Growing Your Marriage Team
John and Lorie Weires
John has over 30 years of Navy active and reserve service, along with more than 30 years of manufacturing and strategic planning experience. He graduated from the Naval Academy and landed in Pensacola, FL where he met his wife Lorie, while he was in flight school. Lorie was a Registered Nurse at the time but later transitioned to being a full time Mom. She later re-entered the workforce as an Office Manager and Business Owner, prior to retiring as a full-time grandmother. After many moves and several career changes, they landed in KY where they call home.
John and Lorie began their ministry with their church in 2011. Wanting to stress the gift of marriage and work with married couples, they entered the Care Ministry group to mentor couples. In addition to working with troubled couples, they began small groups hosting young couples in a more proactive role in their home. Since then, they have hosted retreats, workshops and date nights at Barren Heights and with Growing Your Marriage throughout KY and IN. They help facilitate the marriage ministry at their home church, leading bible studies, workshops, and marriage coaching. John and Lorie also enjoy partnering with other marriage ministries such as Family Life by serving at the Weekend to Remember events and WinShape by serving as host couples.
They have been married for 39 years and have 3 adult children who are all married, and 7 grandchildren that are a true blessing.
John and Lorie are certified Marriage Mentors through the Marriage Mentoring Academy. They are also certified SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) and Prepare and Enrich Facilitators.
Joe and Toni Rose
Joe has worked in the energy supply and consulting industries for 30 years. He graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in Finance, where he met his wife and best friend, Toni. Toni also graduated from UL with a degree in Finance. She began her career in claims management for Progressive Insurance, where she worked for nearly 20 years. She continued her education at Liberty University, obtaining a graduate certificate in Pastoral Counseling with an emphasis in Pre-Marital and Marital Counseling.
Joe and Toni started serving in ministry in 2002, leading parenting programs through their church. Three years later, they founded Barren Heights Christian Retreat Center, a charitable outreach to families who have children with special needs. Through their service, the Roses discovered a passion for mentoring couples who were struggling in marriage, and from there a new non-profit was formed, Growing Your Marriage (GYM).
Joe and Toni have been married for 35 years. They have two adult daughters, a son-in-law, and three grandkids that have stolen their hearts.
Joe and Toni are both active with Growing Your Marriage through writing, editing, coaching, speaking, leading marriage groups and marriage conferences.
Board
John Weires – Executive Director
Lorie Weires – President
Toni Rose – Board Member