15 | 015: Chronically Stressed and Highly Visible Relationships: Building and Protecting Intimacy and Connection in Marriage

Preconference Workshops

PRESENTERS

Johnny Parker, D.S.L., and Lezlyn Parker, B.A.

CE CREDITS

Approved For CE

IBCC

Approved For CME/CEU

TBA

LEVEL

Intermediate

Summary

Summary:

This workshop equips those who work with couples facing chronic stress and public visibility with practical tools for protecting and deepening their marital intimacy. Participants will explore how chronic stress affects relationship dynamics, specifically looking at the couple’s attachment to one another and the biology of stress. The workshop will present strategies for maintaining marital intimacy, particularly in public roles, integrating current research on relationship maintenance with biblical principles of staying connected in leadership and ministry. Designed for coaches and ministry leaders working with couples in ministry, leadership, or public-facing roles, this workshop offers evidence-based strategies for maintaining authentic connection and spiritual intimacy amidst life’s demands. Through interactive exercises and scriptural reflection, participants will develop personalized approaches for building resilient, Christ-centered marriages with their clients who thrive under pressure.

IBCC

Learning Objectives

1. Analyze the interplay between chronic stress and relationship attachment through both biblical and neurobiological lenses, incorporating recent studies on stress hormones’ effects on pair bonding while examining scriptural models of resilient marriages under pressure (e.g., Abraham and Sarah, Aquila and Priscilla)

2. Develop and implement evidence-based strategies for protecting marital intimacy in high-visibility contexts

3. Design personalized stress-management and relationship-nurturing practices for clients that integrate Christian spiritual disciplines with contemporary psychological interventions, applying recent findings on mindfulness in couples therapy alongside biblical principles of Sabbath rest and sacred time

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