Marriage is more than a contract; it’s a covenant designed by God. Within the church, we have a sacred opportunity to support couples in building marriages that reflect Christ’s love, unity, and purpose. One powerful way to do this is by providing biblically grounded resources that encourage growth and connection.
Lori Yarbrough’s United in Purpose is one such resource, a Christ-centered guide that invites couples to align their hearts, goals, and spiritual walk. But where can this book make the most significant impact?
Here are four church-based settings where United in Purpose can truly transform marriages:
1. One-on-One Mentoring
Why it works:
When a seasoned couple mentors another, they offer wisdom, accountability, and a living example of God’s design for marriage. United in Purpose gives these mentors a practical and spiritual roadmap for guiding meaningful, gospel-centered conversations.
How the book helps:
- Introduces topics such as unity, purpose, and servant leadership in marriage
- Offers reflection questions that prompt honest dialogue
- Helps mentors and mentees explore biblical truths and personal applications together
Mentoring with this book moves couples beyond surface conversations into deep, Spirit-led transformation.
2. Church Small Groups
Why it works:
Small groups are where real growth happens—in community, through conversation, and with Christ at the center. Using United in Purpose as a group study helps couples connect with each other and with God through shared exploration of biblical marriage principles.
How the book helps:
- Provides weekly topics ideal for group discussion
- Encourages vulnerability and mutual support among couples
- Facilitates both spiritual growth and practical application
Each session becomes a time of encouragement, accountability, and shared purpose as couples pursue unity together.
3. Marriage Seminars and Retreats
Why it works:
Events like marriage seminars or weekend retreats create space for couples to refocus, recharge, and realign. United in Purpose is the perfect tool to anchor these gatherings in Scripture and provide couples with lasting insights.
How the book helps:
- Offers a structured foundation for teaching sessions
- Serves as a takeaway resource for continued growth at home
- Reinforces key themes of faith, vision, and partnership in marriage
Using the book in seminars turns a single event into a sustained season of growth.
4. Premarital Counseling
Why it works:
Before the vows are spoken, couples need a solid foundation rooted in truth. United in Purpose walks engaged couples through essential topics like shared calling, spiritual unity, and biblical roles, equipping them to start strong.
How the book helps:
- Introduces core concepts of Christ-centered marriage
- Helps couples have honest, faith-filled conversations before marriage
- Acts as a tool for both counseling sessions and at-home reflection
Premarital counseling becomes richer and more intentional when guided by a resource like this.
Final Thoughts
Whether your church is discipling newlyweds, encouraging long-time couples, or preparing the next generation for covenant commitment, United in Purpose by Lori Yarbrough is more than just a marriage book; it’s a ministry tool. Grounded in Scripture and written with clarity and compassion, it helps couples move beyond surface-level advice into God-honoring, purpose-driven partnership.
Ready to equip your church couples with purpose? Start by integrating United in Purpose into one of these four settings, and watch how God begins to strengthen marriages from the inside out.
