In 2007, Brett and Kellie founded Home Encouragement Ministries, Inc. as a result of a shared passion for marriage and family encouragement. The Hursts have two talented and hilarious grown children, one precious son-in-law, a precocious grandpuppy, and an already-loved granddaughter on the way.
Who We Are
Brett and Kellie Hurst are native Texans who have been married since 1987 and have worked together in ministry since they first dated. Brett is the Minister to Relationships 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”. Brett and Kellie are both certified in PREPARE/ENRICH, Dynamic Marriage, PICK, Active Communications, Couple Checkup, and other materials. They have served countless couples and families in various capacities for Home Encouragement, MDPC, Second Baptist Church and Sagemont Church (all in Houston) while also working with multiple organizations in the city. The Hursts are both members of the Mission Houston / Faithwalking community, AM/FM (the Association of Marriage & Family Ministries), and the Texas Coalition for Healthy Families. They are also co-founders of MarriageHouston, a missional marriage community. Brett is a former board member of the Greater Houston Healthy Marriage Coalition, a member of AACC (The American Association of Christian Counselors), and a member of Wedding Pastors USA.


"A good marriage is where both people feel like they’re getting the better end of the deal."
-Anne Lamott-
2019 Home Encouragement Board of Directors
Jason Barrett - President
Kellie Hurst - Vice President
Amy Harrington - Secretary
Roxanne Stanley - Treasurer
David Dietert
Trevor Harris
Andrew Miller
Josh Noworatzky
What We Value
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105
Genesis 2:26-27; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16-17; John 14:6
Genesis 2:21-24
Ephesians 5:21-33
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
2 Corinthians 1:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 2:8
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Proverbs 2:20-21; Ephesians 4:25
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.