About

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".

Who We Are

Kellie and Brett Hurst 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).

"A good marriage is where both people feel like they’re getting the better end of the deal."

-Anne Lamott-

2024 Home Encouragement Board of Directors

Bobby Zabor - President

Kellie Hurst - Vice President

Laura Miller - Secretary

Brian Vogt - Treasurer

Melissa Dutton

Tracy Galimore

Pam Hubenak

Christyn Knoop

Mike Miller

Tanya Osborne

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.