What if there was a ministry already within your reach that could strengthen the families in your church and also serve as an outreach to your community?
We’re watching God bring together a growing network of marriage mentorship, and it’s quickly becoming an exciting new chapter in the mission to build, strengthen, and restore Arkansas families.
The Bible says, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).
So how do we make space for couples in our churches to experience that kind of marriage discipleship when most won’t have close proximity to the pastor and his family? The reality is, they can’t, and that’s okay. Even Jesus had his inner circle of three, his twelve disciples, and then the broader group of followers. He modeled a form of discipleship that’s reproducible, and that’s the key. We can equip the saints for the work of marriage ministry.
God Is Cultivating a Marriage Mentorship Network
Recently, our team led a Marriage Tune-Up weekend at a church in southeast Arkansas. At the end of the weekend, something happened. A group of couples lingered. They stayed to talk and dream about what a marriage mentorship ministry could look like in their own church. These weren’t just curious folks. They were ready to engage.
Instead of relying solely on the pastor to meet with every couple walking through challenges (and let’s be honest, all of us hit tough seasons), these mentor couples are now preparing to serve under their pastor’s leadership. They’re stepping into the role of shepherding others through weekly check-ins, relationship building, and intentional discipleship.
Imagine this. A family hits a difficult season, or a couple finds themselves stuck in a communication rut. Of course, the pastor can counsel and pray with them. But what if they also had a mentor couple who could walk with them week by week, guiding and supporting them in real time?
So what does this actually look like? Let’s talk logistics for a moment.
Who is qualified to be a Marriage Mentor Couple? Here’s what we’re seeing across churches:
- Spirit-led in their personal walk and in their marriage
- Holding a biblical view of marriage (like what we teach through The Way of Grace)
- Authentic and approachable
- Willing to serve
- Endorsed by church leadership
What’s required to get started?
The Marriage Ministry Team in your church needs someone willing to organize and lead for one year. This person will coordinate with both your pastoral staff and our statewide Healthy Family Initiative team. After that, another leader can step in and rotate annually. We can help recommend resources, curriculum, and support systems.
This local church team becomes part of our broader statewide network, sharing ideas, encouragement, and lessons learned from across Arkansas. We’re all in this together.
The Bigger Picture
Pastors, from a 30,000-foot view, here’s what we’re seeing.
God is building a marriage mentorship safety net across our state. It’s creating momentum. Couples are being equipped to encourage others. Ideas are being shared. Trusted resources are being recommended. And a whole new wave of outreach is forming, right from within your congregation.
To help facilitate this, we recently held our first Marriage Mentorship Training at the Baptist Ranch. We believe it’s just the beginning.
If you’d like to host a Marriage Tune-Up at your church or association, or you’re ready to launch a marriage ministry team and want to connect with the network, reach out to us at the Healthy Family Initiative, a ministry of ABCFM.
We would be honored to serve alongside you as the Lord leads us all toward healthier marriages and families.
James Barham is a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor with ABCFM. He can be reached at [email protected].