Foundations for Marriage Life Group Q&A

The next season of MeadowBrook’s Foundations for Marriage Life Group will begin on October 4th. This Life Group is led by Al and Barbara Anne Garret, as well as John and Kristen Beason during the 10:30 AM Life Group hour. As this new season begins, we sat down with Al Garret and asked a few questions about their time teaching this class, what it is about, and how a newly engaged or married couple could start with them on October 4th. 

Who is the Foundations for Marriage Life Group designed for? 

Al: Foundations is for any engaged or married couple who has been together for 5 years or less.  While the material is good for any married couple, the intention of the class is to start early in the transition of married life.  We want couples to view their marriage biblically, and best to start that up front. 

How long have you been teaching this class and what are you passionate about helping new couples in their new life together?

Al: Barbara Anne and I have been teaching the class since early 2023.  We love the time we get to spend with young married couples.  Marriage is a highly elevated institution in society.  You see it in people's faces when a happy couple is around or when a long-lasting relationship is celebrated.  We think all of that points to God's original design, both for our happiness and for His glory.  Helping learn how to express that and live in it is fun.  John and Kristen Beason joined us this year and we have loved having their voice and experience in the room. 

How does Scripture shape what you teach about building a strong and healthy marriage?

Al: Scripture is the foundation.  It reveals God's design, His intentions, and where His blessing lies.  It also reveals where the natural tendencies of man and woman trend, and how he planned to redirect them.  Scripture is so practical in regards to purpose, direction and relationship.   Sometimes we miss it because we've grown up hearing the stories and forget that Genesis chapters 1-2 tells us we are made as God's image bearers, that God planned marriage to create a new household.  We run past Ephesians chapter 5 and don't realize that God has declared marriage to be an incredible illustration of the gospel.

How have you seen this Life Group impact couples in previous classes?

Al: It's hard to pin down one impact.  Perhaps my favorite is helping husbands and wives see that they are building a home.  Homes have walls, doors, windows, and a roof.  Homes are welcoming to guests and safe from intruders.  Using scripture to build that picture out and see the practical reality of scripture has been a big point to me... 

What do you hope a couple walks away with when they finish Foundations for Marriage?

Al: I hope a couple walks out of this class feeling encouraged, inspired and joyous about the journey they are on.  They know every road has bumps, but they can move through those and don't have to focus on them.   They aren't the only couple to ever face adversity.  If they choose to invest in their relationship with Christ and each other, statistics suggest they will be married for a long long time. 

Some couples may feel like their marriage is going well and they don’t really need a marriage class. Why would you encourage them to come anyway?

Al: If someone feels their marriage is going well, I would still encourage them to attend.  This is the most important relationship you have, beside your relationship with Jesus.  Why not spend a little time making sure it is in the best position possible?  If after a few classes you feel your marriage is on good ground, you can always go back to your Life group with no issues or concerns. 

If a couple was interested in attending this class, how would they go about that?

Al: You can sign up for class by texting me at 256-485-5546 or email info@mbchurch.com.