If you’re looking to improve sexual intimacy in your Christian marriage, the best place to start is by seeking wisdom from trusted, biblically grounded experts. One of the most respected voices in this space is Dr. Juli Slattery, a clinical psychologist, author, and co-founder of Authentic Intimacy, a ministry that helps Christian couples navigate sex, intimacy, and connection through the lens of Scripture.
Why Christian Couples Struggle With Intimacy
Many couples struggle with sex in marriage because we tend to avoid the topic or feel unsure how to approach it biblically. Over time, life’s demands and distractions can crowd out intentional intimacy. As Dr. Slattery says, “You can’t build something you’re unwilling to talk about.” If we want to grow, we must be willing to learn and engage.
Meet Dr. Juli Slattery
Dr. Slattery has dedicated her ministry to equipping couples with the tools and understanding needed to reclaim God’s design for sexuality. Through Authentic Intimacy, she offers teachings rooted in biblical truth, clinical insight, and decades of counseling experience.
She’s also the host of the powerful podcast Java with Juli, where real conversations happen around sex, marriage, and the gospel. This isn’t fluff—it’s deep, theological, and immensely practical content that speaks to the real struggles and joys of sexual intimacy in Christian marriage.
Recommended Resources to Grow Your Sex Life
Here are a few life-changing resources from Dr. Slattery that every Christian couple should consider:
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Java with Juli Podcast: Honest, biblically grounded conversations on sex, intimacy, and faith. Listen together as a couple to spark deeper discussion.
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Rethinking Sexuality: This book challenges both secular and church-based myths about sex and leads you back to God’s design.
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God, Sex, and Your Marriage: A gospel-centered resource that connects sexual intimacy with covenant and spiritual unity.
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25 Questions You’re Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy: Straightforward answers to tough questions Christian couples are often too embarrassed to ask.
These aren’t just helpful—they’re transformative. As you grow in understanding and communication, your sex life can become more frequent, more pleasurable, and more deeply connected to your faith.
Why This Matters for Your Marriage
Sexual intimacy isn’t just a physical act—it’s spiritual, emotional, and relational. Scripture reminds us that in marriage, “the two shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). That’s not just about bodies, but about lives fully intertwined.
As the saying goes, “You grow what you think on.” If we neglect this part of marriage, it naturally declines. But if you give it time, prayer, and learning—especially through wise resources like those from Dr. Slattery—your sex life will flourish in both joy and meaning.
A Word to Pastors and Church Leaders
As spiritual leaders, it’s vital to care not only for the souls of your congregation—but also for your own marriage. Here’s how this message applies to you:
1. Invest in Your Own Marriage First
Before guiding others, make sure you and your spouse are prioritizing your own intimacy. Whether your marriage is strong or in need of renewal, engaging with biblically sound resources like Java with Juli or God, Sex, and Your Marriage can be a powerful first step. Remember: your congregation will follow your lead—not only in faith but in how you model intimacy, vulnerability, and love in marriage.
2. Create a Culture Where Intimacy Is Discipled, Not Taboo
Many churches shy away from addressing sexual issues, leaving couples to struggle in silence. Use your platform to break that silence with truth and grace. Consider:
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Hosting a marriage enrichment event or series using Juli Slattery’s materials.
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Recommending her books or podcasts from the pulpit or in small groups.
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Offering private, pastoral guidance for couples dealing with sexual brokenness or disconnection.
3. Point Your People to Trustworthy Voices
As a leader, you don’t have to have all the answers—but you should know where to send people. Dr. Slattery and Authentic Intimacy offer gospel-centered resources that are biblically faithful and clinically wise. Equip your congregation with tools that reflect the beauty of God’s design for sex and marriage.
Final Word
Whether you’re a couple in need of renewal or a pastor wanting to shepherd well, one of the best ways to grow your sex life—and help others grow—is to walk alongside a trusted guide. Dr. Juli Slattery and Authentic Intimacy offer resources that are clear, biblical, and practical.
👉 Explore Authentic Intimacy
👉 Listen to Java with Juli
👉 Read Rethinking Sexuality
Let’s stop treating this as a taboo topic. Instead, let’s grow in love, unity, and holy pleasure—together.
Brad Rhoads is co-founder of Grace Marriage.
Brad Rhoads is co-founder of Grace Marriage.