More than Roommates

Busyness with work isn’t just a scheduling problem—it’s often a heart and priority problem that quietly harms marriages. In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and unpack how couples with two busy jobs can stay aligned, communicate expectations, and intentionally protect their marriage in demanding seasons.

Discussion Questions:
1- What currently makes our schedules feel most overwhelming, and why?
2- What unspoken expectations do we have about work, availability, or lifestyle?
3- Which priorities might need to be temporarily scaled back to protect our marriage?
4- What would it look like for us to implement daily, weekly, and annual rhythms of connection?

Valentine’s Day can feel commercial, awkward, or unnecessary—but it’s actually a powerful opportunity to fight complacency and intentionally love your spouse. In this episode, the More Than Roommates crew unpacks why celebrating your marriage matters, how simple intentionality can transform connection, and practical ways to make this Valentine’s Day meaningful.

Discussion Questions:
1- What makes you feel most loved on days like Valentine’s Day?
2- When Valentine’s Day approaches, what expectations (spoken or unspoken) do you each carry?
3- What can we do this week to celebrate our marriage?

Resources:
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and John Elmore to discuss what it looks like to walk faithfully with your spouse through mental illness. With biblical clarity, compassion, and practical wisdom, John shares how he and his wife Laura have navigated OCD, stigma, treatment, and the call to love your spouse as yourself even when it is difficult.

Discussion Questions:
1- When one of us is struggling emotionally or mentally, do we tend to fix, minimize, or walk alongside? How can we grow in being more present?
2- Are there areas where mental or emotional health struggles feel stigmatized or unspoken in our marriage?
3- How do we discern when to show compassion versus when to gently coach one another forward?
4- What fears do we carry about seeking outside help (therapy, medication, counseling)?

Resources:
ReGeneration Recovery Ministry

Parenting introduces new pressures at every stage, but it doesn’t have to pull your marriage apart. In this episode, the MTR Team walk through four major parenting seasons and share how couples can stay united, intentional, and More Than Roommates at every stage.

Discussion Questions:
1- Which parenting season are we currently in, and how is it impacting our marriage right now?
2- Do we feel like we’re truly on the same team—or unintentionally siding with our kids over one another?
3- How do our differences (personality, discipline style, love language) strengthen or strain our marriage?
4- What is one intentional habit we can reintroduce (or start) to protect our marriage in this season?

What if the difference between feeling like roommates and feeling deeply connected was as simple as dating your spouse again? In this episode, the team unpacks the powerful framework of DATE—Dialogue, Affection, Time, and Ephesians 5 (love and respect)—and how practicing it can transform your marriage in any season.

Discussion Questions:
1- Which part of DATE do we currently do best? Which one do we tend to neglect?
2- How has busyness, kids, or phones affected our dialogue?
3- How can I love or respect you more clearly this week—in how I say things, not just what I say?
4- What would one simple, realistic date look like in our current season?