About
Who We Are
Spreading Love and Wisdom Through Marriage Ministry
In 2007, Kellie and Brett Hurst founded Home Encouragement Ministries, Inc. as a result of a shared passion for marriage and family encouragement. The Hursts reside in Katy, Texas, and have two talented and hilarious grown children, one precious son-in-law, and three gorgeous grandchildren who currently "run the show".
Kellie and Brett are native Texans who have been married since 1987 and have worked together in ministry since they first dated. Brett is the Relationships Pastor at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, where he has served since 1997. The Hursts are marriage educators and host a popular marriage-related podcast, “Marriage to the Max”.
Kellie and Brett are both certified in PREPARE/ENRICH, Dynamic Marriage, PICK, Active Communications, Couple Checkup, and more. They have served countless couples and families in various capacities for Home Encouragement and various churches and organizations all over Texas. The Hursts have been affiliated with Twogether in Texas, the Faithwalking community, AM/FM (the Association of Marriage & Family Ministries), the Greater Houston Healthy Marriage Coalition, and AACC (The American Association of Christian Counselors).
2025 Board of Directors
Bobby Zabor
President
Kellie Hurst
Vice President and Executive Director
Laura Miller
Secretary
Brian Vogt
Treasurer
Melissa Dutton
Board Member
Trevor Harris
Board Member
Pam Hubenak
Board Member
Christyn Knoop
Board Member
Ross McDaniel
Board Member
Mike Miller
Board Member
Jennifer Vajdos
Board Member
What We Value
We believe that the bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Genesis 2:26-27; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
We believe marriage is an ordained institution of God and a special loving relationship between a man and a woman who have committed themselves to each other for life.
Genesis 2:21-24
We believe that marriage orders our society and must be upheld.
Ephesians 5:21-33
We also believe that healthy families are the cornerstone of a healthy society.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
We believe the church is God’s primary vehicle for sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the world.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 2:8
We strive to be culturally relevant in all that we communicate without compromising God’s truth.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
We are committed to exemplifying integrity in all of our efforts.
Proverbs 2:20-21; Ephesians 4:25
We believe that God made each of us for honest and warm relationships–with Him and with one another.
Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 1:3-8
What We Do
Home Encouragement
Cares about Couples
We provide premarital training and marriage enrichment for couples, businesses, churches, and organizations in the local community. We also personally encourage countless couples who are hurting from marital stressors.
Home Encouragement
Believes in the Importance
of Marriage
Home Encouragement is championing the re-prioritization within families of the importance of marriage. Statistics are clear that many social services in Houston will directly benefit from successful efforts toward healthier marriages and families.
Home Encouragement
Wants to see the Expansion of Premarital Support Programs
Home Encouragement encourages the expansion of premarital programs offered in the city of Houston. We are one of several Houston area providers for the statewide Twogether in Texas program. Our lofty dream is that one day every engaged couple in this city will be able to benefit from helpful premarital instruction before their wedding day.
Home Encouragement
Helps Couples in Crisis
find Healing
Home Encouragement provides couple “triage” for couples in crisis. Further options for resources or professional help are available. If interested, please contact us and let us know of your interest. We believe that every married couple needs someone behind them, cheering for them.
