“Fun in Marriage is Serious Business”

David (M.S.S.W.) and Claudia Arp, founders of Marriage Alive International, are educators and award-winning authors.Frequent contributors to print and broadcast media, they have appeared on the NBC Today Show, CBS This Morning and Focus on the Family.

Abstract: One of the greatest indicators of a successful marriage is the level of the couple's friendship. One way to strengthen couple friendships is through adding the element of fun by “dating your mate”.

“Intimate Knowing in Christian Spirituality and Psychotherapy”

“People Care in a Shrinking World”

Laura Mae Gardner, D.Min. (D.Min., missions and counseling, Denver Seminary, 1984; M.A., Counseling, Denver Seminary, 1982), has served Wycliffe Bible Translators/SIL as the international vice president for personnel, international coordinator for member care, and international coordinator of international counseling. She has also served as a translator in Mexico for 18 years with her husband, Dick Gardner.

Abstract: “The world is shrinking because of migration, globalization, communication technology, ease of travel, and decreased population trends in some countries. We know more about it; we get there faster; we use each other's products all the time. What implications does this have for our preparation as people helpers? For our growing awareness of changing needs? For our own increased pressures and busyness, and decreased time to build relationships and engage in personal growth? Are we changing along with this changing world? How should we change?”

“Sexual Identity Through the Eyes of Faith”

Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and certified sex therapist. He is on the American Board of Christian Sex Therapists and on the editorial boards of the Journal of Psychology and Theology, The Family Journal, Journal of Family Violence, and Marriage and Family: A Christian Journal. He is also an associate professor of the doctoral program in clinical psychology at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va.

Abstract: What happens when people of faith experience same-sex attraction? How are they to understand the intersection of religion and sexual identity? Emerging developments in sexual identity theory may help Christians articulate an understanding of human sexuality while making practical, pastoral application to the lives of Christians who experience same-sex attraction.

“I Choose Us: Cultivating Vertical and Horizontal Intimacy”

Gary (Ph.D.) and Carrie (L.P.C.) Oliver, will be our Saturday banquet speakers. Gary is the executive director of the Center for Marriage and Family Studies and professor of psychology and practical theology at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark. He has more than 30 years experience in individual, premarital, marital and family counseling. He serves on the executive board and the national speaking team of Promise Keepers and of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is also the editor of Marriage and Family: A Christian Journal, a contributing editor for New Man Magazine, and he and Carrie write a regular column in Marriage Partnership magazine. Carrie has more than 10 years experience counseling both in community agencies and as part of church-based counseling centers. In addition to her clinical experience she is a trainer and consultant with the Center For Marriage and Family Studies at John Brown University. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.