More Than Marriage: Inside the THRIVE Life Group

Meet Ade and Mabel, the warm and passionate couple behind THRIVE, a Life Group created especially for young married couples. With open hearts and a desire to see marriages flourish, they've built a community where couples can be real, grow together, and keep Christ at the centre of their lives. We sat down with them to hear the story behind THRIVE, what drives their passion for marriage, and what they hope every couple who walks through the door will experience.

What inspired you to start a life group for young married couples?

Honestly, it came from our own journey. When we got married, we quickly realised that building a strong marriage takes intentionality and community. We saw so many young couples around us navigating the same season: trying to balance work, family, faith, and just figuring out this whole marriage thing together. We felt God nudging us to create a space where couples didn’t have to do it alone, where they could be real about the struggles and celebrate the wins together. THRIVE came from wanting to create what we believe will benefit more couples like us.

Why do you believe community is especially important in this season of marriage?

The early years of marriage can feel isolating, especially when you’re trying to present this perfect image to the world. But community breaks that isolation. When you’re surrounded by other couples who get it, who are in similar seasons with you, there’s such freedom in knowing you’re not the only ones working through things. Community gives you perspective, encouragement, and accountability. It reminds you that marriage isn’t meant to be lived in a bubble; it’s strengthened when you let others in and walk alongside people who are cheering you on.

What do you hope couples experience when they join the group?

We hope they experience genuine connection, the kind where they can show up as themselves without pretence. We want them to feel seen, supported, and strengthened in their marriage. Most importantly, we hope they encounter God in fresh ways, that their faith becomes the foundation that holds everything else together. We want couples to leave each gathering feeling less alone, more hopeful, and more equipped to build the marriage God intended for them.

What has God been teaching you about marriage and leadership recently?

God’s been teaching us that strength isn’t about having it all together; it’s about staying rooted in Him when things feel uncertain. Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present and authentic. In marriage, we’re learning that choosing each other daily, even in the mundane moments, is an act of worship. And in leading this group, God’s been showing us that our vulnerability often creates the most powerful connection. When we share our struggles, it gives others permission to do the same.

What challenges do young married couples commonly face today?

I’d say the biggest ones are navigating expectations-both their own and others’ and learning how to communicate well when conflict arises. There’s also the challenge of balancing individual dreams with shared goals, managing finances together, and honestly, just adjusting to doing life with another person. For many couples, especially those from immigrant backgrounds or navigating life pressures in the UK, there’s the added layer of cultural expectations and trying to establish their own identity as a couple. And of course, there’s the everyday challenge of keeping Christ at the centre when life gets busy.

How do you hope this group helps strengthen marriages spiritually and relationally?

Spiritually, we want THRIVE to be a place where couples are consistently pointing each other back to Christ. We pray together, study Scripture together, and encourage each other to see God as the central third in the marriage-the anchor that holds everything together. Relationally, we hope the group creates a safe space for couples to learn from one another, practice healthy communication, and build friendships that last beyond the gatherings. We want them to walk away with practical tools, biblical wisdom, and a community that’s invested in seeing their marriages flourish.

What makes this life group different or unique?

I think what makes THRIVE unique is the intentionality around community and authenticity. We’re not just about Bible study and prayer-though those are essential, we’re about building real relationships through honest conversations, fun activities, and shared experiences. We also focus on holistic wellbeing: emotional, spiritual, physical, and relational health. We want couples to thrive in every area, not just survive. And we’re very intentional about creating a space where people can be themselves, ask hard questions, and know they won’t be judged.

Can you share a moment or a story that encouraged you since the group began?

One of the most encouraging things we’ve seen is watching couples who were on the fringes of church life suddenly come alive in community. There’s something beautiful about seeing people who used to keep to themselves now opening up, building real friendships, and showing up not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. The trust and vulnerability that’s growing in the group, couples sharing their real struggles, celebrating wins together, and genuinely caring for one another, that’s been the biggest ice breaker. And honestly, the fact that no meeting ends without lots of food and laughter? That’s when you know love and community are bubbling up. Those moments after the main meetings, just doing life together, remind us why we started THRIVE in the first place.

What kind of atmosphere are you trying to create within the group?

We’re aiming for warm, welcoming, and judgment-free. We want it to feel like coming home-a place where you can exhale, be yourself, and know you’re among friends. We want laughter, vulnerability, and depth all in one space. It’s not overly formal or rigid; it’s relaxed but purposeful. We want people to feel comfortable enough to share what’s really going on, and confident that they’ll be met with grace, wisdom, and encouragement.

What would you say to a couple who is nervous about joining a life group?

We’re aiming for warm, welcoming, and judgment-free. We want it to feel like coming home-a place where you can exhale, be yourself, and know you’re among friends. We want laughter, vulnerability, and depth all in one space. It’s not overly formal or rigid; it’s relaxed but purposeful. We want people to feel comfortable enough to share what’s really going on, and confident that they’ll be met with grace, wisdom, and encouragement.