Friday and Saturday, August 6 (5–7 p.m.) and August 7 (9 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Scottsdale Bible Worship Center
You Will Learn
- A greater understanding of God’s gift of sexuality.
- A sexual vocabulary that helps husbands and wives discuss sexual issues.
- God’s design for resolving sexual desire conflicts in marriage.
- Creative heart-honoring ways to initiate intimacy with your spouse.
- What’s “normal” in sexual response and activity.
- How to determine what’s sexually acceptable for Christian couples.
- The critical role of emotional and spiritual intimacy for healthy physical intimacy.
Questions Answered by Dr. Sytsma
Do I need to pre-register?
- Yes, for two reasons. First, each individual will receive a workbook they will use during the workshop and a gift bag for after the workshop. We need to know how many of these to prepare, which requires pre-registration.
- Second, we ask the host facility to set up the facility so there is space between each couple. This helps you feel a bit more intimate but also means there is room for fewer couples than normal. Due to space limitations, we highly recommend you register early.
- We do not guarantee space or materials for those hoping to register at the last minute or who show up at the door without pre-registration.
You recommend staying at a hotel. Why?
Local couples sometimes want to save some money by staying at home and just driving in for the workshop. While this makes sense initially, we have found that couples really lose something. In the past we have required couples attending this workshop to stay at a local hotel (we even paid the hotel to disconnect the TV’s in all the rooms we were using). We want your spouse and marriage to be the only thing you are focused on for this weekend. Couples who drive in leave the workshop Friday evening with an assignment that is difficult to do if you are focused on getting home, taking the baby sitter home, making sure the kids are in bed and handling the routine things that will come up at home. Then in the morning you need to be up early enough to manage the kids, get the sitter and drive to the workshop. Even if the time isn’t an issue, couples focus back on family life, not on each other. Thus, you don’t receive the impact designed for this workshop.
When you complete the registration below, you will receive a confirmation email with a link directly to a workshop group registration page at Hilton’s Homewood Suites here in Scottsdale. A limited number of Spacious suites are blocked for you at a rate of $40 plus tax per night, so book early as they may sell out quickly. Complementary transportation from the hotel Friday evening and Saturday morning are provided by Homewood, as is a full hot breakfast.
“Some of us were talking about coming together but I’m not sure. With the topic and all, I’m afraid it will be a bit embarrassing to be there with friends.”
It can be difficult to talk openly about sexual topics and you have expressed a very common concern. In reality, we work to make this workshop as safe as we can. In the past we have had therapists and clients, pastors and elders, bosses and employees, extended family, and close friends all attending the same workshop without embarrassment. Other than on breaks the only time couples interact is in the very beginning of the workshop. All other times couples stay focused on their spouse and their marriage. Even questions are asked anonymously by submitting question cards so you can ask your question without embarrassing yourself or your spouse.
“We are having some sexual problems in our marriage. Will this workshop help?”
This workshop is designed to be an enrichment workshop. That means that it is targeted for those who have a generally good marriage but want to improve it. It is not designed to replace therapy or other more specific help.
That being said, our research shows that approximately 50% of the couples attending the workshop can name a specific sexual area they would like to see significantly improved. Most of those couples do find help in the workshop. Some realize they need to seek individualized help, but others take the starter help given and expand on it.
“I have some specific questions I would like to get answers to. Will we be able to ask questions at this workshop?”
One of the most popular segments of the workshop is the “Ask Dr. Mike” section. All through the workshop couples will have blank question cards on their table. You can write any question you want on those cards without identifying who you are. We collect them in a box and answer them during the “Ask Dr. Mike” talk. Any question within our topic area is fair game.
“I have additional questions about the workshop. How can I get answers?”
You can call Scottsdale Bible Church, or drop us a note by email. We’ll get back with you as soon as possible. If enough people ask the same question, we’ll add it to this list. The Marriage Ministry office number is 480 824 7299.
Workshop Schedule
Friday Evening, 5–7 p.m.
- Welcome
- Introduction
- Making Love
- Setting the Atmosphere for Passionate Intimacy
Dinner Date
This is a couple date on your own. Couples will be given an assignment and sent to dinner. Couples will choose a place for dinner in the area and complete their assignment over dinner.
After Dinner
Couple time on your own. We strongly encourage couples to reserve a room at a hotel in the area. This gives couples time to relax away from home, talk about the assignments and be well rested for Saturday.
Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- The Heart of Sex from Scripture
- “I want you to want me…” – Sexual Desire in marriage
- Initiating Sexual activity
Lunch Break
This is a couple date on your own. Couples will be given an assignment and sent to lunch at a local establishment of their choice.
- How to really Arouse your spouse
- Reaching the Apex
- Basking in the Afterglow
- Ask Dr. Mike
“Ask Dr. Mike” is one of the most popular sections of the workshop as participants anonymously ask Dr. Mike any question they have on sex.
Home to apply what you’ve learned – 4:00pm
Workshop Presenter
Dr. Michael Sytsma is an acclaimed author and director of Building Intimate Marriages, Inc. and will be teaching all sessions. As a preview, go Your Life Questions Answered (http://iquestions.com/video/view/855) to see and listen to Dr. Sytsma You may also search for “Sytsma” on the IQuestions site for other topics he has commented on.
Registration
The cost is $95 per couple. Childcare is available for $10 per child (max $20 per family) for both days (scholarships may be available based on need). Register here for this relationship-enhancing workshop!
