At the core of WinShape Marriage lies a deep and abiding friendship – a friendship between two couples who have simply sought to be channels for God’s grace to other couples navigating the challenges that every marriage brings.

When Bubba and Cindy Cathy and Bob and Bev Maday met 25 years ago, we’re pretty sure they never imagined where their burgeoning friendship would take them. An executive with his family’s Atlanta-based restaurant company Chick-fil-A, Bubba got to know Bob after Bob joined the company in 1978. The couples nurtured their friendship at church, delighting in their shared values and love of the Lord. Bubba and Cindy taught young married couples in Sunday school, Cindy putting her master’s degree in counseling to good work – while the Madays taught nearly everybody else – youth, college and career classes. As their friendship deepened, it provided a safe place to hold one another accountable as responsible and loving spouses; sometimes, isn’t it just easier to hear the plain truth from your sailing buddy than it is your wife? “We knew the value of having folks come alongside us in our marriage,” says Bubba. Notes Bob: “Marriage is too tough to go it alone.” Soon, these self-proclaimed “marriage buddies” were enjoying marriage getaways together, often taking other couples along. And one thing became clear: their humble and transparent insight into the complex marital relationship ministered to others. Recalls Bubba, “I felt led to help others get started on the right track.”

In 1999, the Cathys and the Madays hosted a retreat for a group of missionaries on furlough at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. They sought to share and support these faithful servants of the church, whose work too often relegates their marriages to the back burner. As Bob and Bev scrambled eggs in the kitchen and shared with the couples during group sessions, one thing became clear: God was beginning a great work and calling the Madays and the Cathys to bring a permanent place of nurture for marriage to fruition. Over the next two years, the WinShape Marriage Retreat in Rome took shape. A collection of 1930’s era dairy buildings were transformed into idyllic guest rooms for retreat attendees. Bev and Cindy took on architectural and decorating duties, devising color schemes and rounding up just-right furnishings. Dr. Shawn Stoever, who holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of North Texas, was hired as the Director of WinShape Marriage. By 2006, the center was welcoming 8000 guests annually. The pastoral setting, visitors say, provides a true mountain-top experience – “holy ground” where couples can “put their lives on hold” to reconsider their priorities and rekindle genuine passion for their mates.

Visitors arriving at WinShape Marriage aren’t handed a workbook to complete or a checklist guaranteed to refresh what ails their marriages. Instead, they’re welcomed like old friends to what some call “the perfect place to be refreshed in body, soul and spirit.” Before arrival, the staff has prayed over each guest room, asking for God’s blessing on the special couple who will sleep there, on their relationship, on the significant interactions they will experience during their stay. Luggage magically finds its way to the guest rooms, an early hint that this is no ordinary place. Whatever need is expressed – great or small – the WinShape staff is honored to meet it, showing every guest grace-based hospitality and genuine love. At the mere threat of rain, open umbrellas appear as if from nowhere to provide shelter from the storm. The meals served are elegant and unforgettable. “From this sequestered location,” says Bob, “what we do… puts people in a position where God can transform their life.” As Bev puts it, “We don’t have a program. We just share what we know.”

Lest one think the Cathys and Madays were simply lucky in love – blessed to find and marry their perfect mates, consider this: they are the first to insist their marriages are far from perfect. They’ve required work and commitment that has produced a joy beyond any they could have imagined. And for that reason they are grateful to have one another as accountability partners – and a setting like WinShape marriage where all couples can take a breath, to recalibrate and reinvigorate their perspectives. “The problems that we’re facing seem less big when we have our friends alongside,” says Bob.

Maybe your marriage needs a minor-tune up – a time out from life’s hectic pace. Or perhaps your problems seem so great, you fear your marriage is unrecoverable. At WinShape Marriage, you can rebuild those vital connections. Be soothed. Nurtured. Reassured. Loved. And by the grace of God, see your marriage – and very life – transformed in the process.

About WSM

WinShape Marriage is under the passionate direction of Chick-fil-A senior vice president, Don "Bubba" Cathy and his wife Cindy. For over 20 years, Bubba and Cindy have taught a newlywed and engaged couples Sunday school class. Now they've greatly expanded their marriage ministry through the development of WinShape Marriage, which is part of the WinShape Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1984 by Truett and Jeannette Cathy.

WinShape Marriage is unique in its approach to marriage ministry. Instead of using an educational model of lectures and books, WinShape Marriage is about experiencing the presence of God. Through prayer, worship, group discussions, and couple mentoring, WinShape Marriage assists couples in maintaining and growing their relationships.

What truly distinguishes WinShape Marriage?

1. People: Everyone at WinShape Marriage serves in a spirit of grace, ministering from a core conviction that information doesn't transform people. Only an encounter with Jesus can transform lives. And marriages. Learn more >
   
   
2. Place: Discover how a quaint dairy farm has taken on new life as a Christian sanctuary for strengthening marriages, shaping families and building stronger relationships. Learn more >
   
   
3. Programs: Our transformational ministry philosophy has driven us to craft a range of programs, each designed to foster lasting change and growth in marriages. Learn more >