There are two possible ways that married couples may be connected with a mentor couple. The best way is through one of the pastors. They are most concerned for the needs of the congregation and equipped to help. They will determine the best mentor for each situation. It is also possible to connect through the Marriage Mentor Ministry coordinator. He will carefully refer you to a mentor couple who will lovingly share their wisdom and experience. Communication with the pastors and the mentors will be kept in strict confidence.
Mentor couples are committed to keeping all conversations and information within their relationship. The mentor process is first and foremost warm, godly, and informal. The mentor married couple has struggled with many of the same issues the mentee couple is experiencing. The mentors are willing to share their experience and how they dealt with the issue. There is also an important dimension at work and that is the spiritual approach to the issue. Mentor couples bathe the couple’s needs in prayer and are deeply concerned for their success and happiness.
Built into the enrich side of the Marriage Mentor Ministry is a Prepare/Enrich Assessment. The assessment consists of the couple responding online to a series of statements indicating how they agree or disagree with a number of statements. A Couples Report is generated and reviewed by the mentor couple. This is designed to give the mentor couple insight regarding areas of agreement and disagreement. More importantly, it provides good insight on the couple’s strengths and growth areas. Usually, after a couple has met with their marriage mentor, they realize what a powerful and significant impact a mentor couple can have on their marriage. Below are some of the many potential benefits from this ministry.
• Increase chances of having a healthy, satisfying marriage together
• Learn vital skills in communication and conflict resolution
• Ask questions and share successes and struggles with another caring couple
• Build on relationship strengths and address problematic areas
• Strengthen support network
• Form a valuable bond with a couple who are modeling what a healthy marriage looks like
Contact the church office for more information, by e-mail or phone at 517-322-2000.