If you would like to schedule a time to get your questions answered and further explore how a Hopeful Tomorrows Retreat might be right for you, click here to schedule a time to speak with us.
Who should attend a Hopeful Tomorrows weekend retreat?
Hopeful Tomorrows is a weekend for couples in need of a breakthrough in their marriage. For many couples, this weekend is their last-ditch effort to try to save their marriage. For others, they simply have a deep sense that their marriage was made for more than what they are experiencing. Some couples are even looking for preventative feedback on how to have a long-lasting and loving relationship. Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of an affair or betrayal, are living separate or detached lives, are generally stuck, or simply want tools to establish trust and togetherness – this weekend will provide practical tools, hope, and a path forward to create the kind of marriage you have always longed for.
What sets our program apart from other Intensive Marriage Retreats?
The Hopeful Tomorrows weekend retreat specializes in a Biblical approach to healing marriages integrated with researched-based solutions that are truly effective. Couples come away with tools to be able to work through even the most challenging conflicts, and are able to communicate with each other in a way that makes each person feel understood. Many couples would describe their weekend experience as nothing short of a miracle in their marriage.
What is the schedule for the weekend?
The weekend begins on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. and concludes on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. The speakers present in a workshop-style format, with frequent breakouts to interact individually as a couple with the content. Throughout the day on Saturday, core skills are taught for a transformative project which couples do on Saturday night. Each couple will have a marriage coach to work with them in their room on Saturday night for an hour to make sure that they are able to effectively utilize the tools to get the breakthrough they need. Sunday continues with high-impact content to help couples maximize the gains achieved and to create a plan moving forward.
Will I have to share in a group setting?
No. There is no expectation or requirement for people to share in front of the group, nor do we do group counseling. Instead, the focus will be on the two of you as a couple learning how to communicate in different ways to work through the issues that have held you back.
Will the weekend be effective even if my spouse doesn’t really want to be there?
For many, it is. It’s quite common that at least one person is not enthusiastic about attending the conference. Even couples who agree to come only to “check it off the list” often experience a transformative breakthrough. Ultimately, willingness to engage in the weekend is a decision that each individual has to make, but the weekend creates an environment that helps to facilitate a new marital beginning.
Do you offer care after the weekend is over?
Yes, we do offer options for after care. Like any new skill, the tools taught over the weekend take some practice to fully integrate into everyday life. As the saying goes, “It works if you work it, but you have to work it.” We are committed to helping couples achieve a new dynamic in their relationship that lasts.
My spouse refuses to come. What do I do?
Keep in mind you are only asking them about this specific weekend. You are not asking them to make decisions or commitments about the coming years, months or weeks. You are simply asking them to give this weekend a try before making life-altering decisions.
Also, acknowledge where your spouse is currently in the relationship. For example, you might say, “I know that you are no longer sure that you want to be in this marriage. And maybe we ultimately won’t be able to make it work, but could we please give this weekend a try and see where we are after it is over?”
Is there anything we need to do before we come?
After you sign up, we will send you a confidential questionnaire which you and your spouse will fill out individually so that we have an understanding of your issues before you arrive. We ask that you not share your answers with each other.
Are there cases when you would not recommend a couple take part in an Intensive Marriage Retreat?
Yes. If a spouse is currently addicted to a substance or if there has been any physical violence in the last year, we will need to further evaluate if it is the right time for a couple to attend the retreat.
Do the weekend retreats include food and lodging?
The cost does not include food and lodging. We intentionally host the retreats at affordable hotels with group rates when possible. We will take breaks for lunch and dinner and provide options for local restaurants.
I live close to my retreat location. Do I have to stay in a hotel?
We recommend it for the whole weekend, but it is only required Saturday night. If you can stay in the hotel both nights, it provides an environment where you can be away from your normal routine. You will need to stay in the hotel on Saturday night because the marriage coach will meet with you in your room for an hour to help you with your project.
Will my insurance cover an Intensive Marriage Retreat?
Typically, insurance companies do not cover the cost of retreats.
Do you offer payment plans or scholarships?
We do not offer payment plans or scholarships.