Marriage Ministries

Our Mission

Lake Avenue Church Marriage Ministries is dedicated to helping couples cultivate healthy and thriving Christ-centered marriages, that in turn will impact their families, the church and their communities, and glorify our Lord.

We provide a variety of resources that enable couples to equip your relationship with the practical tools and skills needed for a fulfilling marriage. Whether you are engaged, your marriage is just beginning or you have celebrated many anniversaries, whether you are looking for enhancement or your marriage is experiencing distress, we are here to help you!

Ministry Programs

We offer programs for both premarital and married couples, connecting them with a trained and experienced couple who is further along in their journey of life and marriage.

Enhancement

Couple on couple, 12 sessions, monthly, utilizing the Marriage Mentoring curriculum developed by Biola University.

Healthy Communication
Conflict Management
Setting Expectations
Similarities and Managing Differences
Gratitude
Forgiveness
Emotions
Listening
Sexual Intimacy
Spiritual Intimacy

Research shows couples with marriage mentors have marriages that are happier and healthier, with more contentment, passion, joy and resilience along with a deeper and more profound faith-based connection.

Take the Next Step!

Revitalize

Couple on couple, 12 sessions, weekly, utilizing the Hope4Marriage curriculum, a deeper dive into marriage topics.

The Spirit Filled Life
God’s Design for Marriage
Biblical Responsibilities for Husbands and Wives
Deception and Truth
How to Manage Family and Historical “Baggage”
Confession and Forgiveness
Communication Skills
Conflict Resolution Techniques
Dealing with Personality Differences
Commitment and Goal Setting

Research shows couples with marriage mentors have marriages that are happier and healthier, with more contentment, passion, joy and resilience along with a deeper and more profound faith-based connection.

Take the Next Step!

Marriage Mentoring vs. Marriage Counseling

What is Marriage Mentoring?

Marriage mentoring is about receiving guidance and support from a trained mentor couple who have experience building a strong, healthy relationship. They’ll walk with you using a mix of helpful tools like practical advice, proven curriculum, honest personal stories, prayer, and encouragement.

What is Marriage Counseling?

Marriage counseling is guided by a professional therapist who helps couples work through deeper issues, emotional struggles, and ongoing conflicts. It often involves different types of therapy and techniques to bring healing and understanding to the relationship.

Marriage Preparation Program

Completed by yourselves, 8 hours online with a workbook, utilizing curriculum developed by specialists Marv and Joyce Warman, Cliff and Joyce Penner and Del Gainer.

Get Started!

Premarital Mentoring

Couple on couple, 8 sessions, weekly or biweekly, utilizing the SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts) curriculum by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott.

Take the Next Step!

Instilling Life in Your Marriage

8 sessions with 3 to 4 couples plus a facilitator couple, utilizing the 5 Days to a New Marriage curriculum by Dr. Terry Hargrave and Dr. Sean Stover, focused on tools to better resolve conflicts & build marriage harmony.

The small groups are held periodically, if you are interested in participating in the small group and/or learning more:

Jim Lesh

Contact Jim

Next Step

For couples interested in going through any of our marital or premarital programs, please take a moment to fill out our questionnaire.

Each spouse or fiancé should complete the questionnaire separately to help us understand your perspectives! Our Marriage Ministries team will contact you after both of you complete the questionnaire.

Questionnaire

What happens after you complete the questionnaire? Next, you'll go through an Assessment, followed by an Intake Interview. These steps help us learn more about your relationship so we can match you with the most suitable mentor couple.

Resources for Married Couples

7 Principles for Making Marriage Work
by John Gottman (secular but solid teaching on marriage)
Boundaries in Marriage
by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Sacred Marriage
by Gary Thomas
Five Love Languages
The Secret to Love that Lasts, Dr. Gary Chapman
Caring Enough to Confront
by David Augsburger
The Gift of Sex
by Cliff and Joyce Penner
Restoring the Pleasure
by Cliff and Joyce Penner
The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex
Sheila Wray Gregoire
The Good Guy’s Guide to Great Sex
Sheila Wray Gregorie and Dr. Keith Gregoire
Fight Your Way to a Better Marriage
by Dr. Greg Smalley
The Marriage App
by Drs. Paul and Virginia Friesen
Complete Guide to Money
by Dave Ramsey
Total Money Makeover
by Dave Ramsey – Proven Plan for Financial Peace
The 5 Money Personalities
by Scott and Bethany Palmer

Closer, 52 Devotions to Draw Christians Together
by Dr. Jim and Cathy Burns
Devotions for a Sacred Marriage, A Year of Weekly Devotions for Couples
by Gary Thomas
Marriage in Abundance’s Devotions for Married Couples, One Year of Weekly Devotions to Deepen Your Connection with God and Each Other
by Mandy and Joel Shrock
My Utmost for His Highest
by Oswald Chambers (Daily Devotional, good for individuals and couples)

5 Days to a New Marriage
by Terry Hargrave and Shawn Stover

War Room