekend in the freeing company of Soulcare soulmates, a weekend to focus on two things dear to our hearts: Marriage and Ministry.
We, seminary spouses, worshipped together, laughed together, crafted together, and ate together over the course of the 24 hour retreat. Our hearts were knit together with the shared experience of supporting our families and encouraging our spouses through mid-terms, Hebrew, internships and the perplexing and anxiety producing candidacy process.
Marriage and Ministry were the focus of the 2009 Soulcare retreat. Sessions led by Deb Koster (current counseling student and former Soulcare participant) provided thought-provoking, yet humorous insight regarding marital challenges and pressures unique to couples in ministry. In a candid workshop, Deb shared relational skills, resource helps, and handouts to encourage participants to proactively nourish and maintain strong and healthy marriages, especially, since the evil one seeks ways to devour and destroy. One of the resources used was the book, Marriage and Ministry, a gift from the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Committee of the Christian Reformed Church of North America. What a blessing this resource is: helping churches recognize that healthy marriages nurture effective ministry and helping churches become acquainted with ways to support clergy couples.
This blessed, God-given weekend enfolded hearts, encouraged our souls and equipped us with awareness, skills and tools to bless and nourish our marriages.
Gratefully,
Michelle Greydanus