Our core values and beliefs:
MARI Ministries is a faith-based, counseling ministry dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support to couples and individuals. We assist those navigating crises, seeking to strengthen their marriage relationship, or those engaged and preparing for a strong and lasting marriage. Rooted in the Christian faith, our mission is to guide and empower individuals and couples to build healthier, more fulfilling connections. All services with couples and individuals are confidential.
Mission Statement:
The mission of MARI Ministries can be summed up in the scripture, taken from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, New International Version: He who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Our Story:
We are Dorinda and Steve, the cofounders of MARI Ministries which was founded after nearly experiencing a divorce in our own marriage more than 20 years ago. From that pain and recovery, the ministry was born.
During our marital struggles, we discovered that finding truly biblical Christian counseling — distinct from counseling offered by those who happened to be Christians — was a significant challenge. The cost presented another hurdle, but we were blessed with family who provided the financial support necessary to pursue the healing our marriage so desperately needed (thank you Karen & Marshall!).
As our relationship was restored, we experienced the joy of helping others uncover the marriage God desires for them. We found fulfillment in guiding couples toward a vision of a healthy, thriving marriage and equipping them with the tools to achieve it. Today, we share these resources and opportunities through marriage-intensive weekend retreats, couples counseling, and individual counseling sessions.
We’ve been married since 1980, and we have four children and 15 grandchildren. We desire to share the healing and restoration we’ve experienced with you.
“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.”
MARI Ministries (pronounced Mary) comes from Marriage And Relationship Investments. The acronym for MARI Ministries is one side of the meaning.The other is that the venue for weekend retreats is called MARI’s house with the play on the name Mary which was Steve’s mother’s name.
She was an inspiration to both of us, Steve and Dorinda, in how she honored her marriage and her God through her marriage. We believe she would feel honored to have her home serving as a refuge for those seeking a Godly marriage, just as she did in her own walk.
We miss her much, but we expectantly hope to share the peace her home brought us with other couples through MARI Ministry weekend events.
