MRT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the general process of the MRT?

The first step in the process is the referral of a couple to the MRT team by a NW leader who has already discussed this referral with the couple OR the couple has self-identified. Subsequently, the second step in the process is that the Coordinator of the MRT will set up an interview for assessment and evaluation with the couple, which is crucial to the development of a care plan. The results of this assessment will be shared with the MRT, along with other information that is collected from others that have been involved with the couple and have been aware of their marital struggles and that might help in developing a viable care plan (i.e., small group leader, pastor, counselor, family member). The MRT will discuss this information, and conjointly develop a care plan, which will subsequently be offered to the couple by the Coordinator and/or the MRT itself. Following the couple’s feedback and acceptance of the plan, the MRT Coordinator will monitor the implementation of the plan by the couple by means of updates from the couple and any other persons that are taking part in its implementation (i.e., small group leader, pastor, counselor, family member, doctors, etc.) The MRT, via the Coordinator or an Elder that is on the MRT will keep the Elders of NW apprised of the couple’s progress on an as needed basis.

What is the level of confidentiality with the MRT?

Confidentiality is important to the MRT, and we will carefully guard the information entrusted to us. The couple will supply the MRT administrator with a Release of Information waiver in order to interview persons the couple feels knows them best and could offer a time-line and/or pertinent information concerning their care. Persons that may also be interviewed to provide insight on their care for the couple includes: a small group leader, pastor, counselor, or family member. There are situations, however, when it may be necessary for us to share certain information with others not expressly stated in our guidelines.

  • When there is reasonable suspicion of child or elderly abuse or neglect;

  • When there is reasonable suspicion of suicidal or homicidal or criminal intent and/or actions;

  • When a person persistently refuses to renounce a particular sin and it becomes necessary to seek the assistance of elders via church discipline to encourage repentance and reconciliation (see Proverbs 15:22; 24:11; Matthew 18:15-20). 

  • If we believe that information needs to be shared with others, we will attempt to discuss this with the couple first, unless to do so would put someone at risk of harm.

What constitutes the level of marital conflict that would warrant an MRT referral?

The MRT seeks to address marital dysfunction when it reaches a level that the marriage is at risk (or will become at risk if nothing changes in its present course). The MRT is more of a re-active approach to marital crisis. It is not a pro-active approach to marital discord.

I’m not sure I want other Church Members/Leaders/Elders looking closely at and providing input on my Marriage?

It is never easy to have people express concerns about your life or faith, but if concerns have been raised by your spouse or by you about your marriage, it would be unloving to ignore them. Additionally, if Grow Group members, Leaders or Elders have expressed growing concern about the health of your marriage, it would be equally unloving for those parties to ignore them. It is an act of honor for your spouse to come to you to address their concerns and it is equally an act of honor for others to come to you hoping for the same. The MRT, in part, serves as a forum for you and your spouse to discern the validity (or lack thereof) of these concerns.

It may be helpful to first review what it means to be a part of a church. A Church is a covenant community and belonging to church entails :

  • professing our need for and belief in the gospel - not just at the moment of conversion but for all of life (1 Corinthians 6:9-20, Ephesians 4:17-25),

  • a desire to submit to the Lordship of Christ evidenced by living in accordance with the teaching of Scripture and repenting - both emotionally (remorse) and volitionally (tangible change) - when we fall short of biblical standards (Romans 10:9-10, 1 Corinthians 1:9, Ephesians 5:23) in such a way that makes our lives as Christians an identifiable contrast to the world around us (1 Peter 2:9), and

  • allowing other believers to spur us on in living a life that brings honor to the name of Christ (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Galatians 6:1-5; Hebrews 10:24-25).

When a church member departs from living under the Lordship of Christ, the loving implication of being in a covenant community is that your elders/leaders and fellow believers seek to call you back to a holy life that honors God, represents Christ well to our city, blesses others, and leads to your personal flourishing. The MRT can serve as a tool to aid in that restoration process. However, the MRT is expressly voluntary and is not a form of nor an extension of Church Discipline. It is a resource that could prove helpful in addressing marital crisis. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

How does a Small Group/Grow Group Leader refer a couple for the MRT?

There is a form called the “MRT Referral Form”. This form is to be completed by the Small Group/Grow Group Leader. It is imperative that this form is not completed without the knowledge of the couple you wish to refer. It is expected that you, the Small Group/Grow Group Leader, have attempted to care and pray for this couple already. It is also expected that you have shared with the couple the purpose of the MRT and shared your recommendation that they be referred for the MRT. The couple must be desirous for the care from the MRT. No successful restoration can occur without willing participation by both the husband and the wife.