For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.
Marriage can often be a roller coaster, touching on the extremes in traditional vows.
Montell Jordan has been on that ride.
Surviving the Storms
Best known for his hit single “This Is How We Do It,” Jordan now operates a ministry for couples with his wife of 31 years, Kristin. Now licensed pastors, the Jordans have been through many tough times, but Montell said they relied on their strong faith to endure.
“Our marriage is a bullet-riddled, bomb-tested barrier. We’re the couple who’ve had a bankruptcy, lost a child, had a house fire, and then been through infidelity,” he said.
Now they’re using their personal experiences to inspire others with a “marriage ministry” that helps couples strengthen relationships—or save them. Through their virtual church, Master Peace Church, and their marriage retreat property, Jordan River, based in Dacula, Georgia, they help people focus on what’s really important in a marriage while keeping God in the center of all things.
Reimagining Marriage
Why do people give up on marriage so easily? Montell said couples often approach their wedding day the wrong way.
“A lot of times, people enter marriage with an exit strategy rather than an eternal strategy. They go into it thinking, ‘If this doesn’t work, here’s what I’ll do to get out.’ What we’re trying to do is help people reimagine what marriage is supposed to look like,” he said.
They also provide premarital guidance to engaged couples. Kristin said couples “need to know the dealbreakers before they get into the deal, as opposed to after the fact. That’s why there are so many divorces—you haven’t asked the questions you needed to ask.”
Basic topics such as having children, disciplining them, and the possibility of adoption are often not discussed before marriage—and differences discovered after the wedding day can cause major problems.
“If you don’t talk about that up front, those can be dealbreakers on the back side,” she said.
Putting Priorities in Order
Montell said three things are crucial to saving a marriage.
“First, take divorce off the table,” he said.
Then, get your priorities straight.
“We put God first, then our spouse, then our kids, then our church, then family and friends, then our occupation—we put those things in order,” Montell said.
Finally, let God help you see things differently and change your perspective.
“He’s the one who allows us to stop looking inward and start looking outward at how we can help others,” he said.
Tested by Trial
Relying on faith also helped Montell through his recent battle with prostate cancer. He is now cancer-free.
“And the truth is, this battle made us closer to God and closer to one another than any other journey we’ve experienced. Isn’t it strange? Cancer can bring you closer together. Something meant to destroy you can actually make you more resilient,” Montell said.
Kristin said that simple, regular wellness checks are crucial, but so many people don’t get them.
“It was through wellness checks that we discovered it. Most people don’t do that—they only go to the doctor when something’s wrong,” she said.
As a result, the Jordans are promoting wellness checks for early detection through the new film “Sustain,” which will be shown at film festivals in the coming months.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s also the perfect time for National Marriage Week. The Jordans are sharing their story and advice during the free weeklong online forum. On Feb. 13, 2026, they will take part in a virtual roundtable, discussing the topic “Living for Something Greater.”
Montell said couples need to celebrate their relationships more than one day in February.
“If you can take Valentine’s Day and spread it out over more than a day, that’s a gift you keep giving each other.”
He suggests that couples schedule regular date nights.
“Valentine’s Day can happen all year long. A weekly date night is a gift to yourselves.”
As for the future, the Jordans are launching a “This Is How We Do Marriage” podcast in April. Montell’s music career continues, as he plans to release modern-day Christmas classics this fall. Kristin’s idea for a children’s book will debut in December. It tells the story of a monster who lives under a child’s bed—with a twist: The monster is afraid of the child.
Ultimately, the Jordans say they can help others because they’ve endured so much. While every marriage has peaks and valleys, Kristin encourages couples to focus on the peaks.
“We’ve been through it. There aren’t many things we haven’t seen, and that’s how we’re able to help others—to give them hope on the other side of the mountain,” she said. “If you apply the proper tools and resources, you can reach the next mountaintop.”
