They were both blessed to inherit godly legacies from their families. David and Laurel each accepted Christ at an early age and were raised in homes where marriage and family were a top priority. They have passed on this tradition by intentionally working to strengthen their own marriage and committing to pass on a spiritual legacy to their children.

Over the years, they have witnessed a number of close friends, including many pastors whose families crumbled and marriages ended in divorce. This grieved their hearts deeply and they began reaching out to help and encourage others in the areas of family, marriage and parenting. They have led marriage small groups and mentored numerous couples prior to coming on staff with FamilyLife. They work with local churches throughout NE Ohio, helping them to start or strengthen marriage and family ministries within their church and work with and mentor individual couples, where they have the opportunity to teach biblical principles of marriage and many times see people come to know Christ personally.

Approximately 40% of people who attend a FamilyLife marriage event such as the Weekend to Remember are not connected in any way with a local church. David and Laurel are excited to help share Christ with these people and to serve as a bridge to help get them plugged into a local church where they can continue learning about God’s plan for their lives, as well as their marriage and family.

Dave received ministry training at Geneva College where he majored in Student Ministry and Bible.

Dave and his wife Jessica have been married for 8 years and have two children – Seth (6) and Allie (3). Dave is a passionate Pittsburgh Penguins fan and loves music, sports, and technology.

Michael is married to Megan and has three children.