Thrive! is Gateway Church’s marriage conference for couples who want to go deeper in their relationship. Whether you’ve been married for 50 years or you’re just starting the journey, whether you’ve “been there and done that” or you don’t have a clue as to where “there” is, Thrive! will encourage, challenge and equip you to experience a greater level of love and relationship.

Each year, Thrive! brings to the DFW area some of the most well-known and sought-after speakers on marriage. Whether it’s Jimmy Evans talking about how to “build your marriage on the Rock,” Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg “coaching” you on how to achieve a breakthrough in your marriage, or Dr. Gary and Dr. Greg Smalley showing you how to relate to each other based on “the DNA of relationships,” Thrive! offers you the very best resources and teachings on marriage. If you’re not willing to settle with what you have and you desire to discover the very best God has for your marriage, we invite you to join us for Thrive!

This year, Thrive! welcomes Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs, authors of the best-selling book Love and Respect. Hear our presenters as they explain the reasons why many marriages spiral out of control: To feel loved is one of a wife’s main driving needs and to feel respected is one of a husband’s main driving needs. When these needs are met, both are happy; and when either one of these needs are not met, things get crazy. It’s an endless “Crazy Cycle” that is difficult to escape. Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs will reveal why spouses react negatively to each other and show you how to positively motivate each other with love and respect. Their entertaining and biblically-based teaching will help you discover the secrets that will bring true intimacy to your marriage.

Because your marriage deserves to Thrive!

 

 

Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs

Sarah and Emerson are convinced that a truth hidden in plain sight for 2,000 years can make a difference in every marriage: Husbands must love their wives, and wives must respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33). Out of their passion and burden for male and female relationships, the Love and Respect Conferences were launched in August 1999 to serve husbands and wives. In 2005, Emerson’s book Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs won the Gold Medallion Award and Retailers Choice Award. It was also selected as the 2007 Book of the Year for Family Christian Stores.

Emerson received his B.A. in Biblical Studies and an M.A. in Communications from Wheaton College. He was awarded his Masters in Divinity from Dubuque Seminary, and later, he earned his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Child and Family Ecology. Before devoting himself full-time to building healthy marriages, Emerson was the Senior Pastor of East Lansing’s thriving Trinity Church from 1980 to 1999. He loved pastoring in this college town with nearly 45,000 students. When he came, the church had 450 in attendance, and by the time he left, over 2,000 attended. He also oversaw a paid staff of 40 and initiated a building program completed in 2000, relocating Trinity Church to 70 beautiful acres in the Lansing area.

Emerson and Sarah have 3 adult children: Jonathan, David and Joy.

 

 

 

 

FAQ

Do I need to be a member of Gateway Church to attend Thrive!?

No, membership at Gateway Church is not required in order to attend. We invite and welcome anyone from any church or denomination to attend Thrive!.

Is childcare provided?

Yes, childcare is provided free of charge by Gateway Church. In order to receive childcare, you must register your children when you register online for Thrive!. The deadline to register for childcare is Monday, July 13.

Can our church bring a group?

Yes, we welcome church groups. We have special pricing for groups of 10 individuals or more. If you have a group of 20 or more, contact Mary Lansford at 817.552.3749 or email thrive@gatewaypeople.com for special registration instructions.

Can I check in early?

Check-in will open at 5:15 pm on Friday, July 17. Doors to the Auditorium will open 30 minutes prior to the first session each day. Before and after the sessions, we invite you to visit the Thrive! Store located in our Hospitality Room on the north side of the church building. That’s where you’ll find the Eggerichs’ resources including their bestselling book, Love and Respect.

When and how do I check in?

If pre-registered without children’s ministry: Check-in opens at 5:15 pm on Friday, July 17. When you arrive at Thrive!, enter any of the main doors of the building and proceed directly to the Grand Lobby to check in and receive your conference packet.

If pre-registered with children’s ministry: Check-in opens at 5:15 pm on Friday, July 17, and children’s ministry begins 30 minutes prior to the first session each day. When you arrive at Thrive!, enter any of the main doors of the building and approach one of the check-in stations manned by our volunteers. You’ll be asked for your name and the last four digits of your phone number. Once you check in your children, you’ll receive their name tags and be able to proceed to your child’s assigned room. After dropping off your children, go to the Grand Lobby to check in for Thrive!

If you have a ticket: Check-in opens at 5:15 pm on Friday, July 17. When you arrive at Thrive!, enter any of the main doors of the building and proceed directly to the Grand Lobby to check in and receive your conference packet.

If you are registering at the door: If Thrive! is not sold out, at-the-door registrations will be accepted at the late registration rate of $50 per person. Simply enter any of the main doors of the building and proceed directly to the Grand Lobby to check in. You’ll have to complete a registration form and make your payment at that time. Once registration is complete, you’ll receive your conference packet.

What should I wear?

Casual attire is recommended. The Auditorium is air-conditioned. Because the temperature may vary and might be a little cool, we encourage wearing layered clothing. You may also want to consider bringing a light sweater or jacket.

What should I bring?

Bible
Pen
Light sweater or jacket
Registration confirmation or ticket

What activities, places and restaurants are available in the area?

The Southlake/Grapevine area has a wide variety of things to choose from. Whether you want to stroll through the beautiful Gaylord Texan Resort, take a casual walk through the Southlake Town Square or enjoy relaxing outside in one of our area parks, there’s a little something for everyone. Two movie theatres are located very close to the church as well as the Southlake Town Square located just a quarter of a mile away which features a variety of stores and restaurants to satisfy any taste. In addition, Restaurant Row and Main Street in Historic Grapevine are located just a couple of miles to the east.

 

 

Testimonies about the “Love & Respect” Seminars

Having been in pastoral ministry for over 25 years I have never heard a speaker communicate such marriage-enriching insights in an easy-to-listen-to style … [this] by far has been the most insightful, helpful, energetic and practical speaker that I have heard at any of our marriage conferences … an incredible depth of insight, exhilarating humor and passion, and is profoundly practical in his application.
Dr. Sam Hoyt (Community Bible Church in Brighton, Michigan)

With his “Love & Respect” concept, Emerson Eggerichs has discovered what can only be described as the Holy Grail of marital counseling. It is an absolutely extraordinary and revolutionary—and utterly biblical—understanding of marriage, and it was under our noses for 2,000 years, waiting for us to find it. On behalf of married couples the world over, I am thrilled someone finally did.
Eric Metaxas (writer for Veggie Tales, Chuck Colson and The New York Times)

We loved every minute of “Love & Respect.” You shared God’s truths in such a clear and encouraging way.
D.W.

I’m amazed at how the “Love & Respect” principles apply to everyday life at work and with friends. Thanks for the great information!
M.M.

It was so reassuring to hear all you had to say. You helped us to see our marriage in a new light—and we didn’t think it could even be better, but it is! So not only does your conference help hurting marriages, it definitely strengthens a strong marriage.
Anonymous

… he called his attorney and called off the divorce …. He moved back home. We have been married for 20 years, and our marriage is stronger now than it has ever been …. Once I saw how important (this one issue) was to our entire relationship, it made it so easy for me to give my husband what he so desperately needed …. My husband just told me yesterday that he never dreamed of feeling so in love with me and so content with our relationship …. Thanks again for everything.
Anonymous

Another thing that was enlightening about the seminar was why men clam up and walk away. I was one of those women who accused: “You don’t love me!” NOW, I see clearly.
Female Missionary

I can honestly say that [the Love & Respect] seminar changed my life ... our lives … forever. We were on the verge of divorce. As Christians, we both knew that this wasn’t right and was not God’s will for us. But, we seemed incapable of identifying our problems, let alone overcoming them. We just knew that things weren’t working and had reached a dead end. I can say without reservation that thanks to that seminar, my marriage is now back on track, and my wife and I intend to keep it that way for the rest of our lives. And I believe we now have the “tools” to do it …. If it can help us, it can help anyone!
Anonymous

There is nowhere here my husband and I could go for just one hour of Christian counseling for that price. Thank you so very much. I am highly recommending you to many of our couple friends so they, too, can get this great information.
A.M.

I learned so much, and it has been helpful. I came to the [Love & Respect] conference alone, because my husband did not want to go. I was very angry with him and God for a day or so, but then came to the conference anyway. It helped me put things back in perspective … I haven’t blatantly done the respect thing, but have tried to change my attitude toward my husband, and it is working. We have become extremely close lately.
Anonymous

This really rings a bell. You are really onto something here … In a few minutes, you described 48 years of my marriage … I have tolerated various teachings, as many of us have, but your material I completely embrace.
Jim Buick (former CEO of Zondervan Publishing)