Twenty-five pastoral couples enjoyed a weekend of fun, insightful seminars in Breckenridge, Colorado, for the Rocky Mountain Conference Pastors’ Marriage Retreat Aug. 23-25. The gathering was a testimony that the conference prioritizes family when involved in the ministry.

The retreat featured guest speakers Drs. Claudio and Pamela Consuegra, directors of the NAD Family Ministries Department. They presented seminars from their Love for a Lifetime series Friday and Sabbath. After lunch, the couples explored the beautiful city of Breckenridge via the free gondola ride.

The seminars were well received by the participants. The Consuegras’ vast knowledge and experience in the ministry, their many years of research as well as their fun presentations gave the couples an opportunity to connect with each other on a deep, personal level.

Leif Hansen (from Estes Park, Colorado), who attended the gathering with his wife, Donna, commented that the presentations had a good dose of humor. “Being a visual learner, I appreciated their occasional use of cartoons to make an important point,” said Hansen.

The weekend program included a variety of topics discussed during the gathering, including The Love Bank—His and Hers Most Important Needs; How Changes Happen; How to Apologize and Forgive, as well as communication and conflict resolution.

Emily Roque Cisneros, wife of Eliezer (pastor of the Delta, Cedaredge and Peonia churches), said her favorite part was spending some mandatory time with her husband. “I mean that in a good way,” she said. “I enjoyed getting my husband’s full attention for the weekend, knowing he wasn’t distracted by projects at home or expecting his phone to ring at any moment.”

Shayne Mason Vincent, pastor of the Casper Church in Wyoming, commented, “To love others is not a command for an emotional response, but rather a choice to care for others regardless of our feelings.”

Gabriela Vincent is a member of the Casper Church in Wyoming.