7 Ways for Couples to Grow Together Spiritually in the New Year
Marriage
Audio By Carbonatix
1:00 AM on Wednesday, December 31
By Jennifer Waddle, Marriage
2. Read the Classics
In the classic book Yours, Jack: Spiritual Direction from C.S. Lewis, he writes, “Away with tears and fears and troubles! United in wedlock with the eternal Godhead Itself, our nature ascends into the Heaven of Heavens. So it would be impious to call ourselves ‘miserable.’ On the contrary, Man is a creature whom the Angels—were they capable of envy—would envy.”
Reading Christian classics is a great way to stretch your thinking and grow Spiritually with your spouse. Unique talking points will arise as you delve into the plethora of books found at most thrift shops. Here are a few titles to choose from:
-The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
-The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
-The Pilgrim’s Progress by Paul Bunyan
-Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Consider starting a couple’s book club and choose one Christian classic per month. Imagine the Spiritual growth by the end of the year!
3. Spend Time with Couples a Few Years Ahead
Discipleship doesn’t have to be a formal thing. Simply hang out with Christian couples a few years ahead of you. Chances are, they’ve experienced things you haven’t and can pass on a few valuable lessons for faith and life.
Consider reaching out to an older couple in your church and inviting them to dinner. Express your desire for spiritual growth and ask if they’d be willing to meet once a month. Remember, it doesn’t need to be a major commitment to be beneficial. You can alternate between fun outings and in-home Bible studies. Building relationships with seasoned Christians can ultimately mature your marriage and provide trusted mentors for the journey.
Here are a few couple’s studies to help you get started:
FamilyLife Bible Study for Couples by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
Love Like You Mean It by Bob Lepine
The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman
Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs by Emerson Eggerichs
4. Memorize Scripture Competitively
This idea for spiritual growth isn’t common, but it could be a fun and insightful way to memorize Scripture through friendly competition. The instructions are simple: Choose a passage and set a date when you will recite it aloud. Keep track of completed milestones and celebrate with fun prizes such as a couple’s massage, movie night, or chocolate.
Here are 12 key passages to memorize this year:
5. Listen to Spiritually-Rich Podcasts
Whenever my husband and I take a road trip, we download our favorite podcasts to help pass the time. Spiritually rich episodes spark meaningful conversations about life, faith, belief, and eternity with the Lord.
This can be helpful for couples who aren’t in the same place spiritually but are seeking growth together. Just remember to keep your discussions respectful and understand each other’s perspectives.
Here are a few growth-spurring podcasts to enjoy with your spouse:
-Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage with Greg and Erin Smalley
-FamilyLife Today by Dave and Ann Wilson
-Team Us: A Christian Marriage Podcast by Ted and Ashleigh Slater
-Conversations with John and Lisa Bevere
-Greg Laurie Podcast
-The Alisa Childers Podcast
-The Living Waters Podcast
6. Talk about Spiritual Things
It’s easy for couples to discuss everyday things, such as who will take the kids to soccer practice and who will handle the grocery pick-up. But including spiritual things in our conversations takes intentionality and effort.
Here are a few conversation starters to help guide your discussion toward Spiritual matters:
“When did you first feel a tug on your heart from God?”
“What are the first words you remember reading from the Bible?”
“What were your feelings about church growing up?”
“How do you envision heaven?”
When you ask simple questions like these, you might be surprised at your spouse’s answers! Hopefully, these conversations starters will lead to deeper discussions about God, the Bible, heaven, and your personal faith journey.
7. Sign Up for a Retreat
Marriage retreats can be just what’s needed to move the needle for Spiritual growth. They provide the opportunity to leave work and responsibility behind and truly connect. Through powerful teaching sessions and intimate break-out groups, couples can learn a lot about each other and take their relationship to the next level.
If it’s been a while since you’ve gone to a marriage retreat, or if you’ve never signed up for one, this is the year to give it a try. Go online to find a church in your area that offers a weekend retreat, and start planning your spiritual getaway. You won’t regret it!
Here are a few nationwide retreats offered this year:
Marriage Getaways by Focus on the Family
Closer: A Marriage Retreat for Christian Couples
Love Like You Mean It Marriage Cruise
Here are a few nationwide retreats offered this year:
Marriage Getaways by Focus on the Family
Closer: A Marriage Retreat for Christian Couples
Love Like You Mean It Marriage Cruise
Related: What Is a Marriage Retreat?
Do you have any marriage-related goals for the new year? Share and join the conversation on Crosswalk Forums!
