Frequently Asked Questions About Engaged Encounter
Get answers to your questions about Engaged Encounter. Don’t see an answer to your question? Ask us on our contact page.
What is an Engaged Encounter?
We believe that your marriage can not only survive, but also thrive for a lifetime! An Engaged Encounter weekend helps you learn the skills you need to build such a marriage. It provides time away from wedding planning to experience enough solitude for honest and intimate discussions and to master a communication technique that will enable your relationship to develop to the fullest.
What is the cost of the weekend?
Engaged Encounter is hosted by Marriage Encounter, which is a non-profit organization. There is a non-refundable fee of $100 due when you submit your application. So that we can continue blessing couples through the ministry of Engaged Encounter, a free-will offering is taken during the weekend. The suggested donation amount is $350 per couple. This covers meals and lodging. Any donation given over this amount will help to cover supplies, administrative fees, etc. We recognize that not every couple is financially able to give this amount, so we encourage couples to donate what they are able to give. No one is ever refused the opportunity to attend an Engaged Encounter weekend due to lack of funds. It is not uncommon for a church to pay part or all of the cost of the weekend. If finances are an issue, we suggest that you ask your Pastor if assistance is available.
What do we need to bring for the weekend, and what are the accommodations like?
You will have a motel-style room with bed linens, towels, washcloths and soap provided. Dress casually and comfortably. Besides your personal items, please bring a finger food snack to share on Friday night. You will share a room with one other person of the same gender. All rooms have two individual beds.
What time does the weekend start and end?
Engaged Encounter check-in begins at 7:00pm on Friday. Early arrival is suggested so that you are ready for the first session, which begins at 7:30pm. The weekend ends with the noon meal on Sunday.
What is the format of the weekend?
Engaged Encounter is a working weekend, where couples listen to sessions presented by a senior couple (married for many years) and a junior couple (married for a few years). The sharing is centered around their personal experiences and is designed to inspire the attending couples to look at themselves as individuals, at their relationship with each other, their relationship with God, and their relationship with the world around them. After most of the sessions, attending couples privately discuss the topic presented. It is not a counseling session. The purpose of the weekend is for an engaged couple to develop a better knowledge, understanding and acceptance of each other through the use of a communication technique that is taught on the weekend. The weekend is presented from a Christian perspective, but the concepts go far beyond the boundaries of any one denomination.
Do we need to stay overnight, or can we commute from home?
Due to the format of the program, commuting from home is not an option for Engaged Encounter weekends.
Do we need to share with the group?
Couples are not required to disclose any aspect of their relationship to others. There is time on Saturday evening to share if you so wish, but we do not require it.
Can I attend a weekend if I am not a Mennonite/Brethren?
Mennonite & Brethren Engaged Encounter is open to couples of any denomination. The weekend is presented from a Christian perspective, but anyone can attend. If you are interested in finding another expression (denomination) of Engaged Encounter, you can visit the WorldWide Marriage Encounter site at www.wwme.org.