From November 21 to 23, in the Southeast region, in Tampa, Florida, Pastor Paco García, Global Director of #EQUIP, and Pastor Luis Suárez, Academic Director, along with their wives, led the Strengthening Marriages retreat. This event was organized in collaboration with Pastor Ramón Nina, our regional coordinator for #Equip in the Southeast.

This event brought together 23 pastoral couples as part of a national initiative that has benefitted over 250 marriages in various regions across the country.

The retreat, designed to strengthen the emotional and spiritual bonds of pastoral marriages, is part of the ongoing efforts of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), the largest Hispanic Christian organization in the world. The NHCLC is dedicated to promoting biblical values and supporting the pastoral community in key areas such as family, education, and leadership development.

A Spiritual Renewal Encounter

During the three days of the retreat, couples participated in a program designed to provide practical tools for facing the challenges of ministry while fostering a strong and exemplary relationship between them.

One of the most meaningful moments was a romantic dinner, a special evening for pastors and their wives to enjoy each other’s company. The dinner was marked by heartfelt gestures that reflected gratitude, love, and a renewed commitment among the couples, through its Compelling Preaching program.

“We have seen expectant faces, motivated pastors, tears, and smiles. And a beautiful sense of God’s care for His servants,” said Pastor Paco García, excited about the positive impact of the retreat.

The organizers emphasized the importance of such encounters in strengthening the familial foundation within pastoral leadership.

“We are greatly encouraged to see so many pastors and their wives sincerely and openly express gratitude and commitment to each other, so that together they can continue the noble task of building strong and exemplary families,” Pastor García added.

 

National and International Impact

This retreat is part of an ongoing effort led by #EQUIP, the NHCLC’s spiritual health ministry, to support pastors and their families. To date, more than 250 marriages have participated in this project, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to the spiritual and emotional strength of pastoral families.

As the parent organization, the NHCLC impacts more than 40,000 churches in the United States and works tirelessly to promote Christian values in education, the defense of life and family, and the spiritual health of their leaders. Through initiatives like Strengthening Marriages, the NHCLC demonstrates its commitment to being a pillar of support for pastors and their communities.

At every gathering, the goal is to provide a safe space where couples can renew their faith, love, and purpose, thus strengthening the foundation of a solid and sustainable ministry.

 

If you are interested in bringing this retreat to your church, please contact Pastor Paco García by emailing pacogarcia@nhclc.org.