We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well.” I Thessalonians 2:8
WHAT IS MARRIAGE MENTORING?
According to marriage specialists, Drs. Les and Leslie Parott, marriage mentoring involves an enrichment experience whereby “a happy more experienced married couple empower a less experienced married couple through sharing resources and relational experiences.”
Marriage mentoring is designed for happily married couples who desire to make their good marriages even better. Marriage mentoring is different from marriage counseling in that it is based on an education/enrichment model rather than some model of counseling.
If you and your spouse have ever wished that you could sit down over coffee and talk with a more experienced Christian couple and pick their brains and gain godly wisdom, then marriage mentoring just might fit the bill.
WHY IS MENTORING IMPORTANT?
Unfortunately, the upcoming generation is growing up with few positive models of marriage and parenting. Mentoring provides just that. Also, the upcoming generation is less likely to listen to instruction or participate in formal family life programs and would rather experience authentic relationships first hand. Additionally, it is easier to prevent serious problems in marriage than to solve them.
WHAT DO MENTORS DO?
An inventory is given to the mentoree couple which is then used to guide the mentors/mentorees as they meet for a time-limited commitment of 8-10 two-hour weekly sessions at a mutually convenient time and location. Mentors and mentorees may meet at the mentors or mentorees home, a coffee shop, a park, etc.-have fun with it and be creative! The mentors act as facilitators. Most of all mentors listen, ask questions and listen some more. Mentors use the results of the inventory to help couples address marriage-related issues such as maintaining effective communication, agreeing on financial management, managing conflict, etc. Mentors work as a team and share personal experiences as well as how they themselves weathered the storms of life. Mentor couples consistently pray for their mentoree couples as well.
Also, a modest fee will be charged to cover the cost of materials.
HOW DO WE APPLY?
You may apply by contacting Pastor John Lohman at 585-865-5505 or e-mail at jlohman@JourneyOnTheWeb.org.
