More than Roommates

Joy in marriage isn’t about perfect circumstances—it’s about a deep, Spirit-formed posture of the heart. In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and special guest Andrew Owen explore how biblical joy sustains marriages through hardship, disappointment, and everyday life, and how couples can actively choose joy together.Discussion Questions:1- When you think about your marriage right now, would you describe it as joyful? Why or why not?2- How would you define the difference between joy and happiness in your relationship?3- What currently tends to rob joy in your marriage (fear, anxiety, unmet expectations, bitterness)?4- How can you better encourage one another daily so your hearts don’t become hardened?

As the year comes to a close, join the More Than Roommates team for a short conversation about what it looks like to look back and look ahead as we all seek to be more intentional in our marriages. The MTR team reflects on what God's Word says about rememberance and how that applies to our marriages.Discussion Questions:1- Start, Stop, Continue- as you apply that idea to your marriage, what do you want to focus on in this new year?2- How have you seen God move in the last year? What are you grateful for?3- What is a place in your life you are still waiting to see God move?

In the midst of a busy and often distracting Christmas season, this episode challenges couples to choose presence over just more presents. The More Than Roommates team offer practical, biblical encouragement to help you slow down, be intentional, and truly connect with your spouse and Jesus during the holidays.Discussion Questions:1- When you think about this Christmas season so far, where have you been most distracted? Where have you felt most present?2- What tends to pull your attention away from your spouse during the holidays (phones, stress, schedules, comparison, etc.)?3- What does presence look like for you personally? What about for your spouse?4- How can you intentionally create moments of connection in the days ahead—even if Christmas has already passed?ResourcesEpisode 51 - How to make this Your Best Holiday Season

Scott is changing jobs! This week, the team honors Scott as he transitions off Harris Creek's staff and shares the story behind his big vocational change—how he processed the decision, invited community, and listened to the Lord’s leading. The conversation offers couples a model for making major decisions with humility, unity, and intentionality. The MTR team also discusses the exciting future to come with the podcast!Discussion Questions for Couples1- When you face a big decision, do you tend to move fast or slow? How does that impact your spouse?2- What role does community currently play in your decision-making? What role should it play?3- How do you personally respond to vulnerability—your spouse’s and your own?4- Are there areas where you might be making decisions independently rather than mutually?Resources:Episode 43- The not so secret Guide to In Laws (ft. Dave Willis)Episode 49- We are Made for People (ft. Justin Whitmel Earley)Episode 63 - Celebrating One Year of MTREpisode 102 - A Story of Redemption and Forgiveness (ft. Kevin Kelli Mainz)Episode 103 - Protecting Your Marriage from InfidelityEpisode 121- Christ is the Melody of Your Marriage (ft. John Elmore)

In this episode, Scott, Derek, and Gabrielle explore the often-misunderstood ideas of love and respect in marriage, grounding the conversation in Scripture while sharing real-life stories from their own relationships. They unpack why spouses may long for different forms of affirmation and how understanding those needs can transform everyday connection.Resources- Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs Discussion Questions:1- When do you feel most loved or most respected by your spouse? Can you describe a recent moment?2- Do you think you naturally communicate more love or more respect? How does your spouse typically receive it?3- Have past misunderstandings ever come from giving your spouse what you value instead of what they value?4- What is one simple action this week—public or private—that would communicate either love or respect more clearly?