Drew and Paige Greenway return for part two of their story on infertility, this time focusing on the spiritual lessons, marriage dynamics, and ministry they’ve embraced through their journey. Using the acrostic TRUST, they unpack teachability in trials, reliance on the Lord, unwavering unity, surrender to His will, and resting in God’s timing—all of which shaped their marriage and deepened their faith.

Scriptures:

Romans 5:2-5

PS 34:18

2 Cor 12:7-10

John 15:5

Rom 12:10

PR 3:5-6

Ecc 3:11

Resources:

Podcast - More Than Roommates Part 1 with Drew & Paige – Holding On Through the Heartache: A Story of Infertility & Hope – Apple, Spotify

Website & Resources – Julie Fowler Ministries

Bible Study for Women - Treasures in the Waiting: Finding God’s Comfort, Counsel, and Companionship Amid Infertility and Repeat Loss

Bible Study for Men - Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength and Hope

Book - When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden: Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility

Questions to Discuss:

1. Which part of the TRUST acronym resonated most with your current season of life or marriage?

2. In what ways do you tend to take control instead of trusting God?

3. How can you be more emotionally present for your spouse during a season of suffering?

4. How can you better support friends who are walking through infertility or loss?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Gabrielle and Scott interview Drew & Paige Greenway about their story of infertility and the challenges they’ve faced along the way Drew and Paige reflect on how these trials affected their faith, marriage, and understanding of God, while offering hope, empathy, and wisdom for others walking a similar path. Part 1 of 2.

Scriptures:

Gen 2:24

Rom 12:15

Resources:

Website & Resources – Julie Fowler Ministries

Bible Study for Women - Treasures in the Waiting: Finding God’s Comfort, Counsel, and Companionship Amid Infertility and Repeat Loss

Bible Study for Men - Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength and Hope

Book - When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden: Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility

 Questions to Discuss:

1. What stood out to you most from Drew and Paige’s story?

2. How do we typically respond to suffering—in our relationship with God and each other?

3. What role does empathy play when one spouse is grieving more visibly than the other?

4. How can we better support couples in our community who are walking through infertility or loss?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Scott & Kristen Kedersha discuss how to be in Harmony with one another in marriage. This talk was recorded live at the 2025 More Than Roommates Marriage Conference at Harris Creek Baptist Church.

Scriptures:

John 15:5

Matthew 19:3-6

Ecc 9:9

Gen 2:18

Heb 10:24-25

Matthew 7:3-5

1 Corinthians 10:12

Questions to Discuss:

1. Of the 7 aspects of Harmony shared by Scott & Kristen, where are you doing well?

2. Of these 7 aspects of Harmony shared by Scott & Kristen, where are you struggling?

3. Ask each other the 7 tune-up questions shared throughout this talk.

Resources:

This is an edited/condensed version of the talk. If you want to watch the entirety of the Harmony message, you can watch it through this link - Harmony Video.

We are so excited about the More Than Roommates Marriage Conference on February 2-3, 2024 at Harris Creek! We'll have great teaching, breakouts, fun, and surprises as we seek to help couples take the next intentional step to become so much more than just roommates.

We hope to see you there! You can find all the details about the conference and sign-up to join us right here.

As always, if we can answer any questions, email us at marriage@harriscreek.org .Please make sure to rate and review More Than Roommates, and please share with your friends.

The holidays provide a great opportunity for us to love and serve our families. Yet, they’re often filled with stress, conflict, and broken relationships. In this episode of More Than Roommates, we discuss how we can best serve our families and keep our marriage strong during the holiday season.

Scriptures:

Romans 12:10

Genesis 2:24

Proverbs 27:17

Romans 12:2

1 Thessalonians 4:13

Questions to Discuss:

What’s one way you can serve your family this holiday season?

Have you communicated your plans for the holidays with your families?

What’s a new tradition you can start as you visit family this year during the holidays?

Resources:

Episode 43 of More Than Roommates – The Not-So-Secret Guide to In-Law Relationships (feat. Dave Willis)

Book – Married Into the Family by Dave & Ashley Willis

Blog – 3 Ways to Communicate Your Way to a Merry Little Christmas

How can we keep our marriage strong in the middle of a very full holiday season? In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss practical ways you can strengthen your marriage and family to make this the best holiday season yet!

Scriptures:

Mark 10:45

Romans 12:1-2

Questions to Discuss:

What are some holiday traditions we can start or continue to do in our marriage?

What’s your favorite Christmas movie? Song? TV show?

Take a few minutes to pray together for the upcoming holiday season.

Resources:

Paul Tripp Advent Devotional – Come, Let Us Adore Him

She Reads Truth & He Reads Truth – Advent Studies

Annie F Downs – Advent Study

Blog Post - 8 Ways to Make This Your Best Christmas Yet

Many of us tend to be quick to blame our spouse and slow to own our part. In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss how we can do a better job of owning our part instead of blaming. Draw the circle around yourself and work on the person inside the circle.

Scriptures:

Matthew 7:3-5

1 Timothy 1:15

Psalm 139:23-24

Proverbs 28:13

Shownotes:

How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told, by Harrison Scott Key

How to Stay Married, TED talk by Harrison Scott Key

When Sinners Say I Do, by Dave Harvey

Save the Date: The More Than Roommates Marriage Conference, Feb 2-3, 2024, Harris Creek Baptist Church (More details coming soon)

Questions to Discuss:

1. How do you do in owning your part? Do you tend to own your part or point the finger and blame your spouse?

2. What would owning your part allow to happen in your marriage?

3. Do you own your part too slowly? Too quickly? Or just right? Ask your community if you need some input.

In this episode of More Than Roommates, we interview Justin Whitmel Earley, author of Made For People. We discuss loneliness and how to fight for a life of friendship, both inside and outside of marriage. We also talked about vulnerability, technology, forgiveness, social media, and so much more!

Shownotes:

Justin’s website – Justin Whitmel Earley (check out his email list!)

Made For People: Why We Drift Into Loneliness and How to Fight for a Life of Friendship

The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction

Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhyhtms

Questions to Discuss:

1. How’s your friendship with your spouse? How can you grow in your friendship with your spouse?

2. How can you grow in your friendship with others outside of your marriage?

3. Do you have friends who know you fully and love you anyway?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss how to keep your marriage strong when you have kids. It’s easy to make your kids your number one priority, so we discuss practical wisdom on how to keep your relationship with Jesus and your spouse strong while still raising your kids.

Scriptures:

Ephesians 6:10-20, Genesis 2:24, Eph 4:1-3, Romans 12:18, PR 13:20, 22:6, Mark 10:45, MT 20:28, 1 Cor 7:3-5, 1 Peter 5:8, Phil 2:3-4

Questions to Discuss:

How do you and your spouse view children? Are they a blessing or a burden?

What do you think God is trying to teach you in this season of marriage and parenting?

How are we doing at keeping Jesus our number one priority? How are we making our kids a priority?

Resources:

Episode 42 – More Than Roommates – When’s the Right Time to Grow Your Family?

For Better or For Kids, by Ruth and Patrick Schwenk

What if there was one habit you and your spouse can do in your marriage that would dramatically increase your likelihood of marital success and satisfaction? In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott talk about the importance of prayer in marriage and share about Scott’s new book, The Ready or Knot Prayer Guide. 

Scripture:

James 5:16, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Matthew 18:20

Scott’s New Book! The Ready or Knot Prayer Guide – 100 Prayers for Dating and Engaged Couples

Book Website and Pre-Order Bonus Information

Pre-order Bonus form

Scott’s first book – Ready or Knot?: 12 Conversations Every Couple Needs to Have before Marriage

Questions to Discuss:

1. What are the biggest obstacles to why you and your spouse don’t pray together?

2. What keeps you and your spouse from praying together? Do you and your spouse believe in the power of prayer?

3. What’s one tangible step you and your spouse can take to more intentionally pray together on a consistent basis?

Save the Date! The More Than Roommates Marriage Conference at Harris Creek – February 2-3, 2024

Coming this Fall on More Than Roommates - technology, keeping your marriage strong when you have kids, commitment, holidays, and much more. We also have some great guests joining us this fall. As always, if we can answer any questions, email us at marriage@harriscreek.org. Please make sure to rate and review More Than Roommates, and please share with your friends.

BONUS EPISODE! In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott share some of their takeaways from their interview with Professor Nancy Pearcey about her book The Toxic War on Masculinity. They discuss what surprised and encouraged them and also discuss what healthy spiritual leadership in the home looks like.

Scriptures:

Galatians 3:28, Genesis 1:26-27, Proverbs 22:6

Shownotes:

Book by Nancy Pearcey – The Toxic War on Masculinity

Episode #45 of More Than Roommates - Interview with Professor Pearcey

Blog Post – What Does Spiritual Leadership in the Home Look Like?

Blog Post – How Can A Husband Best Lead His Wife

Blog Post - How Can A Dad Best Lead His Children and Home

Questions to Discuss:

1. What surprised you or encouraged you the most from this episode?

2. What’s one area of your life where you are nominal in your faith?

3. Have you and your spouse discussed what healthy spiritual leadership looks like in the home?

What if much of what you hear about marital satisfaction and divorce rates inside and outside the church is actually incorrect? In this week’s episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott interview Professor Nancy Pearcey about her latest book, The Toxic War on Masculinity. Stay tuned for a bonus follow-up episode later this week!

Nancy Pearcey is the author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, as well as Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."

Nancy’s website - https://www.nancypearcey.com/

Scriptures:

Ephesians 5:25-27

Questions to Discuss:

1) What can you do in your relationship with Christ to help prevent you from being nominal in your faith?

2) What surprised you most from this interview with Professor Pearcey?

3) Men - Are you willing to ‘pay the daddy penalty’ at work?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott talk about the importance of good investments. There are many ways we can invest our time, money, and energy, and in this episode we discuss the importance of regularly investing in your marriage.

Resources:

Book - Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes... Everything, by Juli Slattery (release July 1, 2025)

MTR Episode 62 – Your Marriage and the Unhurried Life (feat. Chris Schultz)

MTR Episode 64 – Questions to Ask Your Spouse Every Week

MTR Episode 90 – Our Favorite Marriage Resources

Intentionality In Your Marriage – John & Pam McGee, Uncommon Marriage Conference 2022

Scriptures:

Ephesians 5:25

Matthew 6:21

Questions to Discuss:

What are some areas of your life where you invest your time, money, and energy?

How can you invest more time and energy in your marriage?

How can you invest more money in your marriage?

It’s inevitable for every married couple that you will walk through times when your spouse annoys you. What do you do in these situations – overlook it, pray about it, talk to them about it, talk to others about it? In this episode of More Than Roommates, Scott, Derek, and I Gabrielle discuss what to do when your spouse annoys you.

Scriptures:

James 4:1

Matthew 7:3-5

Proverbs 19:11

1 Corinthians 13:5

Shownotes:

Episode 25 of More Than Roommates - How to Have Hard Conversations and How to Do Them Well

Questions to Discuss:

What do you do that annoys your spouse? What does your spouse do that annoys you?

Keep track of your spouse’s rights today, not their wrongs. Tell your spouse something you appreciate and value about them.

Pray that God would help you overlook any small offenses and that He would help you love your spouse as the Lord loves you.

In-Laws and family of origin often get a bad reputation, and our relationship with our families is often a major stressor in marriage. In this week’s episode, Derek and Scott interview podcaster, speaker, and author Dave Willis. Dave and his wife Ashley host the very popular podcast, The Naked Marriage with Dave & Ashley Willis. We’re confident this episode will both help and entertain you as we discuss how to have healthy relationships with your in-laws.

Scriptures:

Romans 12:18

Genesis 2:25

Ruth 1:16-17

Shownotes:

Dave & Ashley’s new book - Married into the Family: The Not-So-Secret Guide to In-Law Relationships

XO Marriage

Podcast - The Naked Marriage with Dave & Ashley Willis

Dave & Ashley on Instagram

Questions to Discuss:

How is your relationship with your parents/family of origin? In-laws? What can you do today to improve these relationships?

When you have issues/challenges in your marriage, who do you first turn to—friends, the Lord, your parents?

We’re answering our most frequently asked questions! When do you start trying to grow your family? How many kids should you have? What if you want kids but can’t get pregnant? How should couples view children? Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott answer these questions and more in this week’s new episode of More Than Roommates.

Scriptures:

Genesis 1:27-28

Psalm 127:3-5

James 1:17

Matthew 19:12

Matthew 28:19-20

Show Notes:

Blog Post: How to Change the World: Raise a Godly Young Man

Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda (Podcast) – Should I Want to Have Kids? And How Many?

Resources for those walking through infertility:

Website - Watermark Community Church in Dallas has compiled some helpful resources through their Shiloh Ministry.

Book - When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden: Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility

Other couples – the best resource is to find another couple who has walked this road.

Questions to discuss:

How do you view children? As a burden or a blessing? (Answer with honesty)

Are you and your spouse aligned in how you view children?

How did you know when to start trying to grow your family?

Busyness is one of the biggest challenges to marriages and we don’t even realize it. It’s the sucker punch and silent killer of many relationships that affects every part of our lives. In this episode of More Than Roommates, pastor and author Gary Thomas joins Scott & Derek as we discuss busyness and marriage. Gary is the author of more than 20 books and serves on the teaching team at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Scriptures:

Ephesians 6:12

Psalm 90:12

Shownotes:

Sacred Pathways

Making Your Marriage a Fortress

Gary’s Website – Garythomas.com

Blog post - One Thing We Like to do for Our Marriage Every Week

Questions to discuss:

Do you know what’s going on in each other’s lives? When’s the last time you checked to see how your spouse is really doing?

How can busyness destroy your marriage? How do you know if you’re too busy in your marriage?

What relational skill can you work on this year?

In this episode (Part 2 of a 2-part series), Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss what practical implications of what the Bible says about roles in marriage. We discuss how biblical roles play out in marriage with specific examples from our own marriages.

Scriptures:

Proverbs 18:2, Phil 2:3-4, Romans 12:10, 1 Corinthians 12

Resources - We’re including more resources that normal since we know this is a topic about which many husbands and wives have questions.

From God Questions - What is egalitarianism?

From Got Questions - What is complementarianism?

From Harris Creek – a Message from JP - Real Marriage

Must Wives Submit to Husbands?

From the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood - Summaries of the Egalitarian and Complementarian Positions

Questions to discuss:

1) Read 1 Corinthians 12 and discuss with your spouse. What gifts do you each have? What are some ways you each uniquely strengthen your marriage?

2) How can you encourage your spouse in the role they play in your marriage?

In this episode (Part 1 of a 2-part series), Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss what the Bible says about roles in marriage. We discuss different views on marital roles, and even share some of our own different views on this topic. Roles are often misunderstood and abused, so we all need to think (and act) rightly on this topic.

Scriptures:

Ephesians 5:22-28, Genesis 1:26-27, 2:28, 3:16; John 14:26; Mark 10:42-45

Resources - We’re including more resources that normal since we know this is a topic about which many husbands and wives have questions.

From God Questions - What is egalitarianism?

From Got Questions - What is complementarianism?

From Harris Creek – a Message from JP - Real Marriage

Must Wives Submit to Husbands?

From the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood - Summaries of the Egalitarian and Complementarian Positions

Questions to discuss:

1) How did your upbringing affect your views on roles in marriage?

2) How are you doing at serving each other?

3) How do you make big decisions in your marriage?

In Part 2 of this 2-part series, Byron & Carla Weathersbee, founders of Legacy Family Ministries, share three more patterns they’ve observed in couples who thrive in marriage. They share from their own 39 years of marriage and 28 years of full-time marriage ministry. This is Part 2 in 2-Part series from the Weathersbees. We discuss resilience, unity, and spiritual intimacy.

Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 7:28, John 16:33, 1 Peter 3:7, 1 Peter 3:1-2, Luke 6:47-49

Questions to discuss:

1) How do you deal with your differences and the small things that frustrate you about your spouse?

2) What’s one small step you and your spouse can take to grow in spiritual intimacy?

Sacred Pathways, by Gary Thomas

To Have and To Hold: Preparing for a Godly Marriage, by Byron & Carla Weathersbee

Legacy Family Ministries

Together: Building a Godly Marriage, by Byron & Carla Weathersbee, Amy Castello

In Part 1 of this 2-part series, Byron & Carla Weathersbee, founders of Legacy Family Ministries, share patterns they’ve observed in couples who thrive in marriage. They share from their own 39 years of marriage and 28 years of full-time marriage ministry. This is Part 1 in 2-Part series from the Weathersbees. In this episode, Byron and Carla discuss the importance of both loving and liking your spouse. Part 2 coming next Tuesday! (8/15/23)

Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 13:5

Questions to Discuss:

1) What do you do to play and have fun in your marriage?

2) How can you show more gratitude to your spouse?

To Have and To Hold: Preparing for a Godly Marriage, by Byron & Carla Weathersbee

Legacy Family Ministries

Together: Building a Godly Marriage, by Byron & Carla Weathersbee, Amy Castello

In this episode of More Than Roommates, we’re joined by Nate Hilgenkamp, one of the co-hosts of the podcast, Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda. We discuss questions couples ask before marriage on topics such as purity, sex, conflict, and more. If you’re already married, be encouraged in your own married and share this episode with friends who are dating and engaged.

Scriptures:

2 Corinthians 6:14-15, Hebrews 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:3, 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Romans 13:14, Romans 8:1

Resources:

Outdated, by Jonathan “JP” Pokluda

Ready or Knot, by Scott Kedersha

The Ready or Knot Prayer Guide, by Scott Kedersha

Questions to Discuss:

1) Whether married or single, how can you grow in personal and relational purity?

2) How well do you and your significant other resolve conflict?

3) What dating and engaged couples can you share this episode with?

What are the 4 Horsemen of communication and conflict? In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss four negative patterns all couples need to watch out for and remove—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.

Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, by Dr. John M. Gottman

Scriptures Referenced:

Philippians 2:14, Proverbs 21:19, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, 1 Timothy 1:15

Questions to Discuss:

1. How can you fight back against being overly critical of your spouse?

2. Text your spouse right now and tell them one reason why you’re grateful for them.

3. With which one of the four horsemen do you most readily identity with? What can you do to minimize this negative behavior in your marriage?

In Part 2 of their interview with Shaunti Feldhahn and Brian Goins, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss how the little things truly matter in marriage. We discuss the importance of believing the best about our spouse and why we need a combination of quality and quantity time together.

Scriptures:

1 Peter 3:9

Rom 2:4

Phil 4:8

Questions to Discuss:

What are some small changes you can make in your marriage that could make a big difference?

How do you and your spouse do at believing the best about your spouse’s intentions?

How can you create more quality and quantity time together with your spouse?

Resources:

Book - The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference, by Shaunti Feldhahn

Shaunti’s Website – Shaunti.com

Follow Shaunti on Instagram

Follow Brian on Instagram

Married With Benefits Podcast (FamilyLife Network)

Podcast - I Wish You Could Hear This with Shaunti & Jeff Feldhahn

Hey Podcast World! In this episode of More Than Roommates, Jonathan "JP" Pokluda, Lead Pastor of Harris Creek and Host of the Becoming Something Podcast, joins Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott for some marriage Q&A. We discussed trends in marriage, what JP is learning in his own marriage, and how to prioritize your marriage in the midst of the busyness of life.

Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda

Why Do I Do What I Don't Want to Do?, by JP

Scriptures: 1 Peter 3:7, PR 18:22, Matthew 5:27-28

Questions to Discuss:

1. What's the biggest challenge you're facing in your current season of marriage?

2. What are you learning about marriage right now?

3. How do you and your spouse make decisions about what to prioritize?

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek and Scott interview author and speaker Jodie Berndt about her new book, Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage. We talk about how to pray for your marriage, what to do if your spouse doesn’t want to pray with you, and how you can best pursue the Lord together in marriage.

Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage

Jodie’s Website

Follow Jodie on Instagram.

31 Days of Prayer for your marriage

Questions to Discuss:

1. How are you and your spouse doing at praying for your marriage?

2. What are some specific ways you can pray for your spouse today? For your marriage today?

3. Check out Jodie’s new book – it’s an excellent resource for every couple and would make a great wedding gift (Hardcover Edition)!

In Part 3 of this 3-part series on sex and marriage, Scott, Gabrielle, and Derek discuss two more barriers to intimacy couples often face. We discuss sexual expectations (sexpectations) and unresolved pain, sin, or struggles. We hope this 3-Part series has helped you have some needed conversations about intimacy.

Married Sex, by Gary Thomas and Debra Fileta

Rethinking Sexuality, by Juli Slattery

#4 - We all have unmet expectations

1. How satisfied am I sexually?

2. How satisfied is my spouse sexually?

3. Where are our sexual expectations aligned?

4. Where are they different?

5. Do I feel a freedom to share my desires sexually?

6. What are some barriers or insecurities that prevent me from sharing with my spouse?

#5 - We have unresolved or unconfessed pain, sex, and struggles

1. Have I worked through any sexual hurts/addictions/habits?

2. What do I need to confess or share with my spouse?

3. Do I have a right view of intimacy?

In Part 2 of this 3-part series on sex and marriage, Scott, Gabrielle, and Derek discuss three barriers to intimacy couples often face. We discuss the importance of working on our marriages, communicating well, and how schedule and busyness affect marital intimacy.

Married Sex, by Gary Thomas and Debra Fileta

#1 - We’re not willing to work hard on our marriage.

1. On a scale of 1-10 (1-horrible, 10-perfection), how would I rate our marriage?

2. How would I rate our sex life?

3. What would it take to increase our numbers?

#2- We don’t communicate (in general and about sex)

1. How are we honestly doing in our day-to-day communication?

2. Is there any unresolved conflict?

3. Why is it difficult for us to talk about sexual intimacy?

#3 - We’re too busy to get busy

1. What in our schedule prevents us from being more intentional sexually?

2. When is the last time I pursued my spouse romantically and sexually?

One of the biggest challenges most couples face is that they become complacent in marriage and stop making efforts to learn more about themselves, their spouse, and marriage. In this main stage session from the Behind the Scenes Marriage Conference at Harris Creek (Jan, 2023), Scott Kedersha shares what it looks like to be a lifelong learner in marriage.

Questions to Discuss:

1. When you first started dating each other, what did you do to learn more about your significant other?

2. What is one practical step you can take today to be a better student of your spouse?

3. Challenge: You and your spouse each come up with 2 questions to ask each other. Make time on your calendar to ask each other your questions.

In Part 1 of this 3-part series on sex and marriage, Scott, Gabrielle, and Derek discuss how to have a healthy and right view of sex and marriage. We all bring baggage and challenges into marriage when it comes to sex, but if we want to have a healthy sex life, then we must learn how to think rightly about it.

Married Sex, by Gary Thomas and Debra Fileta

Questions to Discuss

1. What were some fears you had about sex before you got married?

2. Do you believe you and your spouse have a healthy view of sex and marriage? Why or why not?

3. How would you and your spouse rate your sex life on a scale of 1-10? Why did you answer the way you did?

Marriages either have the wrong mission or no mission at all. What would it look for you to be on mission in your marriage? In this main stage session from the Behind the Scenes Marriage Conference at Harris Creek, Derek and Kellie Davidson share what it looks like to be on mission together in your marriage.

Questions to Discuss:

1. How are you doing in being/living on mission in your marriage?

2. Are you willing to live at a cost while on mission in marriage?

3. What is God asking of your marriage and your family?

What does it look like to celebrate your spouse well? Instead of competing with each other, what would it look like for you to consistently celebrate them. In this episode of More Than Roommates, Gabrielle, Derek, and Scott discuss practical ways to rejoice with and celebrate your spouse.

Five Love Languages, by Dr. Gary Chapman

Five Love Languages Quiz

Questions to Discuss:

1. How do you do at celebrating each other?

2. What’s one way you can celebrate your spouse today? Now go do it!

3. Do you focus more on your spouse’s flaws or do you focus on ways you can celebrate and encourage them?

In this bonus episode of More Than Roommates, we share a talk Alison Treadaway gave at Harris Creek’s marriage conference in January 2023. In this talk, Alison talks about the pitfalls and benefits of comparison in marriage. It's what we do with comparison that matters!

Questions to Discuss:

1. How is comparison in marriage holding you back and potentially even building resentment?

2. What leads you to compare yourself, your spouse, or your marriage to others?

3. What's one thing your spouse does so well? Encourage them in one way they are beyond comparison!

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss how and why to have hard conversations with your spouse. Most couples struggle with hard conversations because of things like pride and defensiveness. But, when we do this well, it can strengthen our marriage in every way!

Shownotes:

One Conversation with My Son that Left Me Speechless.

Questions to Discuss:

1. Why is it difficult to have hard conversations in our marriage?

2. What’s the best time for us to have hard conversations?

3. How can we make our marriage a safer place for hard conversations?

In Part 1 of a 2-Part interview, Gabrielle, Derek, and Scott interview Shaunti Feldhahn and Brian Goins about the small things that make all the difference in marriage. In Part 1 we discuss the myth that 50% of all marriages end in divorce and why it’s  harmful to perpetuate this myth

Scriptures:

1 Cor 13:13

Hebrews 3:13

1 Cor 7:28

Questions to Discuss:

How can you build your sense of hope in your marriage?

What would you tell a young couple before they get married? How would you encourage or challenge them?

What are some ways you need to change the way you talk about marriage with others?

Resources:

Shaunti’s Website – Shaunti.com

Follow Shaunti on Instagram

Follow Brian on Instagram

Married With Benefits Podcast (FamilyLife Network)

Podcast - I Wish You Could Hear This with Shaunti & Jeff Feldhahn

Part 2 on expectations: In this bonus episode of More Than Roommates, we share a talk Jonathan “JP” Pokluda, lead pastor of Harris Creek and host of the Becoming Something Podcast, gave at Harris Creek’s marriage conference in January 2023. In this talk, JP talks about how we combat unmet expectations and marital entitlements with gratitude towards our spouse.

Questions to Discuss:

How have you allowed your expectations turn into entitlements in marriage?

What do you think your spouse owes you?

What’s one way you can show gratitude to your spouse today? Now go do it or say it!

In this episode, we bring Jonathan “JP” Pokluda, lead pastor of Harris Creek and host of the Becoming Something Podcast, into the studio as we discuss expectations in marriage: where do they come from and how you and your significant other can walk through your unmet expectations in a way that can strengthen your marriage.

Questions to Discuss:

What are the sources of your expectations?

What are some examples of your biggest disappointments that come from your missed expectations?

Who are you learning from?

Coming this summer on More Than Roommates - bonus episodes dropping in addition to our weekly episodes on Tuesday mornings.

Life and marriage seem to be filled with one decision after another. In this episode of More Than Roommates, Gabrielle, Derek, and Scott discuss helpful six questions to ask when making decisions.

Shownotes:

Sermon from Jonathan “JP” Pokluda - Questions to Ask When Making Decisions

Blog Post - One Way to Help You Avoid Life's Biggest Regrets and Mistakes

Questions to Discuss With Your Spouse:

1. How can you and your spouse improve you make decisions?

2. Do you tend to process decisions with others or just report decisions you already made? Why?

3. Think of a medium-size decision you and your spouse need to make, and discuss how these six questions can help you make a better decision.

In-Laws often get an unfair reputation. In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss several ways to grow a healthy relationship with each of your parents and families. We discuss practical ways to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with our families.

Questions to discuss with your spouse:

1. What is your vision or hopes for what your family and in-law relationships can look like?

2. What's one intentional step you can take to strengthen your relationship with each of your families?

3. Take a few minutes to specifically pray for each of your families.

How can I love my spouse well every day? Our marriages reflect the amount of work and effort we put into them. In this episode, Scott, Derek, and Gabrielle interview John McGee, the Senior Director of Resources at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, TX. John has an abundance of wisdom we can learn from as he shares how he and his wife intentionally pursue each other.

Shownotes:

Watermark Resources

Tiny Habit Challenge

John & Pam McGee’s talk from the Uncommon Marriage Conference

Questions to Discuss with your spouse:

1. Discuss with your spouse how you’re doing in intentionally pursuing each other in the day-to-day moments.

2. Pick 1 habit from the Tiny Habit Challenge to add to your marriage this week!

3. Encourage your spouse with one small thing you’ve seen them do well in the last week. Tell them how they’re pursuing you well.

Healthy marriages are filled with small challenges and sin struggles couples must attend to every single day; things such as busyness, selfishness, and pride. In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott address some challenges we must focus on every single day to grow a healthier, more intentional marriage.

Shownotes – Marriage, by Paul David Tripp, Adam Grant Tweet

Money and financial problems often rank high in the reasons why couples struggle or get divorced. What does the Bible say about money and how does it affect our marriages? In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss four biblical principles that can help your marriage when it comes to money and finances.

Resources – Becoming Something – Money and Family, The Marriage Challenge, by Art Rainer

We all want to be kind in marriage, but for some reason, it can be so challenging to show kindness to our spouse! In this episode of More Than Roommates, Gabrielle, Derek, and Scott discuss some of the reasons why we struggle to be kind to our spouse and ways we can be kinder to each other.

Resource – The Kindness Challenge by Shaunti Feldhahn

Our thoughts affect the way we live and affect our marriages, probably much more than we realize. In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek and Scott interview marriage expert and author Ted Lowe. We focus our discussion on the importance of empathy in marriage. 

Shownotes – Us In Mind, by Ted Lowe; Find out more about Ted at TedLowe.com

Scripture – Rom 12:2, 12:15, James 4:1

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Gabrielle, Derek, and Scott discuss the importance and centrality of serving your spouse in marriage when life is full and busy and when you don’t feel like it!

Scriptures:

Mark 10:45

Gal 5:13

Phil 2:1-11

Phil 1:27

1 Cor 13:6

1 Peter 3:7

Resources:

Book – Us in Mind: How Changing Your Thoughts Can Change Your Marriage, by Ted Lowe

More Than Roommates – Episode 16 – The Importance of Empathy in Marriage (feat. Ted Lowe)

Questions to Discuss:

1. What is the thing around the house you hate to do?

2. What is one thing your spouse hates to do around the house?

3. What Does It Look Like to Serve Each Other in Your Marriage?

What does it look like to be connected spiritually with your spouse? How do you pursue Jesus well together even with your different personalities and wirings? In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott share some ways you can pursue Jesus together.

Shownotes – Bible Reading Plan, Spiritual Pathways by Gary Thomas

What is the wise thing to do when it comes to marriage and friends of the opposite sex? In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss how to be above reproach with opposite sex friendships and share some practical ways to be thoughtful about opposite sex friendships.

Why Do We Want to Put a Stone in Your Shoe?

What role do friendships and community play in marriage? In this episode, Derek, Scott, and Gabrielle discuss how friendships play a key role in marriage and the ways in which community provides both support and encouragement.