The Encounter movement had its beginning in Spain in the 50's within the Catholic Church, and by the mid-sixties, had expanded to other parts of the world, including the United States. It began in the New York area in 1968. Father Chuck Gallagher and a few couples dreamed of reaching out to share Marriage Encounter. It spread so quickly, changing the lives of couples throughout the world. Because these pioneers risked and shared so generously, their dream became the dream of many more. Today, Worldwide Marriage Encounter is being shared in 83 countries. In 1980, Mennonite Marriage Encounter in the Lancaster Region - was born out of the vision of the Family Life Commission of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference and of a local Mennonite couple, who had attended a Lutheran Encounter. The Roman Catholics and Lutherans reached out with great generosity to train presenting couples and to offer other support.

The first Mennonite Marriage Encounter in the Lancaster Region was held in 1982, thanks to a staff couple who donated six months salary to train presenting couples. In 1987, the Brethren-in-Christ and Church of the Brethren joined hands with the Mennonites to form the non-profit organization of Mennonite and Brethren Marriage Encounter we know today.

M&BME today includes active groups in Canada, and in the Central States as well as in Pennsylvania. Encounters have been taken to Michigan, Georgia, New England, and Colorado. Most recently, Spanish speaking teams have made several trips to give Encounters in Belize, Mexico, Nicaragua and Ecuador and Costa Rica.

Couples of all faiths and religious backgrounds, including those not currently attending worship services, are welcome.

The video below is a clip featuring Dr. Gary Chapman talking about Marriage Encounter.

• Home
• About Us
• FAQs
• FLAME
• Marriage Encounter
• Engaged Encounter