Marriage Ministry
The Marriage Ministry provides edification and encouragement to married couples (and people considering marriage) in order to strengthen their relationships with each other and with God.
Three keys to a healthy marriage
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Prayer (Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
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The Word (Luke 11:28, Psalms 33:4, Proverbs 2:6)
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Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25)
God is the third cord in that three-cord strand of a strong marriage. The word of God is the voice of God and prayer is our open line to the Lord.
Building on that foundation, the Marriage Ministry seeks to provide opportunities throughout the year for fellowship, accountability, and encouragement.
When we meet:
Special events & programs
We offer faith-based programs and events that are designed to promote a biblical view of the ideal marriage of love and respect, unity and order, with the sacrifice of Christ being our model.
Our goal is for married couples to get to know each other so we can help each other and keep ourselves accountable to the Lord. Events include marriage conferences and retreats, game nights, worship nights and our annual Chili Cook-Off.
Marriage Ministry Events
Learning to Love & Respect
The Marriage Ministry hosted an encouraging and impactful conference for couples on April 24–25, 2026, built around the biblical principles found in the book Love & Respect. Twenty-four couples gathered for a weekend of teaching, fellowship, meals, and honest conversations.
Let every man love his wife
even as himself, and every wife
reverence her husband.
Ephesians 5:33
Who We Are
Vince & Lori LaBarbera
Marriage Ministry Directors
Vince & Lori have been together since they were 14 years old! Married for 31 years now, they have 5 kids that they homeschooled (3 that are now married). Lori now enjoys taking care of other people’s kids. Vince was born in Italy and moved quite a few times growing up, while Lori stayed local and has only moved twice in her life! They both enjoy getting away on vacations and planning events.
Click above to watch Pastor Ray give a message on Marriage Ministry. In Acts 18, We learn about a couple named Aquila and Priscilla who took Paul into their home and family. Scripture indicates that this hardworking, hospitable couple was sold out for Jesus Christ and were tremendous helpers to Paul in the ministry of the gospel.
I am so thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for the multitude of sold out couples who have served the Lord and have been a great help to me and others in ministry here at Koinonia during the past four decades. Thank you for putting Jesus first in your lives and for choosing to live for Him and His glory.