Marriage Builder

A Marriage Mentoring & Discipleship Ministry of Westbrooke Church

What is it?

This ministry is specifically designed to integrate the teaching of Biblical principles of marriage with one-on-one discipleship in the application of these principles. The teaching component includes both Biblical exposition and exposure to particularly powerful and relevant books, videos, etc. that can help illuminate Biblical principles with contemporary examples and challenges. The mentoring, discipleship component affords the opportunity to have personalized “one-on-one”? help in discovering, beginning, and continuing the process of removing the barriers to a healthy, godly marriage that have often been in place since well before a marriage takes place.

Is it for us?

If you are engaged to be married, looking for help with a difficult marriage, or just want to build or strengthen your marriage, then you should prayerfully consider participating. For maximum benefit participation in the program will be limited to 6 couples during each 6-month cycle of the program. Though given first preference, participation in these sessions is not limited to Westbrooke Church regular attenders.

How will it help us?

Marriage Builder combines the simple, yet powerfully profound teaching model for marriage given in the book of Genesis, with discipleship sessions that are designed to strongly and personally apply that truth, in love, for the purpose of change and growth. Experience shows that books, videos, lectures, etc. often leave us inadequately equipped to change attitudes and behaviors that are deeply entrenched. Teaching must be paired with purposeful “one-on-one” discipleship in order to provide the best possible environment for a healthy marriage to grow and flourish. We have seen the Biblical principles and practices of Marriage Builder transform many marriages, including our own, and would love to be used of the Lord to help you see what He can do in yours!

What is expected of us?

  • 1. Attend the complete 6-month cycle of the group teaching classes: Westbrooke Marriage Builder Class (Sundays, 9 - 10 a.m., 9898 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS). The first cycle will begin January 13 and end June 22, 2008.
  • 2. Concurrently participate in up to 12 (i.e. approx. biweekly) one-hour “one-on-one”? sessions with the mentors at a time and place mutually agreed upon. Actual number of sessions will be tailored to your specific needs.
  • 3. Though there may be occasional exceptions, both spouses must participate whenever possible.

What if my spouse can’t or doesn’t want to participate?

Marriage Builder – Fall Edition is a special 3-month version of Marriage Builder for those that need to participate, for whatever reason, without their spouse. The teaching classes and mentoring sessions are designed to speak directly to the special need for discovering what a Godly response to your particular marriage, spouse, and situation would look and feel like. The first Fall Edition version will run August 17 – November 16, 2008.

How much will it cost?

There is no charge for the classes or sessions, though participation in this program will involve an investment of both time and vulnerability, potentially paying priceless dividends in your life, marriage, family, and faith. The only monetary cost will be the purchase of any of the optional, but recommended, resources such as: Sacred Marriage (Thomas), Wild at Heart/Captivating (Eldredge), For Men/Women Only (Feldhahn), Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God (Mahaney), When Two Become One (McCluskey), Love & Respect (Eggerichs), etc. The most important, and the only required, resource will be a Bible translation that accurately translates and preserves the gender distinctions of the original text such as the NAS, NIV, ESV, HCSB, etc.

Who are the teachers and mentors?

David & Cheri WrightDavid & Cheri Wright from Westbrooke Church. They have been married 35 years and raised 3 sons. David has a B.A. in Chemistry (Greenville College), a Master’s degree in Library Science (University of Oklahoma), and a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling (Grace Theological Seminary). They also have 10 years experience teaching marriage and family classes, including Sunday School, and 20 years experience counseling couples.

How do I get more information or sign up?

Contact David or Cheri Wright (913-722-6400 or marriagebuilder@hotmail.com) or a Westbrooke Elder.