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Bill & Pam Farrel
As counselors for couples, conference speakers, authors, and hosts of their own radio show, there's no doubt that Bill and Pam Farrel are devoted to encouraging Christians in their marriages. And while supporting others, they've certainly encountered their own need for marital guidance. But when the teachers need teaching, where do they go? Here's what Bill and Pam shared with us.

Why Is It Important To Be Mentored?
One of the wisest choices a couple can make is to look for a mentor couple—or two—that they can call for advice as they face the typical transitions of life. Much wisdom can be gleaned over a cup of coffee or a dinner at a mentor couple's home. Often just watching how healthy couples communicate, interact, and appreciate each other can lend the insight you might need to replace a bad pattern with a good one, one that will keep you in love for a lifetime.

Where Do You Go For Encouragement?
We find that those friends who have known us the longest and believe in what we're doing to support the covenant of marriage are our greatest sources of strength. We choose to stay connected to those who know us best and aren't afraid to ask the hard questions or give advice. We're also encouraged by getting to know couples who are successful in ministry together.

How Can A Couple Find Others To Mentor Them?
Look around your church or among your Christian friends and see which couples seem to have strong, lasting relationships. Invite those couples, one at a time, out for coffee or over for dinner. Watch how they relate to each other, and to you. If the couple seems to have faced similar trials, seems to be similar to your personalities, or carries your level of parenting or leadership responsibilities, simply ask if you can spend more time with them on a friendship level. If that goes well, ask them to consider being a mentor couple to you.

How Can A Couple Become Mentors To Others?
Look for younger couples who either have leadership potential to other married couples, who are in crisis, or who might not have received marriage training. Try leading a small group study with a few couples, using a marriage book. Or spend time with one couple at a time. The key is to let the relationship develop naturally. A younger couple will learn best by simply observing a mature couple in all facets of life.

—Janine Petry

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	Read more from 'Couples You Should Know'

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