by Married People | Mar 8, 2018 | Spotlight
Every month, we want to profile a church leader just like you. This month, we’re featuring Heather Matarazzo.
Heather has been the Director of Family Ministries at Rolling Plains UMC in Zanesville, Ohio for the last six years.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
I love equipping families with resources that can actually help them.
What are some challenges you face at your church?
We live in a very rural part of Ohio, so our community deals with a lot of poverty.
How has MarriedPeople changed how your church works with married couples?
This is actually the first time we have had a marriage ministry at our church. So it’s helped us get started.
What’s one helpful tip you’d like to share with other church leaders?
Find those people who have circles of influence in your church and get them on board even if it is just to attend the events.
Want to be featured on the blog?
If you’re a MarriedPeople partner and want to be featured on the blog, just fill out the form here and we’ll be in touch.
Married People exists to help your church help marriages. We provide resources, training, and community to church leaders who work with marriages and families.
by Married People | Feb 22, 2018 | Spotlight
Every month, we’re profiling a church leader just like you. This month, we’re featuring Josh Forney.
Josh has been the Pastor of Marriage and Family at Pathway Church in Burleson, Texas for the last three years. You can follow him at @joshfortney on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
I love seeing couples who are dealing with all the stresses of the world find common ground to reconnect, laugh, remember their vows, and enjoy their marriage. It is refreshing to remind them of their joy!
What are some challenges you face at your church?
We have a lot of busy families. Getting them to slow down and take time for their marriage. It has been a fun challenge for us to find ways to meet them in their busy schedule so they can enjoy their marriage as they go about their crazy lives.
We also have a lot of non-marrieds couples who want the benefits of marriages, and that’s a tricky balance. But it’s a great chance to remind them the value in marriage and God’s plan.
How has MarriedPeople changed how your church works with married couples?
We are more offensive so we don’t need as much defense. Being proactive has led to organic conversations and relationships for couples to have, and that leads to less “crisis response.”
We put more focus on the Core 4 Habits and that keeps people from freaking out and waiting til the last minute to seek help for their marriage. This has helped people get comfortable with talking about marriage.
What’s one helpful tip you’d like to share with other church leaders?
Start small! If you can find one area to shine, use it to build momentum! One small start will get you rolling toward big impact!
Are there any other helpful resources you’d recommend people check out?
Want to be featured on the blog?
If you’re a MarriedPeople partner and want to be featured on the blog, just fill out the form here and we’ll be in touch.
Married People exists to help your church help marriages. We provide resources, training, and community to church leaders who work with marriages and families.
by Married People | Jan 25, 2018 | Training
We really care about what our church partners think and use your feedback to make our resources even better. But we can’t do this if we don’t hear from you.
If you’re a current annual partner, please take 10 minutes to fill out our annual survey below. All partners who complete the survey by 2018 will be entered to win one of five $25 Amazon gift cards.
Married People exists to help your church help marriages. We provide resources, training, and community to church leaders who work with marriages and families.
by Married People | Jan 18, 2018 | Spotlight
Because we care about our church partners and want to emphasize our incredible community, we’re introducing something new. Each month, we’re profiling a church leader just like you. This month, we’re featuring Stephanie Porter.
Stephanie has been the Director of Next Generations and Family Ministries at Eagle Rock Baptist Church in Los Angeles, Calif., for the last three years.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
The best part of my job is loving people! And I get the opportunity to do that often.
What are some challenges you face at your church?
Our biggest challenges at Eagle Rock Baptist are often staff disconnect and competing systems. Things many churches can probably relate to.
How has MarriedPeople changed how your church works with married couples?
After using MarriedPeople, our marriage ministry went from an after thought to an intentional effort. We went from reacting to couples in crisis to having a proactive strategy.
What’s one helpful tip you’d like to share with other church leaders?
Don’t be afraid to try something new!
Are there any other helpful resources you’d recommend people check out?
Want to be featured on the blog?
If you’re a MarriedPeople partner and want to be featured on the blog, just fill out the form here and we’ll be in touch.
Married People exists to help your church help marriages. We provide resources, training, and community to church leaders who work with marriages and families.
