People frequently call and request information on Tom and Susan’s speaking topics. What you will find here are samples of messages they often team-teach together at retreats, conferences and seminars. You will also find links to samples of Tom and Susan’s individual topics for consideration when asking them to come and minister.

Shared Topics:

Tom and Susan enjoy teaching together on many subjects. Contemplative Prayer and Sexual Intimacy are two examples of the team teaching they do at retreats, seminars and conferences.

Contemplative Prayer and the Spiritual Disciplines: Intimacy with the Lord and holiness are the echoes of the Holy Spirit during these days. Contemplative Prayer and the Spiritual Disciplines are ancient practices that incorporate intimacy and holiness. Both Tom and Susan teach on these subjects individually and as a team. Tom covers the Spiritual Disciplines and Susan covers Contemplative Prayer. A Contemplative Prayer retreat can be done over a three or four day period incorporating both Tom and Susan’s teachings in six sessions. Or you may invite just one of them to share their three teachings.

In his three sessions Tom describes the signs that indicate we are dry and lacking an intimate relationship with the Lover of our Souls. He covers the Spiritual Disciplines of meditation, solitude, fasting, and journaling, which lead to a renewed relationship with Jesus. These disciplines are ancient, yet also contemporary, avenues for spiritual formation and renewal.

Susan lays a foundation for contemplative prayer from the scriptures and in church history. In her second workshop she explains the steps of recollection, the prayer of quiet, and experiencing the presence of God. In her last workshop, she explains how contemplative prayer can be incorporated into our busy lifestyles as we learn to practice His presence. Each of Susan’s workshops follows with an hour or more of personal solitude, practicing what was taught in the session. (Visit our Prayer Points page for more information on Contemplative Prayer.)

* I would have to say that the Contemplative Prayer retreat was the best
retreat I have ever been to. It was truly a life changing experience for me
in that I have become aware of a whole new (to me) way of approaching God in
the intimacy of communion. Previously I thought I had an intimate
relationship with the Lord but now I see that it was more 'hit and miss'
than anything else. My devotional time has changed and I now understand
what is meant by Psalm 62:1, ‘My soul waits in silence for God alone;’
-Sally Salino, Atascadero, CA

Sexual Intimacy: A healthy sexual relationship between a husband and wife is an area that often needs strengthening and encouragement. So many couples experience less than God intended in the area of their sexual relationship. Many feel that the sizzle has fizzled and that they have more of a roommate relationship than one of lovers. Others are living with Hollywood myths of sex or are wounded by fatal attractions such as adultery or pornography. However, God created sexual intimacy for marital pleasure and the bonding of a man and woman into one. Yes, children are one of the benefits, but God had far more in mind than procreation when He invented sex.

This six hour seminar covers different aspects of the sexual relationship such as God’s view of sex; the difference between men and women physically, mentally and emotionally; things that hinder a good sexual relationship and how to overcome those hurdles; how to move from roommates to lovers; what to expect as you grow older; and a whole lot more! Lots of good information, scriptural encouragement and great ideas for romance will be shared, plus we plan to laugh a lot in the process. You’ll receive all of this in an atmosphere of safety and security where your own sexual life is regarded as personal and private.

Each of the following classes is 1 ½ hour long.
1. Sex: God’s Outrageous Gift To Married Couples
2. How To Make Love To Your Spouse
3. Romance and Beyond: The Antidote To Boredom in The Bedroom
4. Tonight’s Performance Has Been Canceled

* "The Sexual Intimacy class is both Biblical and inspiring. After 20 years of marriage this teaching brought refreshment to our relationship. You will see God's desire for romance and passion in marriage. You will get tools for communicating on a more intimate level. Whether you are newlyweds or have grandchildren, this class is fun!!!!'”
David and Karen Gebauer, Santa Maria Vineyard Church, Santa Maria, California

*“This Sexual Intimacy class has been a real God-send! We have been married for 14 1/2 years and have been trying to communicate with one another only to cause frustration and hurt feelings. One reason for this is the lack of understanding of the differences between a man and a woman and how to appreciate those differences. This class not only candidly speaks about sex as a gift from God in it's purpose to please one another, but also addresses what intimacy is and how to develop it in your relationship. We have been having much more meaningful conversations that have drawn us closer together. We look forward to our class every week. Tom and Susan are tremendously humble and open teachers who use Bible based teachings, humorous insightful stories and sobering statistics that compel those who hear to hunger for all God has for them. We highly recommend this class to engaged couples who desire to start their relationship with openness and a solid foundation for a truly wonderful marriage. We also recommend it for married couples who want a fresh and timely look at what makes a wonderfully exciting relationship.”
Joey and Debbie Volpi, Atascadero Foursquare Church

* We will never sell or exchange your e-mail address, slow mail address or any other private information with anyone or any organization. All personal information submitted to Eternal Foundations is held strictly confidential.

© 2003 by Susan Gaddis