The Highs and Lows of Marriage
Couples Conference 2024
Description & Discussion Sheets
These audios were recorded at our 2024 Couples Conference. "Each marriage is filled with highs and lows. How do we navigate these and grow closer to our spouse? Get ready to hear short Ted-Talk-style inspirational messages from our own Hometown pastors and their wives! These encouraging audios will cover many topics that are sure to inspire you both!
Ted #1: Trying to Understand Her
Rob & Michelle Busse • 1 Peter 3:7
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Wives, what are some ways your husband has grown in understanding since you got married? Wives, what are some areas that you could use a little more understanding from your husband? Be as specific as possible with things you have gone through or are going through. If there are any ways that either of you (husbands included) have felt misunderstood, gently bring those up. What are some things you could do to try to grow in understanding of your spouse? If you are struggling to come up with something, maybe your spouse can help you out.
Ted #3: Leave & Cleave
Spencer and Lisa Bernard • Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Have you had any "leave and cleave" issues in your marriage? Each of you try to think of at least 1 example. Why do you think this is an important principle in your marriage? What are some ways you apply the "leave and cleave" principle in your marriage? Currently, what would you say are the biggest challenges in creating some separation with your extended family?
Ted #4: Conflict Resolution
Tim & Brita Weber • 1 Peter 3:7–9, 1 Peter 3:1
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: How has your past influenced how you deal with conflict? How have you struggled as a couple with unresolved conflict in your marriage? What is currently unresolved? Looking at I Peter 3, what are you learning that might help?
Ted #6: Intimacy Through Communication
Deacon & Rosanne Ales • Romans 12:15, 1 Peter 3:7
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What are your communication tendencies in marriage? In what ways have you learned to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn?” In what ways do you feel God calling you to grow in your marital communication?
Ted #7: The Tongue & Listening Well
Joel & Dusti Fredricks • 1 John 1:9, James 1:19, Colossians 3:12–13, James 3:8
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Have you been quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger? If not, what do you need to confess to both God and your spouse in terms of your tongue? And your listening? What do you specifically need to “make every effort to put on” in your marriage…compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness or patience? What does this look like for you, practically?
Ted #8: Harmony Through the Years
Jon & Terri Schelkoph • 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:7–8, Romans 12:16, Romans 12:4–6
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Did anything stand out to you? How have you adjusted to each other in the past? How might God be calling you, today, to adjust to harmonize with your spouse in this season of life?