To warm up
Venture Out
The importance of shared adventure
This session invites you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new adventures together as a couple. Shared experiences add excitement to your relationship, helping you grow closer and gain a deeper understanding of each other’s values and dreams. The DREAM Map is a tool designed to help you map your future goals, aligning them with your core values and vision. As you dream and plan together, you’ll find a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to move forward in unity.
Think back to the early days of your relationship, when curiosity and excitement peaked. This session encourages you to rekindle that sense of wonder. The DREAM Map will help you explore your shared dreams and set a course for the future — reigniting the spark and finding new adventures.
Watch · Venture Out — The Importance of Shared Adventure
This video features Bill and Stephanie sharing how stepping out of their comfort zones has enriched their marriage — and how you can experience greater joy and unity by doing the same.
Scripture to Set the Tone
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
What does this verse mean to you, and how does it apply to your marriage?
Key Concepts and Principles
Why venture out?
Adventure is a key component of a thriving marriage. It helps you:
- Build connection and shared experiences — adventures bring you closer and create lasting memories.
- Renew excitement — trying new things together keeps your relationship lively and engaging.
- Enhance communication and teamwork — tackling challenges together fosters collaboration and understanding.
- Foster mutual growth — new experiences help you grow as individuals and as a couple.
- Prevent monotony — adventure keeps your marriage from becoming stagnant and routine.
- Rediscover each other — shared experiences let you see new sides of your spouse.
- Find fulfillment and well-being — a life filled with adventure adds to your overall happiness and marital satisfaction.
Tool · The DREAM Map
The DREAM Map is your roadmap to a clear, inspiring, and actionable vision for your marriage. Dream boldly, support each other, and align your future with God’s design for your life together.
- DDefine — your dreams.
- RReflect — on your Mission Portrait.
- EEnvision — your future.
- AAct — with intentional steps.
- MMap — your path forward.
Use the questions in each area to spark ideas — then map where you see yourselves in 1 year, 3 years, and 10 years. Don’t try to fill every box; start with the 2–3 areas that resonate most. Let your Mission Portrait be your compass.
Personal Growth & Faith — How can you grow closer to God together? What habits will strengthen your marriage? (1 yr: pray together daily, start a shared devotional. 3 yr: a couples’ Bible study or marriage retreat. 10 yr: mentor another couple or lead a marriage ministry.)
Relationships & Family — What traditions could deepen your connection? How will you build a legacy for your family? (1 yr: weekly date nights or a shared gratitude journal. 3 yr: create a Family Mission Portrait. 10 yr: a legacy project that connects the generations.)
Health & Well-Being — How will you support each other’s physical and emotional health? (1 yr: daily walks and better rest. 3 yr: a fitness challenge together. 10 yr: a sustainable routine that brings vitality to your marriage.)
Purpose & Career — What meaningful work could you pursue to make an impact? How will you support each other’s purpose? (1 yr: encourage each other’s goals. 3 yr: a shared business, project, or ministry. 10 yr: write a book or launch a platform that inspires others.)
Adventure, Fun & Travel — What experiences bring joy and excitement? How will you create lasting memories? (1 yr: a weekend getaway or new local hobby. 3 yr: cooking classes or an international trip. 10 yr: a milestone anniversary at a dream destination.)
Financial Stewardship — What financial dreams bring peace and freedom? How will you steward your resources? (1 yr: a budget and short-term savings. 3 yr: pay off a debt or start investing. 10 yr: long-term security through investing and generosity.)
Impact & Community — What causes align with your shared values? How will you give back as a couple? (1 yr: volunteer for a cause you care about. 3 yr: start a community initiative or mentor younger couples. 10 yr: lead a marriage-focused ministry or start a family foundation.)
Now map it out together:
Personal Growth & Faith
Relationships & Family
Health & Well-Being
Purpose & Career
Adventure, Fun & Travel
Financial Stewardship
Impact & Community
Practical Steps
Using your DREAM Map. Start with the 2–3 areas that resonate most so you’re not overwhelmed — you can always expand later. Set a reminder every few months to revisit it, celebrate wins, and adjust. Use your Mission Portrait as a compass so your dreams stay aligned with your values, vision, and mission.
Take some adventures. Make plans to venture into new experiences in three areas: an emotional adventure (try a new form of communication, or share a vulnerable part of your past), a physical adventure (a weekend trip somewhere new, or a class together), and an intimacy adventure (keep your physical relationship creative — find fresh, unexpected ways to show affection). Keep the spark alive through both grand experiences and the small, everyday moments that make your marriage special.
Go Deeper — optional
For couples who want to linger. Skip it if you’d rather keep things light.
- How can your dreams and adventures strengthen your spiritual bond and bring joy to your daily life?
- How can you use your DREAM Map to inspire more connection and shared excitement in your marriage?
- How can your individual values or vision from your Mission Portrait inspire an adventure together that reflects who you both are?
- What part of your spouse’s Mission Portrait would you love to explore with them on your next adventure?
- If your spouse spoke at your funeral, what would you hope they’d say about you? Write down a few phrases that reflect the legacy you hope to leave in their heart.
Next Steps
A Closing Thought
Dreaming and venturing out together creates a bond that transforms your marriage. It gives you both a sense of purpose and a connection that grows richer over time. Step into new adventures, cherish the moments, and continue building a marriage full of love, excitement, and unity.