When it comes to a percentage of married couples, those “old, married folks,” are usually ahead of the rest in an average congregation. Their relationship has been “seasoned through the ages just like wine.”
This group of married couples holds a valuable quality when it comes to marriage. These “old folks” have experience! Many of these love relationships have grown deeper over the years tied to the celebrations and challenges they have gone through. Some have survived major crises, and maybe even staved off divorce.
All of this background leads to a conclusion. Many of these seasoned couples could be mentors to young couples who face a significant lack of experience. Mentoring is a proactive strategy in marriage ministry.
It is vital that mentoring couples have a strong, Christ-centered marriage. They can then speak with integrity when they assist others. What is also implied is that these mentors will be willing to share their story, as appropriate, to guide those they are assisting.
A distinction needs to be made. Mentoring is not therapy. The former presumes that problems can be prevented….the latter, that serious problems need attention. Healthy mentoring can help to prevent the need for counseling.
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