When Bruce and Sue first met, they carried the weight of second marriages—but 38 years later, their marriage tells a different story. In this episode of The Marriage Huddle, Stephanie sits down with the Osterinks to share how God reshaped their marriage through the pursuit of unity. Together, they talk about breaking free from old patterns of control and codependency, learning to seek God first, and discovering how their differences became gifts that deepen their life together.

DQ1: How does choosing unity over compromise change the way you approach your marriage?

DQ2: When are you tempted to take “the narrow road” and push for your way instead of seeking to understand your spouse’s perspective?

DQ3: How does seeing your spouse’s differences as God’s provision and protection shape the way you value them?

DQ4: If a husband’s role is not about authority but about leading the way in unity, how could that shift impact your marriage?

DQ5: Praying together can result in softer hearts, better listening, and safe spaces. What is one way you can begin incorporating prayer into your marriage this week?

DQ6: What “automatic” or “default” responses might be causing disunity in your marriage, and how can you begin to shift them?

DQ7: What current decision or situation in your marriage is creating pressure because of timetables or deadlines, and how could you bring the mindset of unity into that decision instead?

In this opening episode of our series A Church That Changed the World, we set the stage for the book of Acts and the explosive growth of the early church—from 120 believers in Jerusalem to over 35 million within the Roman Empire by the 4th century. We explore the historical and cultural backdrop of the Roman world, Jesus’ ascension from the Mount of Olives, and the angelic promise of His return. Acts 1 reminds us that the Kingdom of Heaven is not a distant escape but God’s reign breaking into our world through His people. As Christ commissions His followers to witness “to the ends of the earth,” we face the same challenge today: Will we submit to Jesus as King and live in the power of His Spirit?

Preacher: Rod VanSolkema

Passage: Acts 1

Sermon Link:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Where did Crossroad’s Marriage Ministry begin—and how did God use some of the hardest seasons in marriage to build it? In this first episode of ‘The Marriage Huddle’, Stephanie and Mark sit down with Rod and Libby to share the story behind Crossroads’ marriage ministry. Together, they talk about how God redeemed each of their marriages, how their struggle shaped His call on their lives, and what it looks like to live on mission together as teammates.

Questions for Reflection: Intended for couples or small groups to dive deeper into today’s episode.

1. In what ways has a personal struggle made you more qualified to God’s call on your life?
2. What expectations about marriage might God be calling you to surrender?
3. How do you see your marriage currently living 'on mission'? Where do you sense God inviting you to be 'on mission' together?
4. When are you most tempted to view your spouse as your enemy as opposed to your teammate? Are there specific circumstances, environments, or topics?
5. In times of emotional conflict, what do you tend to turn to instead of the Lord? How does that impact your marriage?
6. How do you and your spouse keep fun and enjoyment a regular part of your relationship?

Oneness Guidebook Link: HERE