Episode 109 - Marriage Myth: We Think We're Healthy Because We Don't Fight (feat. Greg and Erin Smal
December 17, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • Matthew 7:3–5, 1 Peter 5:5, 1 Corinthians 7:28, James 4:1, Ephesians 4:29
In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott interview Greg and Erin Smalley about conflict and the myth that an absence of conflict means a couple must be healthy. We discuss what the Bible says about conflict and how healthy conflict repair can help us to be fully known and fully loved.
Questions to Discuss:
1. Do you believe that quarrels and conflict can help couples truly know each other better?
2. Are there areas of your marriage where you have avoided tough conversations and swept any issues under the rug?
3. How are the two of you different from one another when it comes to conflict?
4. How can you develop a posture of humility in your marriage?
Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 7:28
James 4:1
1 Cor 13:6
Eph 4:29
Phil 2:3-4
Rom 12:18
MT 7:3-5
MT 18:15-17
1 Peter 5:5
Resources:
Greg and Erin’s Podcast - https://podcasts.focusonthefamily.com/show/crazy-little-thing-called-marriage/
Website - https://www.focusonthefamily.com/
Episode 108 - How the Reactive Cycle Affects Your Marriage
December 10, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • Philippians 4:8, Proverbs 15:1, Romans 12:2
In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss the reactive cycle couples often get into with each other when their expectations aren’t met. We often fall into harmful patterns that can lead us to negative reactions in our marriage. What is this cycle and how do we get out of it?
Scriptures:
PR 15:1
Rom 12:2
Phil 4:8
Resources:
https://hoperestored.focusonthefamily.com/ (from Focus on the Family)
https://www.reactivecycle.com/ “Test” – through this brief assessment you can learn your marriage triggers and responses.
https://amzn.to/3zpngeg, by Gary Thomas
https://amzn.to/4f7bygs, by Mike Foster
Questions to Discuss:
1. What triggers your reactive cycle?
2. How can you increase the gap between a negative trigger and your response?
3. How can we avoid spiraling down into the reactive cycle?
Episode 107 - Memorable Ways to Celebrate Your Wedding Anniversary
December 3, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • Ephesians 5:31–32, 1 Peter 3:7
It only comes one time every year, but it’s worth celebrating! In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss how to celebrate your wedding anniversary in a memorable and significant way.
Resources:
Blog Post – https://www.scottkedersha.com/blog-pages/30-unique-ways-to-celebrate-your-anniversary
Scripture:
Ephesians 5:31-32
1 Peter 3:7
Questions to Discuss:
1. What’s your favorite party you’ve ever been to?
2. What are your expectations for your anniversary? Make sure you discuss what each of your expectations are for celebrating your anniversary.
3. Why is it important to celebrate your anniversary? Do you realize your marriage is intended to be a picture of God’s triune love?
4. Where do we want to be in our marriage on our 50th anniversary?
Episode 106 - When Do I Overlook An Offense?
November 26, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • Proverbs 19:11, Romans 12:18, 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott talk about what it means to overlook a small offense in marriage. When is it okay to overlook it and when do you need to address and discuss it?
Scriptures:
Proverbs 19:11
Romans 12:18
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Resources:
Harris Creek https://static1.squarespace.com/static/609bed88cd0cfe24d393144f/t/636972fea15e31674657be77/1667855104130/harriscreek-conflictguide.pdf
Harris Creek https://static1.squarespace.com/static/609bed88cd0cfe24d393144f/t/6369730324946a1ba5999848/1667855107629/peacemakerguide-3.0.pdf
More Than Roommates – Episode 44 – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-roommates/id1667102563?i=1000629181158
Questions to Discuss:
1. What is your favorite Disney song?
2. How do you know whether you can overlook an offense from your spouse?
3. Why do we give more grace or more easily overlook an offense from a stranger than we do for our spouse?
4. Are you a peace faker, a peace breaker, or a peace maker?
Episode 105 - Mutual Respect in Marriage (feat. Kyler & Britt Nixon from Love Your First Year)
November 19, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabri, Kyler Nixon • Romans 12:10, Matthew 7:12, Ephesians 5:33, Ecclesiastes 4:12
In this episode of More Than Roommates, Gabrielle and Scott interview Kyler and Britt Nixon about mutual respect in marriage. The Nixons primarily work with young couples, but this message is relevant for every couple. The Nixons provide practical ways to provide mutual respect in your marriage.
Scriptures:
Ephesians 5:33
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Romans 12:10
MT 7:12
Resources:
Follow https://www.instagram.com/loveyourfirstyear/ on Instagram!
Website – https://www.loveyourfirstyear.com/
Online Course - https://www.loveyourfirstyear.com/course
Blog Post - https://www.loveyourfirstyear.com/post/the-5-conflict-languages
Questions to Discuss:
1. How do you and your spouse make decisions? Do you make decisions together? How do you fight for alignment?
2. Why does it matter for you and your spouse to show each other respect?
3. How do you restore trust and respect when either has been broken?
Episode 104 - Holidays and In-Law & Family Expectations
November 12, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • James 4:1, Matthew 7:12, Philippians 2:3–4, Galatians 1:10
In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discussing holidays, especially related to expectations around family and in-laws. How can you proactively address some of the challenges couples often face around holiday expectations?
Scriptures:
James 4:1
Matthew 7:12
Phil 2:3-4
Galatians 1:10
Questions to Discuss:
1. What’s your favorite Holiday movie? Is Home Alone a Christmas movie? (Yes, of course it is!).
2. How can you fight back against selfishness during the holidays?
3. How can you and your spouse be peacemakers this holiday season?
Resources:
More Than Roommates - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-roommates/id1667102563?i=1000633990338
More Than Roommates – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-roommates/id1667102563?i=1000634756871
Episode 103 - Protect Your Marriage (Live from the 2024 MTR Marriage Conference)
November 7, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • 1 Corinthians 10:12–13, 1 Timothy 1:15, Psalm 16:11, Romans 13:14, Luke 6:47–49
Live from the 2024 More Than Roommates Marriage Conference! In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott respond to a testimony of infidelity shared live at the 2024 More Than Roommates Marriage Conference. We share some lessons learned on how to protect our marriages.
Registration is now open for the 2025 More Than Roommates Marriage Conference! Find out more at https://harriscreek.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2548656.
Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Romans 13:14
Luke 6:47-49
PS 16:11
MT 7:3-5
1 Tim 1:15
Questions to Discuss:
1. As we unpack Kevin & Kelli’s testimony, what stuck out to you from our observations?
2. What do you run to when you’re stressed in life and in marriage?
3. Who or what is the biggest problem in your marriage?
Resources:
More Than Roommates Episode 102 – A Story of Redemption and Forgiveness (feat. Kevin & Kelli Mainz)
Episode 102 - A Story of Redemption and Forgiveness (feat. Kevin & Kelli Mainz)
November 5, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Kevin Mainz, Kelli Mainz • Romans 12:2, Deuteronomy 31:8, Romans 8:28, Ecclesiastes 9:9, Isaiah 40:28–31
In this episode of More Than Roommates, we get to hear a testimony from Kevin & Kelli Mainz and their story of infidelity and recovery. While you may not have the same testimony as Kevin & Kelli, you can still learn from their mistakes and be encouraged by God’s faithfulness in their story.
Registration is now open for the 2025 More Than Roommates Marriage Conference! Find out more at https://harriscreek.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2548656.
Questions to Discuss:
1. What are you most encouraged by or challenged by in Kevin & Kelli’s testimony?
2.How have you experienced God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness in your life and in your marriage?
3. What story does your marriage tell? A story of brokenness or of redemption and healing?
Scriptures:
Romans 12:2
Deut 31:8
Rom 8:28
Ecc 9:9
PR 3:5-6
Isa 40:28-31
The 2025 More Than Roommates Marriage Conference!
November 4, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson
We are so excited about the 2025 More Than Roommates Marriage Conference on January 31-February 1, 2025 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 https://harriscreek.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2548656
We sold out last year and we assume we will this year as well, so come join us while spots are available!
As always, if we can answer any questions, email us at http://harriscreek.org/. Please make sure to rate and review More Than Roommates, and please share with your friends.
Episode 101 - Elections, Your Vote, & Your Marriage
October 31, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • Matthew 22:15–22, Ephesians 4:3–5, Matthew 5:13–16, Romans 12:1–2, Ephesians 4:29
In this special episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott talk Elections, Your Vote, and Your Marriage. We discuss whether you and your spouse should share who you’re voting for, how you can disagree well, and what to do if you disagree on who to vote for.
Scriptures:
MT 22:15-22
2 Cor 6:14
Ephesians 4:3-5
MT 5:13-16
Jeremiah 29:7
Romans 12:1-2
Eph 4:29
Questions to Discuss:
1. What are some disagreements that you and your spouse had in the past that are funny to look back on now?
2. How can you and your spouse disagree well to the glory of God?
3. What can kindness look like in your marriage even when you disagree with one another?
Resources:
Peace Talks Series – Part 1, https://harriscreek.subspla.sh/7m38wv5, Jonathan Pokluda
Podcast – Becoming Something – Episode 289 – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-289-conspiracies-and-candidates-feat-jason/id1454045768?i=1000673816406 (feat. Jason Woodruff)
Podcast – The Pour Over, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-episode-2024-election-topics-abortion/id1583657464?i=1000666746503 Bonus Episodes
Instagram Post - https://www.instagram.com/p/dbxnzaloona/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=mzrlodbinwflza==
Episode 100 - How Marriage Has Changed Us
October 29, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • James 3:1, Ephesians 5:22–27
Welcome to the 100th episode of More Than Roommates! In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott celebrate the fact that we’ve now released 100 episodes! We share some of our favorite episodes, what we’ve learned about marriage through this podcast, and how marriage has changed each of us.
Questions to Discuss:
1. What have you learned about yourself, your spouse, and marriage through listening to More Than Roommates? Share with our team by emailing mailto:marriage@harriscreek.org
2. What is God currently teaching or showing you about your marriage?
3. How has marriage changed you?
Scriptures:
James 3:1
Ephesians 5:22-27
Resources:
List of all episodes of More Than Roommates on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-roommates/id1667102563
List of all episodes of More Than Roommates on https://open.spotify.com/show/4io7miwblpmuee9asibjqx?si=00e53130c8dd4366
Episode 99 - Marriage Through Different Seasons of Parenting
October 22, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • Luke 6:47–49, Ephesians 5:15–16, Romans 12:2, Hebrews 12:1–2, Proverbs 15:22
In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that come along with different seasons of parenting, from newlyweds to the empty nest. How can you keep your marriage strong in every season?
Questions to Discuss:
1. What’s your favorite season of the year? (Winter, spring, summer, fall)
2. How can you keep your marriage strong in your current season of marriage and parenting?
3. Regardless of the season you’re in, what are the priorities for your marriage and family?
4. What can you do today in your marriage to help you finish the race strong?
Scriptures:
PR 15:22
Luke 6:47-49
John 16:33
1 Corinthians 7:28
Phil 2:3-4
Mark 10:45
Eph 5:15-16
Romans 12:2
Hebrews 12:1-2
Resources:
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/are-you-at-risk-for-gray-divorce/, by Focus on the Family
Episode 98 - Discover and Celebrate Your Spouse's Gifts
October 15, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • Romans 12, 1 Peter 4, Ephesians 5:25–27, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4
In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss how to discover and celebrate the spiritual gifts God has given to both you and your spouse. How can you live on mission together, using and highlighting the gifts God has given to each of you?
Scriptures:
Ephesians 4
1 Corinthians 12
Romans 12
1 Peter 4
Ephesians 5:25-27
Questions to Discuss:
1. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
2. What are your spiritual gifts?
3. How can you highlight your spouse’s gifts?
4. Ask your spouse how you can help them use their gifts.
Episode 97 - Why Are In-Law Relationships Often So Challenging?
October 8, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Gabrielle McCullough, Derek Davidson • Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14, Matthew 7:3–5, Colossians 3:12–14, 1 Peter 3:7
Why is conflict between a husband and wife and the in-laws so common? In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss some common challenges couples often encounter with family and in-laws and discuss some ways to proactively build and reactively repair in-laws relationships.
Scriptures:
Ruth 1:16-17
Romans 12:18
Hebrews 12:14
Romans 12:10
Matthew 7:3-5
1 Peter 3:7
Genesis 2:24
Col 3:12-14
Resources:
More Than Roommates – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-roommates/id1667102563?i=1000669805825
More Than Roommates – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-roommates/id1667102563?i=1000628423973
More Than Roommates – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-roommates/id1667102563?i=1000613201508
Questions to Discuss:
1. Why do in-law and family relationships often seem so fragile and challenging?
2. How can you be for your in-laws and family and not against each other?
3. What are some ways you can do a better job of believing the best about your in-laws instead of assuming the worst?
4. Challenge: Make a commitment to consistently pray for your in-laws and family.
Episode 96 - Staying Engaged Long After You Say “I Do” (feat. Colby & Amanda Taylor)
October 1, 2024 • Scott Kedersha, Derek Davidson, Amanda Taylor • James 4:6
In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek and Scott interview Colby and Amanda Taylor about how to stay engaged in your marriage from before you say “I Do” until “Death do us part.” We discuss the importance of focusing on the marriage and not just the wedding day and how couples can thrive long after they say “I do.”
Resources:
Embellished Weddings & Events – https://embellished.wedding/ and https://www.instagram.com/embellishedweddings/
The Engaged Life – https://theengagedlife.co/ and https://www.instagram.com/theengagedlife.co/
https://amzn.to/3y3al2s by Scott Kedersha
Scriptures:
James 4:6
Question to Discuss:
1. What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve ever seen at a wedding?
2. What’s one decision you’re glad you made from day one of your marriage?
3. How can you stay engaged in your marriage? What’s one thing you can do to help fight against the drift away from oneness?
