by Rob Ruhnke June 18, 2008
The terms "sponsor couple" and "mentor
couple" are sometimes used to mean the same thing. But they can also
be used to refer to concepts which are significantly different.
The term "sponsor couple" has been used
since about 1974 within Roman Catholic churches/dioceses to refer to married
couples trained to "journey with" engaged couples as they prepare
for lifelong commitment of marriage. As a "sponsor" for baptism is a person
of the local church who takes responsibility for sharing his/her faith with the
catechumen by providing a “working example” of how to live as a Christian.
So "sponsor couples" provide for the engaged a working example of a married
couple "doing" lifelong marriage.
The term "mentor couple" seems to have
originated in Protestant churches and among marriage educators to refer to married couples who are more
extensively trained (than sponsor couples) so that they are qualified to deal
not only with couples who are preparing for marriage, but also married couples
who are seeking assistance in sustaining their marriages (usually because they
are having “marriage problems” of some kind). This is similar to a "spiritual
director" in Catholic tradition, i.e., a person who has some special
competence to guide other people.
I often use the term "sponsor/mentor
couple" to refer to "sponsor couples" when I speak in setting
that include marriage educators to communicate the concept of "sponsor couples."
However, I think distinctions help to clarify what kind of training is
necessary/appropriate for “sponsor couples” and “mentor couples.”
A couple who is being trained to serve as a “sponsor couple” needs to
acknowledge that their life experience of living lifelong marriage is the
primary experience they bring to the task of sponsorship.
Their training is mostly about clarifying the limits of their role and
some tips on how to interact with engaged couples as adults.
“Mentor couples” who are being prepared to deal with couples who have relationship
disabilities which need “fixing” would need additional training.
>>>>return to
[Resources
for Sponsors/Pastors] OR [HOME]
Copyright © 1996 Marriage Preparation Resources
Last modified:
June 18, 2008
MENTOR/SPONSOR COUPLES...What does that mean?