What is Connecting Matters?

Connecting Matters is a retreat for married couples designed to provide a unique opportunity to take time out to focus on the relationship. It is not aimed at solving marriage problems; however, in a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere, participants are encouraged to review their marriage, recognise and build upon strengths, and identify and discuss potential trouble spots. The retreat is for those who desire to improve on what they have. We also offer specialised workshops that target specific trouble spots in a relationship, such as dealing with past or present trauma(s).

What can we expect?

We offer stimulating presentations and discussions. Even though sharing is grounded in Christian principles and the presenters’ lived experiences, people of all faiths are welcome. The format is not sitting and listening to lectures. Rather, it is experiential and fun. You will NOT be asked to share anything private or confidential, nor be pressured to ‘work on your marriage’ in front of other couples. In fact, you don’t have to say a word publicly. Nevertheless, participants have said that hearing other couples voluntarily discuss similar marital issues, helps them to normalise difficulties with their spouses.

We encourage active, honest participation and interaction with your spouse over relevant topics such as connecting in strengths and needs, connecting in communication, connecting in anger and conflict, connecting the past with the present, connecting in sexuality and connecting in spirituality and intentional dreaming. Participants have said they enjoy being with other couples who are serious about improving their marriage and have taken time from their busy schedules to make connecting with each other a high priority.

Barry and Paula Davis have been married for over four decades and have two adult children. Barry’s work life has been as a Chartered Accountant. He also completed a theology degree in USA and has been involved in pastoring and church planting. In recent years his ministry has centred on developing relational tools for men as they explore their inner worlds. Paula has a Doctor of Education. Her research explored the transferability of Western trauma constructs to collective societies. Working in higher education over many years as senior lecturer in counselling, she presently works as a clinical counsellor/supervisor and adjunct lecturer in counselling. Together, Barry and Paula design relational tools for married couples and have delivered marriage education workshops in Australia, Kenya, Uganda, Sri Lanka, India and Switzerland.

Barry and Paula see themselves as an ordinary couple living through the highs and lows of married life. They are passionate about sharing their journey because they believe that their experiences offer hope to other couples who desire to improve their relationships. The label, ‘passionate about relationships’ is worn as a badge of honour. They are acutely sensitive to unfairness and injustice in all societies and work for a better world where they can. They possess an unshakable desire to keep pushing the boundaries of learning to love well and are zealous in sharing what they are learning.

Nevertheless, they enjoy lingering over a good coffee and can be found utterly absorbed in experiencing fun in the great outdoors. They especially enjoy challenge and risk, having experienced skydiving, great white shark cage diving, walking with African lions and zip-lining across the Zambezi River gorge.