Frequently Asked Questions

Why R&R, Rebuild and Restore?

No marriage is perfect. Even with the best intentions we are often selfish and hurt each other. Some of us have been raised in homes where we did not see healthy, unconditional love and as a result we carry baggage into our marriages that causes hurt.

The problem is that we often do not recognize the way we hurt each other in our marriages and the damage that it does. As the hurts continue over the years, the pain deepens, and we pull away in order to protect ourselves. If the root issues have not been addressed in the relationship, the hurt often kills the love of one or both of the spouses and they give up on the marriage.

Can love be restored and trust rebuilt when so much hurt and misunderstanding has taken place?

The R&R, Rebuild and Restore seminar series is designed to enrich stable marriages as well as provide practical help and hope to troubled and broken marriages.

For over 23 years couples have found the R&R classes to be insightful, practical and down-to-earth in helping build a healthy new relationship.

Do we have to share our problems?

The format of the classes is a non-threatening, lecture style and does not require participants to share their personal problems. Questions and comments are welcomed.

What if I’m not sure I want to work on my marriage?

This feeling is not unusual. Often when we have been hurt in the marriage or our needs have not been met for some time, we feel that our marriage is hopeless and that love is not there to try again.

We often believe that our spouse or marriage situation will never change. But, before giving up, it is wise to see if the issue can be resolved. We encourage spouses to attend the 12 weekly sessions whether they feel like working at the marriage or not and then after the classes, decide if they want to continue the marriage. Often our pain from the marriage blocks our view of the solutions necessary to heal the marriage.

Can the R&R classes help if we are separated?

Yes, because the classes are designed to help you work on the root issues that have lead up to the separation. The focus of the class is for each spouse to work on their own issues so that trust and love can be rebuilt. A marriage relationship is no better than the people that are in it. So we encourage you to each work on your own issues so that the relationship will last when you put it back together.

Do we both have to attend?

No. If your spouse is not ready to make a commitment to attend the R&R classes, we invite you to attend alone.

The classes can teach you how to understand the underlying issues in your marriage and how to respond on your part to bring about healing and resolve the conflict as much as possible.

Are the R&R classes counseling?

No. The R&R classes are not counseling. They are lectures that include principles, stories, illustrations, video clips and couples sharing their stories to make it a practical learning experience.

Many times couples have personal problems that need to be discussed with a counselor in private. Over the years we have found that couples do best when they attend the R&R classes along with counseling.

The R&R classes are taught by trained and gifted teachers who understand the struggles of a marriage and share from their own experiences.

What if we have a good marriage?

The principles taught are helpful for any marriage. Couples attending the R&R series represent marriages that are on the brink of divorce to those that desire to enrich their marriage and grow in deeper intimacy.

Many couples comment that they wish they had attended the R&R seminar shortly after they had gotten married. It would have saved them many unnecessary problems over the years.

How do the R&R classes work?

The R&R classes meet for 12 consecutive weeks and are offered three times a year, starting in January, April and September.

The classes meet from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The day of the week depends on what area of West Michigan you live in. Participants may begin attending at any point in the 12-week series and complete the seminar during the next session. Each spouse is given a notebook to follow the class lectures. After each lesson, there are questions for you to discuss with your spouse.

Is there a fee for the R&R classes?

Yes, however the fee is minimal for the 12-week series and includes a notebook for each spouse. The fee for an individual attending alone is less than that of a couple and also includes a notebook.

When does the next class series begin?

See our current schedule for class times and locations. If you have any questions please call the Bridge To Life office at 1-800-716-3643.

Remember, you may also begin at any point during the series.

What if we are not sure if the classes are for us?

We invite you to attend one class session to check it out as our guest before enrolling in the series. If you like the class and think it would be helpful, then enroll.