Before & After
   You Say, "I DO"
  Marriage & Family Counseling

Marriage! The Bible tells us that it is "Honorable". In fact proverbs tells us that "when a man finds a wife, he finds a good thing and receives favor from the Lord." Finding and Marrying that special person is one of the most, if not THE most, important decisions we'll ever make.

Because of this, you'll want to make this decision with much prayer and counsel. Here are a few pointers before you make that decision.

Prayer:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowlede Him, And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Make sure to spend time in prayer and asking God for His blessing. Some times somhing may feel or look right, but it may not be in God's plan. Or, it is just not the right timing. But most importantly, you want to be lifting your marriage up to God in prayer from the start.

Honor:

You will want to have the blessing of your parents, if at all possible. Pray about how you might approuch tham during this special time. Sometimes there is a need for healing in your relationship with your parents, and this can be the perfect opportunity for God to do a work. Remember, asking for their blessings is not the same as asking for permission, although the two are closely related.

"Honor your father and your mother..."

Exodus 20:12

Repentance:

Sometimes there are areas in our life and relationships that haven't honored God. Prehaps you are wanting to honor God in your relationship and marriage is the appropriate step in that direction. Often times we will need to go back and ask God for forgivness and repentence is necessary before we can be blessed in the future. Would you take some time in prayer to reflect on this.

"When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7

Counseling:

Knowing each other: You may be asked to take a simple personality test to learn more about one another. Learning as much as you can now, will help prepare you to better serve each other down the road.

Values & Vision: Do you care about the same things and are you headed in the same direction. Jesus said "A house divided agaist itself cannot stand." Discussing important issues ahead of time can help you avoid potential problems.

Roles: Did you know that God has a plan for your marriage, and special roles for husbands and wives? When you understand those roles, it will help you succeed in your marriage.

Planning:

And finally, You're ready to plan for the details of your wedding. God bless in your new life together.

WHAT WE BELIEVE!

God's Love:

The unconditional love that we have for each other is the greatest sign of God's presence in our lives. This kind of love comes from God alone and was shown to us through Jesus Christ.

Salvation:

Anyone can come to God through Jesus and be saved. All it takes is childlike faith in Christ' power to save.

Repentance/Forgiveness of sin:

However, only Jesus can totally forgive and heal us from our sin. No matter what or how great that sin is, if we admit it and turn from it, we are forgiven.

The Bible:

Also, the Bible is God's word and was inspired by the Holy Spirit. When interpreted with the help of the Holy Spirit it is without error, and our "road map" for life.

The Holy Spirit:

The Spirit of God is present in our lives when we are "born again". But also, we can be full of the Spirit and have a full time counselor and comforter with us always in the Holy Spirit.

COUNSELING POLICY

Pre-marital counseling is strongly encouraged, although not alway required, before the pastor performs the weddings. So, in order to avoid an awkward situation, please make an appointment early enough to determine whether or not you will need counseling.

FAMILY CRISIS COUNSELING

Only One Session, whether family or individual related, will be extended to all persons in need. However, if there is a concerted effort on the recipitents part to be involed in other fruitful healthy ministries, we will concider. It is our feeling that, if you are being counseled, "you need to want to be healthy more than we do."

SCHEDULING COUNSELING & WEDDING DATES

Please plan far enough in advance so as to avoid any unnecessary scheduling conflicts. Normailly, counseling hours would be weekdays from 10am-3pm. Other times are available and workable with a pastor. Please call the office to schedule a time.

COSTS & FEES

We normally don't charge a fee for biblical counseling or marriage services, but consider our services a ministry of our church family. However, we do ask that you cover special and necessary cost or fees; such as, traveling expenses for ministers, and special clothing costs, or special requested items. Beyond that, any love offering that you might consider, is appreciated. In some rare cases, when deemed necessary, we might charge a fee for services.

REGARDING PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING

If necessary, we will refer to professional Biblical counseling.