Marriage After God

Aaron Smith sits down with Gary Thomas, bestselling author and teaching pastor, to talk about his journey into marriage ministry and the role of the local church in our spiritual growth. They discuss the dangers of entitlement, the lies that keep us from intimacy with God, and the importance of multi-generational ministry. Gary reminds us that gratitude and grace are key to cultivating joy and compassion in our walk with Christ.Key TakeawaysThe local church is essential for community and growth.Entitlement robs us of gratitude and joy.Struggles with sin are expected in the Christian life.Spiritual adventure keeps our faith vibrant.Recognizing our sin helps us have compassion toward others.The church should be a place of healing and support.Gratitude for God’s grace leads to a joyful life.Connect with Gary Thomas:Website: https://garythomas.com/Books: https://garythomas.com/books/Instagram: @garythomasbooksFollow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInsta

In this episode, Aaron Smith sits down with Dr. Juli Slattery to explore sexuality from a Christian perspective. Together, they discuss how cultural shifts have shaped our understanding of marriage and sexuality, the growing tension between psychology and faith, and why open, biblical conversations are vital for families today. Dr. Slattery shares how surrendering our sexuality to God, addressing shame, and grounding ourselves in truth are key to experiencing healing and intimacy. This conversation also highlights the role of parents in guiding their children with wisdom and truth in the face of cultural pressures.Key TakeawaysSexuality is a critical topic for Christians today.Cultural shifts have changed perceptions of marriage and sexuality.Many Christians wrestle with how psychology integrates with faith.The purpose of sexuality has shifted toward self-fulfillment rather than God’s design.Parents must engage in open, honest conversations with their children about sexuality.Surrendering sexuality to God inv

In this episode, Aaron Smith sits down with author Jackie Avilés, to share her powerful story of walking through a terminal cancer diagnosis. Jackie Avilés is widely known as the “Internet’s Hope Coach.” She imparts hope grounded in biblical truth—offering Scripture-based encouragement and practical strategies to help people move from despair into hope-filled living. In today’s episode, Jackie opens up about how her faith in God sustained her through suffering, the importance of prayer, and what it means to lament well in times of pain.Key Takeaways:Jackie shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with stage four terminal metastatic breast cancerHow faith and prayer can carry usr through life’s toughest challengesThe significance of lament and finding hope in God during seasons of sufferingThe impact of trials on marriage and family relationshipsEncouragement for couples to lean on God’s promises and find strength in weaknessBe encouraged as Jackie reminds us that even when we feel pressed, we are not c

Aaron and Jennifer Smith share reflections from a full and meaningful summer—homeschooling adventures, the value of preserving memories, and the encouragement they received at a recent homeschool conference. They open up about the bittersweet transition of leaving their home church and how gardening has become a personal metaphor for growth. Through prayer, community, and faith, they embrace the process of change, finding joy in transformation.Key TakeawaysPrioritizing relationships with family.Creating tangible memories.Homeschooling thrives with intentional planning.Transitioning from a church community can be emotional but necessary.Gardening illustrates personal growth and consistent effort.Prayer and support from friends are vital during hard times.Change requires patience, communication, and faith.Joy can be found in the journey of transformation.Follow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveil

This week Aaron Smith sits down with Jay Holland, husband to Emily, and the biological, adoptive, and foster father of four children. For over 25 years he’s served as a pastor in college and student ministries and has personally navigated seasons of special‑needs parenting within his own family, and is the voice behind the Let’s Parent on Purpose podcast. Together, they discuss the intersection of marriage, parenting, and youth ministry. Jay shares powerful insights on raising children in today’s culture, the importance of rites of passage in shaping manhood and womanhood, and how parents can intentionally model faith and humility in their homes.Whether you’re navigating the challenges of parenting or seeking to strengthen your marriage in the midst of raising kids, this episode is packed with biblical wisdom and practical encouragement.Key Topics:Marriage and parenting in a digital ageThe importance of rites of passage for boys and girlsBuilding community and mentorship for youthTechnology’s effect on mental

In today’s episode, Aaron Smith sits down with Ashton and Spencer Draper to share their inspiring journey of adoption, faith, and perseverance. Spencer and Ashton met through a mutual friend at a youth conference, drawn together by their shared love for Jesus and a heart for faith-filled living. Through the ups and downs of a difficult adoption journey and ongoing health challenges, they’ve learned to walk in grace, patience, and purpose—anchored by God’s faithfulness. Spencer works as a planner in manufacturing, while Ashton is a sign language interpreter and author of the book “Big Yellow House.” Whether playing games, watching movies, or raising their family, they’re committed to living faithfully and using their lives to serve Christ’s Kingdom.From their early years of marriage, to adopting their son Bismarck from Ghana, the Drapers open up about how God has worked through health challenges, biblical counseling, and their passion for adoption to strengthen their marriage and deepen their faith.Key Topics:

In this episode, Aaron welcomes bestselling author and speaker Vicki Courtney to share wisdom from her new book Motherhood Is Not Your Highest Calling. Vicki Courtney is a speaker, author, wife of 38 years, and mom of three grown children. With over 25 years in ministry, she encourages women to pursue biblical truth in a modern world. Together they explore how moms can resist cultural pressure, embrace a Christ-centered identity, and keep their marriage and faith first.Key Takeaways:Identity in Christ over cultural expectationsNavigating mom guilt and social media pressurePrioritizing marriage in the parenting yearsFaith-filled conversations with kidsConnect with Vicki CourtneyWebsite: https://vickicourtney.com/Book: https://a.co/d/dWaVrgtInstagram: @vickicourtneyFollow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwifeInstagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolutionSupport th

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Dan and Sam, a couple passionate about weaving adventure and faith into every part of family life. They share how parenting hasn’t stopped their pursuit of exploration—it’s deepened it. Together, they talk about the importance of viewing marriage as a ministry, prioritizing family as your first disciples, and how community and faith sustain their journey. They also discuss the heart behind their book Always Choose Adventure, encouraging listeners to live with purpose and intentionality, no matter the season.Takeaways:Marriage is a ministry, and your family is your first mission field.Adventure doesn’t end with kids—it becomes even more meaningful.Community and faith are foundational to a strong marriage.Always Choose Adventure challenges families to pursue God’s calling with courage and joy.Connect with Dan & Sam:Authors of Always Choose Adventure https://a.co/d/i3IPPepFollow them on Instagram: @DanAndSamFollow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https:

In today’s episode, Aaron chats with Ron Deal, licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and speaker, who specializes in blended families and stepfamily dynamics. Together they explore the unique challenges and opportunities within blended families. With over 30 years in family ministry, Ron shares wisdom on how humility, emotional regulation, and a shared sense of "usness" can transform marriages. He unpacks how neuroscience supports biblical truths about relationships and encourages the church to better support couples in every season.Key Takeaways:Blended families need intentional care and support.The church must invest in stronger marriage ministries.Emotional dysregulation often fuels conflict cycles.Humility is a pathway to healing and unity.“Usness” strengthens a couple’s shared identity.Neuroscience affirms biblical principles of connection.Awareness can help couples rewrite their conflict patterns.Relationship struggles can deepen our dependence on God.Connect with Ron DealWebsite: http

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Vince Revo as he shares his powerful testimony of transformation—from addiction and unbelief to redemption through Christ. Vince opens up about the challenges of church planting, the weight of online ministry, and how his marriage and family have been central to his walk with God. This conversation highlights the role of conviction, repentance, and grace in the process of sanctification.Key Takeaways:Church planting affects the whole family—intentionality is key.Online ministry requires clarity and healthy boundaries.Redemption stories reveal the power of the gospel.Marriage is a refining ground for sanctification.Conviction and repentance fuel spiritual growth.Fix your eyes on Jesus—daily grace sustains us.Connect with Vince Revo:Instagram: @vincerevo Youtube: RevoReportResources: https://www.patreon.com/vincerevoFollow Marriage After God:Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergodInstagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveile

In today’s episode, Aaron chats with author and Bible teacher Zach Windahl about faith, family, and biblical literacy. They dive into Zach’s personal journey—from wrestling with doubt during college to embracing a deeper understanding of Scripture. The conversation explores the power of homeschooling, the value of entrepreneurship in raising kids, and how reading the Bible in context transforms lives. Zach shares insights from his new book The Bible Simplified and offers encouragement for families to make God’s Word central in their homes.Key Takeaways:Zach’s early faith was shaped by his mom’s perseverance through health challenges.College brought doubts, revealing how environment can influence belief.Homeschooling provides freedom to blend education with faith.Teaching kids to think critically—and entrepreneurially—is essential.Reading the Bible aloud can deepen both understanding and belief.Context is key: knowing the Bible’s background brings clarity and meaning.Many Christians haven’t read the entire Bib

In this episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron Smith sits down with Bethany Beal, co-founder of Girl Defined, to talk about her journey from the modeling world to biblical ministry. Together, they unpack what it means to embrace womanhood in today’s culture, the vital role of family, and the impact of social media on identity.Bethany shares powerful insights from her new book Made to Be She, encouraging women to reclaim their worth, set healthy boundaries, and return to God’s design for family, motherhood, and womanhood.Key Takeaways:Bethany’s modeling background gave her a deeper understanding of true worth and identity.Social media has reshaped how women perceive themselves—parents must stay aware and engaged.Fathers play a crucial role in shaping a daughter’s confidence and identity.The cultural shift encouraging women to leave the home has altered family dynamics.Home-cooked meals and intentional motherhood reflect a deeper, often lost, tradition.Birth control has changed the way society and eve

In today’s episode, Aaron sits down with Stephen Moore to talk about faith, family, and the beauty that unfolds when we trust God’s timing. Stephen opens up about his journey with infertility, the emotional and spiritual challenges that came with waiting, and how God led him and his wife to adopt two sons before blessing them with a biological daughter.They discuss:The pain and hope found in seasons of infertilityHow adoption became a gospel-centered callingThe unexpected joy of growing their familyThe power of prayer and God’s faithfulnessStephen’s involvement with WinShape Camps and their mission to reach kids with the gospelThe value of community, discipleship, and device-free environments for deeper connectionThis conversation is a great reminder that even when life doesn’t go according to plan, God is always working for our good. Whether you're walking through a season of waiting or wondering how to trust God with your family story, Stephen’s testimony will encourage and inspire you.Connect with Step

In today’s episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron sits down with Dave and Ann Wilson—authors, speakers, and co-hosts of the FamilyLife Today radio show—to talk about the power of words in marriage. After 45 years of marriage, they’ve learned firsthand how speaking life, showing kindness, and embracing humility can radically transform a relationship.We discuss their new book How to Speak Life to Your Husband and the simple but profound ways encouragement can deepen emotional connection, heal past wounds, and reignite love. Whether you're in a season of joy or struggle, this conversation will give you practical tools to help your marriage thrive.In this episode, we cover:Why the foundation of society is built on strong familiesThe power of encouragement and positive affirmation in marriageHow our upbringing shapes the way we love and communicateWhy timing matters when discussing sensitive topicsHow transparency and humility lead to healingPractical steps for strengthening your relationship todayWh

In today’s episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron sits down with Elizabeth Andreyevskiy—a Christian life coach, wife of nearly 16 years, and mother of four—who helps overwhelmed moms manage their emotions with biblical truth and practical tools. Drawing from a strong foundation of Christian values, Elizabeth shares how her journey through marriage and motherhood exposed deeper struggles with anger, self-regulation, and shame—and how God used those challenges to transform her heart.In this episode we explore:The emotional struggles many moms face, including anger and shameHow Elizabeth began recognizing her triggers and regulating her responsesWhy spiritual leadership in marriage is essential for a thriving homeThe power of prayer, compassion, and authenticity in parentingHow to embrace hope when motherhood feels overwhelmingElizabeth's story offers encouragement for every mom who feels stuck in cycles of guilt or frustration.Whether you're a mom in the trenches or a parent seeking more peace

In this episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron Smith interviews Austin J. Holt about the intersection of marriage, ministry, and personal growth. Austin is a Christian entrepreneur, coach, and ministry leader dedicated to helping couples build thriving, Christ-centered marriages. Together with his wife, Rachel, he co-founded The Conscious Christian Marriage, a coaching program that integrates biblical principles with psychological insights to support high-performing Christian couples in deepening their connection and purpose .During our conversation, Austin shares how he and his wife Rachel transitioned from wedding photography to marriage ministry, driven by a desire to strengthen their own relationship and help others do the same. Married for 14 years with four children, they’ve learned to prioritize marriage as their first ministry, especially in the face of challenges like Rachel’s parents’ divorce.In this conversation we explore:The power of humility, grace, and obedience in marriage and faith.

In today's episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron interviews Amanda Hayhurst, author of "Pray for Him" and seminary graduate whose marriage was restored after infidelity. Through her personal journey of reconciliation, healing from father wounds, and walking through her son's cancer diagnosis, Amanda shares how prayer transformed her approach to marriage and relationships.In this vulnerable conversation, we explore:How attempting to be the Holy Spirit in our spouse's life creates frustration instead of changeThe transformative power of surrendering control and praying consistently for your husbandWhy authentic community was crucial to Amanda's marriage surviving infidelityThe freedom that comes when we stop trying to fix others and start interceding for themHow suffering can create a raw dependency on God that we often miss in comfortable seasonsThe importance of feeling our emotions before God rather than numbing themPractical ways to discern when to give advice versus when

In today's episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron interviews Caleb and Stefanie Rouse, authors of "Wholehearted Love" and founders of a thriving relationship ministry. After walking through personal transformations, career shifts, and profound loss, the Rouses now help couples discover how to love with their whole hearts by addressing the masks and pain that prevent genuine connection.In this vulnerable conversation, we explore:How past wounds create masks that block our ability to love others wholeheartedlyThe powerful journey of grieving the loss of their twin boys while simultaneously writing a book about wholehearted loveWhy bringing our pain to God instead of hiding behind masks leads to healing and freedomThe importance of celebrating life at every stage, even after pregnancy lossHow stretching our "obedience muscles" transforms our relationship with God and othersThe transformative practice of daily prayer for your spouse and its impact on marriageWhy helping singles and p

In today's episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron interviews Costi Hinn, pastor, author, and founder of For the Gospel ministry. After growing up in the prosperity gospel movement and experiencing a profound transformation through God's Word, Costi now helps believers understand how to discern God's will and make decisions with confidence. His journey from confusion to clarity offers hope for anyone struggling to understand God's plan for their life.In this enlightening conversation, we explore:The difference between God's revealed will (commands in Scripture) and His sovereign will (the unknowns He controls)How to overcome "paralysis by analysis" when faced with too many optionsThe seven P's for making no-regret decisions in your life and marriageWhy feeling peace is important but shouldn't be your only decision-making factorThe dangers of making major life decisions in isolation without wise counselHow marriage provides a built-in system of accountability and pe

In today's episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron interviews Tilly Dillehay, author of "My Dear Hemlock" and "Seeing Green." After experiencing her own journey from apostasy to faith, Tilly now uses creative storytelling to expose the subtle ways spiritual forces work against Christian marriages. Her latest book, inspired by C.S. Lewis's "Screwtape Letters," follows a female character through the common temptations women face in marriage and faith.In this enlightening conversation, we explore:The reality of spiritual warfare in everyday marriage and family lifeHow simple discourtesies can grow into resentment and create openings for deeper spiritual issuesThe power of gratitude to transform your perspective toward your spouse and circumstancesWhy our "pocket mirrors" (phones and devices) lift us out of God's intended timeline for our livesThe importance of confession in unlocking the spiritual "cages" we build through hidden sinHow to maintain a ba