The ISI Life Marriage Retreat

We are very excited to announce our next Marriage retreat

Marriage is an adventure of growing together through every season and phase of life. But it can often be filled with distractions that get in the way of connecting with each other. We created this weekend to help couples Reflect, Recharge, Refocus and Reinvest in their marriage Relationship.

This very special weekend is for anyone looking to go deeper in their marriage, be intentional about dedicating time to be with each other and take time away from the busyness of life to refresh.

Our speakers will challenge and encourage you throughout the weekend as well as give you opportunity to work with your spouse on areas that help strengthen your relationship.

No matter where you are, whether Columbus, Nashville, Cleveland or beyond, this retreat is for you! Please consider joining us this October. See you there!


November 4-6, 2022

Location: The Inn at Walden—Aurora, Ohio
Cost: $1,650 per couple (Limit of 14 couples) // Deposit: $250 (Due at sign up)
Speakers: Mike & Kristen Hopkins

Note: If cost is a barrier and you would like to attend this event, we offer a limited amount of sponsored tickets for $995 per couple (Limit of 7 couples) // $250 Deposit at Sign Up


Retreat Speakers

Mike & Kristen Hopkins / Scott & Mandie Verlinger

Mike & Kristen Hopkins

Mike and Kristen Hopkins met each other in high school through a ministry called Young Life. Neither of them had a personal relationship with Jesus and although they grew up in loving homes, the concept of a personal relationship with Jesus was not shared. Some dear friends were courageous and loving enough to introduce them to the Real Hope. As a result, they each received Jesus as the leader and forgiver of their lives in high school. Mike, as a passionate early entrepreneur and Kristen as a lover of people were quick to share the love of Christ with their friends. Both of them went on to be highly committed volunteer leaders for Young Life through college.

Over the last 28 years of marriage, they are thankful for many things, and especially their children. The Hopkins Team includes four boys (Will- 26, Jack- 24, Luke- 21 and Mike Jr.- 19) and their daughter (Mariama-15). They are also blessed to have two wonderful daughters through marriage (Mackenzie- Will’s Wife and Emma- Jack’s wife).  The Lord through Will and Mackenzie brought them Oakes, their first Grandchild. Mike and Kristen reside in Brooklyn Heights, Ohio.

Mike and Kristen believe that Christians are not just saved for their own benefit but be impact players in the world for the sake of His Kingdom. They agree that the strongest and most visible representation of the Gospel is through marriage. Both have been active in living out their Faith through magnifying Christ and being a part of making Him known. They have demonstrated this through sharing their faith, discipling others, planting a church in 2001, and more.

Kristen has a degree in HR and played a vital role in the growth of the business they shepherded from 1996 until 2010. Kristen has served at CBMC in administration, and as the Big Ten and Global Coordinator for Cuyahoga Valley Church. Her favorite job is Wife and Mom.  In 2009 Mike vocationally went on staff as a Co-Pastor at The Rock Community Church. Since then he has served as the first Area Director for CBMC and in 2016 started a new journey at Paul Davis Restoration, a franchise network that operates across North America. His current role is Chief Operating Officer. Mike’s favorite job is chasing Kristen around and being a Dad.


World-Class Location

Experience an exurban oasis in the heart of Ohio’s great Western Reserve. Located in Aurora, Ohio, Walden offers a world-class travel destination and an innovative spa-lifestyle community. Walden is composed of an award winning Aurora, Ohio inn, luxurious spa, yoga studio and golf club.

Walden’s grassroots luxury provides the perfect backdrop for thoughtful and mindful getaway. In 1799, the founders of the Western Reserve were lured to the area in search of a natural sanctuary, and today’s guests will discover an authentic wonderland where soft and simple architecture co-mingles with pastures, lakes, streams and meadows to preserve the land’s pristine beauty. Here, you’ll find room enough to escape the trappings of modern life and enough privacy to be yourself. You’ll be lavished with genuine hospitality and nurtured by mindful and thoughtful service.

Tentative Agenda:

Friday

  • Hors d'oeuvres + cocktails

  • Dinner

  • Social - Fire Pits / Bar

Saturday

  • Morning Couples Workout

  • Breakfast Talk (Faith & Marriage)

  • Daytime Activities: Shooting / Spa / Hike / Horseback Riding

  • Afternoon Session

  • Formal Dinner at The Barn

Sunday

  • Devotion, Breakfast & Discussion

 

Jon + Rachel Emerson

My wife, Rachel, and I would recommend the ISI Marriage Retreat to any couple looking to approach their relationship with more intentionality and purpose. As a newly married couple, we were seeking counsel about how to build a God-honoring marriage that would last a lifetime, and that's exactly what we got. We came home from that weekend feeling rested, refreshed, and looking forward to our future together.


Testimonial

“My wife and I attended the ISI marriage retreat at Walden in 2021 and it was an amazing experience! The opportunity to spend time away from the kids in a wonderful location is worth it alone. The great content and speakers along with the other couples made it something we’re hoping to do every year as a way to reconnect and have time to focus on our relationship.”

— Michael & Jessica Murray


November 4-6, 2022

Location: The Inn at Walden—Aurora, Ohio
Cost: $1,650 per couple (Limit of 14 couples) // Deposit: $250 (Due at sign up)
Speakers: Mike & Kristen Hopkins

Note: If cost is a barrier and you would like to attend this event, we offer a limited amount of sponsored tickets for $995 per couple (Limit of 7 couples) // $250 Deposit at Sign Up

See you there, Stay Sharp!

See you there, Stay Sharp! —