Conference Topics
Come renew and reconnect with us on February 22, 2025! Rediscover joy, deepen your faith, and strengthen your marriage in a fun and refreshing way. Fill out the form below to reserve your seats!
We will serve a light lunch, provide babysitting services, and offer Italian translation on request. The conference is free, but please register as spaces are limited.
Rooted in Purpose: Understanding the Why of Your Marriage
This session explores how a thriving marriage is grounded in a shared vision and purpose aligned with God’s design. Participants will delve into understanding and embracing God’s purpose for marriage, crafting a shared vision, and setting meaningful relationship goals. Practical guidance will be offered to help couples commit to thriving together through all seasons of life. This foundational session sets the stage for building a purpose-driven, resilient partnership.
Nourishing Communication: The Lifeline of Your Marriage
We'll highlight the vital role of communication in a thriving marriage, offering practical tools to foster deep, healthy conversations. Couples will explore the art of listening and empathetic communication, guided by principles like James 1:19, and learn to navigate grace-filled, honest dialogue. Strategies for handling conflict in ways that strengthen connection will also be shared, equipping participants to build a stronger, more compassionate relationship.
Intimacy Reimagined: Cultivating Emotional and Physical Closeness
Thriving marriages prioritize nurturing both emotional and physical intimacy, fostering deep connection and shared joy. Participants will explore how to understand and express love through each other’s love languages, develop intentional habits that strengthen emotional closeness, and embrace physical intimacy as a God-given expression of love. Couples will leave with personalized ideas for demonstrating love in meaningful, consistent ways.
Growing Resilience: Thriving Through Trials and Transitions
Every marriage encounters challenges, and resilience is key to navigating them together. Couples will learn to cultivate a “we” mindset, drawing strength from unity as emphasized in Ecclesiastes 4:12. Practical strategies for managing stress, change, and uncertainty will be shared, along with insights into the transformative power of forgiveness, patience, and perseverance. This session empowers couples to face life’s trials with confidence and hope.
Cultivating Trust: The Foundation of a Thriving Marriage
Trust forms the bedrock of a thriving marriage, and this session focuses on strengthening and safeguarding it. Couples will explore the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and accountability, along with practical steps for rebuilding trust if it has been damaged. Emphasis will be placed on nurturing mutual respect and loyalty, creating a solid foundation for a lasting, fulfilling relationship.
Thriving Together: Creating a Lasting Legacy
A thriving marriage has the power to leave a meaningful legacy that influences family, community, and future generations. Couples will discover how to pursue personal and spiritual growth both individually and together, support each other’s dreams and goals, and create traditions and memories that shape their unique family culture. This session inspires couples to build a marriage that leaves an enduring impact.
Meet the Speakers
Dustin Ellis, PhD
Dr. Dustin Ellis is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Pastor of Recovery and Support. With over 25 years of experience in counseling and pastoral care, he specializes in helping couples to strengthen their marriages.
Christina Ellis, EdD
Dr. Christina Ellis has served in marriage ministry for 10 years, helping couples build strong, Christ-centered relationships. She’s passionate about guiding families through life’s challenges and encouraging them to grow together in Christ. She and Dustin have been married for 15 years.
Jesse Marcos
Jesse served many years w Cru campus ministry. Fourteen were in Europe, 4 in Germany and 10 years in Bologna launching the campus ministry there. Currently served as Mission pastor at Faith Bible church.
Tricia Marcos
Tricia has been on staff with Cru for many years serving with the Student ministry in the US, Germany, and Italy. She now works with Cru City Global Europe. She and Jesse have been married for 43 years.