Couples in Ministry Retreat

This week Laurie and I were at the Presbyterian Mo Ranch Assembly for the Couples in Ministry retreat. It was a wonderful time of renewal and recommitment. We are recharged and ready for another year of ministry together.

There were seven couples on the retreat. The participants ranged from one couple still in seminary to a couple with 31 years in ministry together and the last 21 at the same church. I found this especially encouraging.

We spent time doing some marriage enrichment and also ministry enrichment. The quote of the week came from an AME Zion pastor who reminded us that God does not want our marriage as a burnt offering.

One of the most meaningful times for me was the date night. Mo Ranch provided a wonderfully elegant meal, and a harpist played while we had intimate conversation and a relaxed unhurried meal together.

A member of our Harper church stayed a Mo Ranch and kept Mignon for us so that we could participate without distraction. This was a wonderful gift.

If you are a couple in ministry I would encourage you to attend this retreat next year. It should be the last week of October again.