Marriage Retreat Weekend 

The Father’s Heart Ministry offers marriage retreat weekends for couples who desire a breakthrough in the healing and growth of their relationship. These weekends allow couples to pull away from life's demands and to receive two days of concentrated counseling and ministry in a restful environment in the Northeast Georgia mountains. The ministry is conducted by Jerry and Denise Basel, a husband and wife team who have worked with hundreds of couples and individuals to bring forth the Father's healing and restoration.

Weekend Overview

These weekends are designed both for couples who are having marital difficulties as well as for those who simply desire to grow in greater intimacy with one another and with God.  The most typical scenario for a couple coming for a marriage retreat weekend would be to arrive on Friday evening and depart on Sunday afternoon (see Option #5 on our list of Ministry Options), receiving four hours of direct ministry contact time on both Saturday and Sunday.  During these counseling sessions, we work as a team. Our primary focus will be on the most important root issues that are operating within each spouse, with less focus on the current “here and now” issues.  We do not ignore dealing with areas that may help improve the marital relationship (i.e. communication techniques, etc.); however, we will spend a greater amount of time ministering to the needs of each individual. In addition to the direct counseling time, there are often other assignments for the couple to work on separately and together to prepare their hearts for the next day's ministry time. The couple is also encouraged to rest, play and enjoy the weekend away in the Georgia mountains.

Preparation for a Weekend Retreat

All couples who come for ministry are required to submit individually completed documents (see ministry questionnaire) which will provide us with information on potential issues that may be important and need to be addressed during the ministry time.  As mentioned above and in the methodology section of this web site, our focus of ministry is to identify the root issues and seek healing in those areas.

Ministry and Lodging Environment

 The Father’s Heart Ministry is located in the picturesque North Georgia Mountains, and we have a beautiful and private living facility for overnight guests (see setting section on this web site).  We provide the essential kitchen condiments; however, it is the responsibility of each guest to purchase or bring their own food or select to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants.  If guests choose to cook their own meals, they have access to a full kitchen within their private lodging facility.

Cost 

The Father’s Heart Ministry is solely supported by contributions for Christian counseling and training and from gifts to the ministry.  We have established a suggested contribution amount for these retreat weekends as well as for other ministry options that are available.  Please refer to the cost section of this web site for this specific information.

Testimonials

The Father’s Heart Ministry has literally ministered to hundreds of individuals since its inception in 1995.  We welcome you to review the testimonials provided in this web site from just a few that have experienced the Lord’s healing through this ministry.

In addition, The Father's Heart Ministry is also recognized as a referral resource for the following ministries:

Focus on the Family, Pastoral Ministries (www.parsonage.org)

Elijah House (www.elijahhouse.org)

Shiloh Place - A Ministry of the Father's Love (www.shilohplace.org)

The Father's Love Letter (www.fathersloveletter.com)

Pastor Care - The Great Lakes Region (www.pastorcaregreatlakes.org)

Assemblies of God USA (www.ag.org)

Additional Information

Please review the frequently asked questions section for additional information and please feel free to call us at (678) 596-3916 or email if you have additional questions or would like to schedule a marriage retreat weekend.