Healthcare Marriages in Christ: Grand Rapids, MI
February 26, 2027 – February 27, 2027
Fifth Reformed Church, 2012 Griggs St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
The Joy Prescription: Reclaiming Delight in God and Each Other
Healthcare marriage carries unique pressures. Long hours, demanding schedules, and the emotional weight of caring for others can leave couples feeling disconnected and depleted.
The Joy Prescription is a marriage renewal weekend designed specifically for healthcare couples seeking encouragement, practical support, and renewed connection in Christ.
Throughout the weekend, couples will experience biblical teaching, meaningful conversations, practical tools, and authentic community with others who understand the realities of healthcare life. Attendees will also hear from trusted marriage leaders and learn about local resources available for continued support and growth.
What to Expect
- Biblical encouragement and practical tools
- Intentional conversations as a couple
- Community with other healthcare couples
- Space to reconnect, rest, and reset
- Resources for ongoing marriage support
Whether your marriage feels strong or strained, this weekend is an opportunity to intentionally invest in your relationship and grow together in Christ.
Registration
Registration Information
| Category | Early Bird | Regular | Late |
| Per Person | $100 | $125 | $150 |
Early Bird Registration Deadline: November 20, 2026
Regular Registration Deadline: January 31, 2027
Registration Closes: February 19, 2027
Cancellations requested by February 12, 2027 will receive a refund minus a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds after February 12, 2027, once food and event expenses have been finalized.
~~~~~
Need a little financial help getting to HMC? We understand.
We never want finances to stand in the way of investing in your marriage. Because generous couples have gone before you and given toward this fund, scholarships are available for healthcare training couples who need a little extra help. What a beautiful picture of the Body of Christ—couples blessing couples and investing in marriages for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom.
If you’re a medical student, resident, or fellow and would benefit from a scholarship, simply use code HMC20 at registration to bring your cost to just $20 per person. We’re grateful for the couples who have made this possible, and we can’t wait to see how the Lord uses HMC to strengthen and encourage your marriage!
Venue
Fifth Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan provides a welcoming and comfortable setting for this intentional marriage weekend. Hosted in partnership with Side By Side Grand Rapids, CMDA Grand Rapids, and Healthcare Marriages in Christ, attendees can expect a faith-filled atmosphere of encouragement, connection, and community with other healthcare couples.
Speakers
![]() |
Dr. Joshua and Rebecca Lehman have been married since 2007 and are blessed with four children. Joshua is a Family Medicine physician, and Rebecca serves as the Executive Director of Side By Side, CMDA’s ministry for healthcare spouses.
While their journey has included medicine, ministry, leadership, and raising a family, the greatest lesson God has taught them is not how to manage life’s demands, but where to place their trust. Time and again, they have found Jesus to be faithful, steady, and true. He has been their anchor through every season and the source of every good thing in their lives and marriage. Joshua and Rebecca love encouraging others to fix their eyes on Christ, build marriages rooted in Him, and discover the beauty of walking alongside God’s people in authentic community. Their passion is simple: helping others know and trust Jesus more deeply.
|
![]() |
Dr. Seth and Lindsay Ilgenfritz have been married for 19 years and are blessed with seven children. Seth is an Emergency Medicine physician, and Lindsay serves as the Side By Side Director of Ministry Development.
For the past four years, their family has traveled North America living full-time in a trailer while Seth practices locum tenens medicine. Through this journey, God has deepened their faith and expanded their opportunities for ministry. Together, Seth and Lindsay are passionate about encouraging those who feel overwhelmed—especially in the medical community—pointing them to the hope, rest, and renewing grace found in Jesus Christ. They are committed to helping couples build Christ-centered marriages that flourish through every season of life.
|
![]() |
Dr. Anthony and Rachel Hernandez have been married for 13 years and are grateful for the many ways God has faithfully guided their marriage through each season of medical training and practice. Anthony is a Pediatric Hospitalist, and Rachel serves as a Regional Director for Side By Side and Coordinator for Healthcare Marriages in Christ.
Their journey has taken them across the country through medical school, residency, and attending life, giving them a firsthand understanding of the unique joys and challenges that healthcare couples face. Along the way, God has used each transition to deepen their dependence on Him and strengthen their commitment to one another. Together, Anthony and Rachel are passionate about coming alongside healthcare couples as they walk with the Lord, encouraging Christ-centered marriages marked by intentionality and hope. They have a special heart for those in training and desire to support couples through the unique challenges of those seasons. They desire to help couples grow closer to Christ and to each other, trusting that God is faithful to sustain and strengthen marriages throughout the journey. |
Schedule
Event Schedule
Friday: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Dinner provided)
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Light Breakfast & Lunch provided)
Our conference programming will wrap at 6:00 PM Saturday, and dinner will be on your own. We hope you’ll use the evening to keep the conversations going, enjoy a date night, or grab dinner with another couple you’ve connected with during the weekend.
| Friday, February 26 | |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 pm | Welcome & Icebreaker |
| 6:15 pm | Dr. Seth & Lindsay Ilgenfritz: I’m Sorry for What I Said When We Were Backing Up the RV |
| 6:30 pm | Dr. Joshua & Rebecca Lehman: The Calling of a Joyful Marriage |
| 7:15 pm | The Marriage Panel: Joy Under Attack |
| 8:00 pm | Table Talk Discussions |
| 8:30 pm | Closing Prayer & Dismiss |
| Saturday, February 27 | |
| 9:00 am | Prioritizing Joy with Intention |
| 9:45 am | Dr. Anthony & Rachel Hernandez: Roles, Expectations & Growth |
| 10:45 am | Break |
| 11:00 am | Emotional and Spiritual Intimacy |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Communication & Conflict |
| 2:00 pm | Take It To The Cross: Communication Activity |
| 3:00 pm | Separate Men’s & Women’s Session: Protecting Joy in Intimacy |
| 3:45 pm | Break |
| 4:00 pm | HMC Marriage Panel: Joyful Rhythms: Habits that Check IN |
| 5:00 pm | Guided Couple Affirmations & Prayer |
| 6:00 pm | Closing Prayer & Dismiss for Dinner |
Food/Meals
MEALS: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch are provided.
Do you have dietary restrictions? Please email [email protected] so we can coordinate together and ensure your needs are met!
Lodging
Attendees are responsible for arranging their own lodging. Recommended hotel options near Fifth Reformed Church will be shared as available. If you are interested in staying with a host family please inquire at [email protected] and we will get you connected!
Donation Information
There will be opportunities to financially support Healthcare Marriages in Christ in the Registration process as well as during the event.
Your generous donations help make it possible for medical students, residents, fellows, and training couples to attend Healthcare Marriages in Christ events through scholarships. Your support also allows us to continue developing Christ-centered resources that encourage, strengthen, and equip healthcare marriages.
Together, we’re investing in marriages so that couples can grow in Christ, find community, and faithfully live out their calling—because strong marriages can be a beautiful testimony to the Gospel in the midst of healthcare.
Contact
Contact Lindsay Ilgenfritz with questions.


