On one hand, mixed-orientation marriages are just like other marriages. On the other hand, they provide an opportunity to explore God’s goodness and faithfulness through unique joys and struggles while bucking cultural norms. In this workshop, we will share our story; the gifts, the laughter, and the tears we have experienced over the last 24 years of marriage. We look forward to your questions. And we will explore the unique gifts mixed-orientation marriage bring to the church and broader community.

Dan and Renee have been married for 24 very happy years. Renee is a burn nurse, turned home-school mom, turned HR director for their business. Dan is a former business owner for 17 years, an elder at their church for over 10 years, and a relentless dreamer. Together they, along with another couple, have founded Soul Care Seattle at the Layne – an urban retreat house ministry offering a disconnected space for day retreats, silent retreats, and spiritual direction for those seeking to deepen their love relationship with the Lord. As spiritual directors, Dan and Renee offer a safe space for individuals to deepen their love relationship with God through prayer and journeying through life together. They share a particular passion for helping LGBT individuals discover their belovedness as well as caring for pastors and church leaders. Dan and Renee have two college age sons. They love travel, hiking & backpacking, skiing, reading and gardening.