Christian Marriage Ministries - the UK's specialist Christian marriage organisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens at an event?
A: The events are relaxed, and without pressure. A number of topics are addressed, firstly by teaching and secondly by couples discussing questions related to the topic in the privacy of their own rooms. There are no group discussions and couples can remain as anonymous as they wish! But presenters are available to consult should you wish to do so.
Q: Are events only for couples that are having problems?
A: No. People attend enrichment events for a variety of reasons, such as taking a pace back from the hectic schedule of modern life to refocus on the importance of marriage. Some come to celebrate an anniversary.
Q: Does this mean it won't be of any use to a couple having problems in their marriage?
A: Addressing problems is a good motivation for attending an enrichment event. At the end of a recent event a couple said privately: “We arrived without any hope for our marriage. We're going away with hope.”
Q: Are your presenters fully trained?
A: Yes. Our presenters are not allowed to run an event until they have completed several years' training. Our presenters NEVER just read a script. They share from their own experiences as part of their teaching - including problems they've had in the past and how they've overcome them.
Q: What makes a CMM event different?
A: Several things. Our teaching is explicitly Biblical but not just theoretical. Lots of techniques are taught and help is given on how to turn theory into practice. Each couple attending has a prayer-partner from our team praying for them before and during the event.
Q: We've been on a marriage course at our church. Is there any point in our considering a CMM event?
A: Many couples find a residential event an excellent follow-up to various marriage courses that they may have done at their own church. A residential event is an opportunity to look at topics in much more depth, and to review difficult areas.
Q: I'd like to attend an event but my husband is apprehensive. What can I do to encourage him to come?
A: Many husbands are apprehensive about attending a marriage event. But those who have come often jokingly say at the end that they realise there was nothing to be frightened of! Husbands are frequently reassured to know that there is no group discussion and they do not have to share about their marriage with anyone else - except, of course, their wife.
Q: We've heard horror stories about couples attending marriage events and being psychologically manipulated. Are these stories true?
A: Not on our events. Unfortunately, there are some organisations that use psychological gimmicks and tricks on marriage events. We never do. We believe in treating people as mature adults.
Q: Will a CMM event solve all our marriage problems?
A: It would be unrealistic to say yes. But after an event couples are far better equipped to address any problem themselves. We've got lots of stories of couples that testify that attending one of our events was a key turning point in their marriage.
Q: Can I find out more about events before booking?
A: No problem. We know that committing to an event can seem a big step. We're very happy to have informal discussions either by telephone or email. You don't even have to give us your name or address if you don't want to.
Q: Are CMM events only for Christians?
A: It is not a requirement to be a Christian to attend one of our events. But we do want everyone to be clear that we use the Bible as the authorative underpinning of all our teaching. Everyone, regardless of their own spirituality, is welcome. People who don't consider themselves Christians but are sympathetic to Christian principles have no difficulties with what takes place. But anyone who is antagonistic towards Christianity is unlikely to find our events to their taste.