• to prepare engaged couples for a life-long, God-glorifying marriage
• to assist in the preparation of the wedding ceremony
• to provide resources after the wedding to help the couple maintain and enrich their marital relationship

It is our desire that every couple married by one of our pastors actually begin developing the building blocks of a healthy Christian marriage before their wedding day. To accomplish this, we provide you with comprehensive pre-marital, wedding, and follow-up services. (The following description is provided to familiarize the couple with the process. For a complete description of the Marriage Ministry, including couples' responsibilities and fee schedule, please see click on the appropriate links below.):

• Download our Marriage Ministry Guidelines (pdf)
• Download our Wedding Services Fees (pdf)

PRE-MARITAL SERVICES 1. Initial Inquiry
Preparation for marriage begins with an initial inquiry with a pastor or the Church Office staff.

In either case, a follow-up letter is sent, along with the congregation's Marriage Ministry Guidelines. The letter invites persons to 1) read and understand the congregation's Marriage Ministry Guidelines, and, if in agreement 2) call and schedule an appointment with the pastor of their choice.

2. Pastoral Interview
During this session the couple's readiness for marriage is determined along with availability of the pastor. Also, availability of the church facility (if applicable) is ascertained. Once these factors are addressed, the couple is given a wedding application to complete.

3.Application Process
Completed applications are forwarded to the congregation's Administrative Assistant. At this time, dates for the wedding ceremony and the rehearsal (normally the evening before) are confirmed, in consultation with the church calendar and the church's Wedding Coordinator. A confirmation letter is then sent -- indicating agreed upon dates and times for events.

After receipt of this letter, the officiating pastor and the church's Wedding Coordinator will initiate contact with the couple to establish dates for further preparation and planning.

4.PREPARE Inventory
The PREPARE Inventory measures strength and growth areas, providing a basis for the couple to discuss issues in their relationship during pastoral counseling. The couple selects a date to take this inventory when completing the wedding application. A small fee covers the cost of compiling the results of the PREPARE Inventory.

5.Pastoral Counseling
These sessions begin several months prior to the wedding service. In these sessions the couple-guided by the officiating pastor-discusses spiritual journey, the meaning of the covenant relationship of marriage, life stories, courtship, and families of origin.

To assist with these sessions, the officiating pastor receives a personalized summary of the PREPARE Inventory.

6.Preparation for Marriage Class
This multi-session learning experience complements counseling offered by the officiating pastor. Topics include:

• Facing the Myths of Marriage
• Identifying Your "Love Style"
• Developing the Habit of Happiness
• Effectively Communicating with Your Spouse
• Understanding Gender Differences

Conducted in a group setting (with other engaged or recently married couples), this class focuses on necessary skills for effective relationships and Christian marriage. A list of dates for this class, from which to choose, are found on the wedding application.

WEDDING SERVICE

No matter what type of wedding you are planning, large or small, simple or elegant, the main purpose is the uniting of two lives into one through the exchanging of vows. Since the vows are made before God, they deserve the dignity of a worship service.

Your wedding service is jointly planned by the couple and the officiating pastor/s. For complete details, please download the Marriage Ministry Guidelines.

FOLLOW-UP SERVICES

1. Marriage Mentoring
Marriage Mentors are available to newly-married couples. Marriage Mentors are couples who have built strong marriages and desire to provide you with support and encouragement during the first year(s) of marriage.

Mentoring support can be a significant help in building strong, God-honoring marriages. Watch for details as they become available.

2. Pastoral Follow-Up
Approximately six months after the marriage service the officiating pastor contacts the couple. (Should the need arise, couples are encouraged to contact the officiating pastor at any time prior to the pastoral follow-up.)

This contact is an opportunity to 'check in' regarding the couple's experience early in their marriage. Appropriate counsel and encouragement are provided.

3. ENRICH Inventory [optional]
Much happens during the first and second years of marriage. For this reason couples may elect to complete the ENRICH Inventory-another opportunity to measure strengths and growth areas as they have changed over time. As with the PREPARE Inventory, this tool can be used in conjunction with pastoral counseling.

contact Pastor Peter Myers at 301-662-1819, ext. 20.