Marriage & Couples

E

stablishing and maintaining
healthy marriages

Marriage is God's creation, His design for us to experience relational intimacy and love that mirrors the love relationship Christ has with His followers. Willow Creek places a high value on marriage, and provides classes and workshops to help couples navigate the loving yet challenging relationships we share with our spouses. For current workshop information, see 'Marriage Events' to the right.

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one.

—Genesis 2:24 (TNIV)

Preparing for marriage

Two to One: This eight-week workshop is designed to help dating or engaged couples explore God’s design for marriage. Topics include essentials of communication and conflict resolution, the influence of family background, finances, sexuality and intimacy, and blended family issues. This interactive workshop, offered each January, April, and September, utilizes personal assessments as well as couple and group interaction.

Marriage mentoring: Willow Creek offers mentors who can guide engaged couples and dating couples who are seriously considering marriage into developing a Christ-centered relationship. LEARN MORE

Planning your wedding: Get information on Willow Creek wedding ceremonies, available dates at Willow's Chapel, potential picture displays for your wedding ceremony, and more. LEARN MORE

Thriving in marriage

Marriage Matters Workshop: Want to strengthen, repair, or heal your marriage? This eight-week workshop is designed for married couples who want to grow closer to one another and to God as they work together on their relationship. Using biblical principles, relevant skills, and practical concepts, couples experience emotional and relational growth by exploring family of origin, communication, confrontation, safety, and boundary issues. Workshops are offered in January, April, and September. View Workshops

Is your marriage in distress?

Marital Restoration: This eight-week workshop is designed for couples whose marriage is broken or in significant distress due to long-term emotional disconnect, infidelity, abuse, and/or broken trust. If you dare to believe God can redeem your pain and transform your marriage, this workshop is for you. View Workshops

Divorce & Separation Care: This eight-week workshop is designed for individuals who are experiencing divorce, separated from spouse, or ending a long term non-marital relationship. Participants are equipped with resources, skills and tools to navigate the challenges and identify steps toward emotional, relational and spiritual healing. View Workshops

Looking for a marriage counselor?

Willow's Counselor Referral Network (CRN) is a network of Christian counselors who can help you work through issues surrounding your marriage relationship as well as your personal growth. To get a counseling referral or to speak with a pastor about your marriage situation, call (847) 765-5000 and ask to speak with a pastor on call. Pastors are available from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.