More than Roommates

Separation is often presented as a healthy solution when marriage feels hard—but is it really? In this episode, the More Than Roommates team explores what separation actually means, why it so often leads to divorce, when it may be necessary, and how couples can pursue healing and restoration with Biblical wisdom and community. Discussion Questions: 1- Why do you think separation so often leads to...

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 de...

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 y...

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...

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...

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 Egger...

Busyness may look normal, but it’s quietly draining your marriage emotionally, physically, spiritually, and sexually. In this episode, Scott, Derek, and Gabrielle unpack why most of our busyness is a choice, how to discern when to say yes or no, and practical ways to create margin, live on mission, and protect what matters most at home. Scriptures: Romans 12:1-2 Ephesians 5:15-17 Matthew 16:25 Gen...

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott share five priorities that shape a faithful life and marriage, drawing insight from Dr. Gary Chapman’s long obedience in the same direction. They walk through what it looks like to keep Jesus first, prioritize your spouse and kids, live on mission together, and aim to finish faithful to the very end. Questions to Discuss: 1. Who w...

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Scott, Derek, and Gabrielle talk about what it looks like for couples to pursue generosity together—especially when fear, comparison, or family history make giving hard. They unpack biblical principles, personal stories, and practical ideas to help you build a thoughtful, cheerful, and faith-filled approach to money in your marriage. Scriptures: Luke 21:1-4...

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Scott and Derek interview authors of the book Away Game and longtime sport-ministry leaders Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith to help couples reframe youth sports as a discipleship opportunity instead of an all-consuming lifestyle. They unpack how to make thoughtful choices about Sundays, money, travel, and expectations—all for the sake of your marriage and your k...

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Gabrielle, Derek, and Scott discuss non-negotiables, preferences, wise process, and why commitment to a local body is essential for your spiritual growth and your marriage. They discuss what to do when you and your spouse don’t see eye-to-eye. Scriptures: Hebrews 10:23-25 Acts 2:42-47 1 Corinthians 12 Romans 12 PS 19:14 Questions to Discuss: 1. What are our...

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott discuss some conversations couples that strengthen oneness every day. Couples won’t find the satisfaction, joy, and happiness they desire apart from intentional conversations with one another.  Scriptures: Genesis 2:25 Galatians 6:2 1 Peter 5:7 Psalm 55:22 Psalm 139:14 Deut 31:6 Phil 4:8 Questions to Discuss: 1. Which one of you i...

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott unpack four marriage trends—crisis of resilience, digital disconnect, financial anxiety, and blurred lines between work and home—and offer practical ways to push back with biblical wisdom. We hope this episode helps you move from “roommates” to a joy-filled, God-honoring marriage.   Scriptures: 1 Cor 7:28 John 16:33 MT 7:24-27 Col...

FamilyLife Today hosts Dave & Ann Wilson join Scott & Gabrielle to talk about Ann’s new book, How to Speak Life to Your Husband When All You Want to Do Is Yell at Him—and why a wife’s voice carries unique power. We cover practical ways to shift from critique to encouragement, how prayer re-wires our minds, and how both spouses can speak truth in love without tearing each other down.   Scriptures:...

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott have a candid, biblical conversation about the “sexless marriage”—why it happens, how pornography, busyness, medical issues, and poor communication play a role, and what couples can do to rebuild connection. They offer practical steps so you can move from roommates back to one-flesh intimacy.   Questions to Discuss:  1. In our sea...

Many couples treat money like “yours” and “mine,” but Scripture calls us to live as “one flesh”—and that includes our finances. In this episode Derek, Garielle, and Scott talk about joint accounts, transparency, and simple rhythms that move you from roommates to true financial intimacy.   Scriptures: Genesis 2:24 Psalm 24:1 Psalm 50:10   Questions to Discuss: 1. Do you and your spouse share food?...

Marriage is often described as hard—but it’s also one of God’s greatest gifts of joy. In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott share biblical wisdom, stories, and practical ways to cultivate gladness, gratitude, and fun in your marriage. Scriptures: 1 Cor 7:28 John 16:33 MT 7:24-27 John 10:10   Discussion Questions: 1. What small things bring joy and laughter into your marriage right now? 2. A...

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott welcome back Dr. Juli Slattery to discuss her newest book, Surrendered Sexuality. Together they unpack why sexual struggles are always spiritual struggles, how identity in Christ transforms intimacy, and what it looks like to invite God into this vulnerable area of marriage   Scriptures: Psalm 139:7-8 Romans 12:1-2   Resources: Ju...

In this episode, the More Than Roommates team tackles one of the most quoted—and misunderstood—marriage verses: “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” They unpack what Ephesians 4:26 really means, why staying up until 2 a.m. fighting isn’t always wise, and practical ways to resolve conflict quickly without giving the enemy a foothold in your marriage.   Scriptures: Ephesians 4:25-27 Ephesians...

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott talk about cohabitation and whether couples should live together before marriage (Hint: the answer is “no”). We discuss the dangers of acting like a married couple before you make the covenant commitment marriage requires.   Scriptures: Hebrews 13:4 Romans 12:1-2 Genesis 2:24-25 1 Corinthians 6:18 John 4 Ephesians 5:15   Questions...

Author and speaker Arlene Pellicane joins the More Than Roommates team to talk about her new book Making Marriage Easier and the four simple decisions that can transform your relationship. From practicing gratitude to setting tech boundaries, Arlene offers practical, biblical, and fun ways to move from “just roommates” to a thriving marriage.   Scriptures: Gen 1:28 Gen 2:24 1 Thess 5:16-18   Quest...

Every marriage has warning lights—subtle indicators that something needs attention. In this episode of More Than Roommates, Scott, Derek, and Gabrielle talk through four key warning signs to watch for in your marriage and practical ways to address them before they turn into bigger problems.   Scriptures: 1 Peter 3:7 PR 27:12 Galatians 6:7-8 1 Cor 6:18 1 Cor 10:12   Questions to Discuss: 1. When wa...

Too many couples wait years before seeking help in their marriage—often after unhealthy patterns are deeply rooted. In this episode, Gabrielle, Derek, and Scott challenge listeners to fight that tendency by asking for help early, engaging in community, and regularly checking in with one another before problems really settle in. Scriptures: Proverbs 19:11 Proverbs 18:2 Eph 4:26-27   Questions to Di...

In this episode of More Than Roommates, the MTR team interviews Gabe and Rebekah Lyons about their new book, The Fight For Us. The Lyons share vulnerably about their journey through conflict, emotional intimacy, and the realities of mental health in marriage. They unpack practical tools from their new book The Fight for Us, including how to support your spouse, move from isolation to connection, a...

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott dive into the often controversial and deeply personal topic of modesty—what we wear, why we wear it, and how it impacts our spouse, our marriage, and our walk with the Lord.   Scriptures: 1 Tim 2:9-10 1 Peter 3:3-4 Romans 12:2 PS 139:14   Questions to Discuss: 1. When you get dressed, what drives your clothing choices—comfort, att...