Why do I have
to have Pre-Marriage Counseling? Pre-marriage
Counseling program enables you and your partner to gain greater
insights into a satisfying, Christ-centered marriage. We are
convinced that the presence of Christ, the ministry of the Holy
Spirit, and dedicated work to apply the Bible to your
relationship will bring stability and mutual satisfaction into
your marriage. When two people fall in love and decide to get
married, they begin one of the most rewarding relationships God
designed. You are who you are because of what you have
experienced, inherited, been taught, and seen modeled for you
throughout your life. Your attitudes, morals, values, beliefs,
and priorities are all influenced by your family and are the
building blocks for the expectations you bring to your marriage
relationship. One of the most significant factors in a marriage
is the influence of the family of origin. When we encounter
issues that are difficult for us to deal with, we have a
tendency to think that love will take care of the problems for
us; it will be different after we get married; or I can change
him or her. That doesn’t usually happen. You have to deal with
the tough issues, and it is better to deal with them before you
get married rather than to find out after you are married you
cannot resolve the problems.
Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs
11:14 (NKJV)
What are the goals of Pre-Marriage
counseling? The goal of pre-marriage counseling is
to help equip couples with information, insights and skills,
which will enable them to grow in their relationship towards
intimacy and maturity. It’s a time for the couple to make an
assessment of their beliefs, values, behaviors and ways of
relating to one another. We hope to find ways to help couples to
better communicate with one another. We also desire to identify
weaknesses and problem areas. We will plan for continued growth
in the relationship by anticipating various stages of their
marriage. Our final goal is to have each person evaluate his or
her commitment to Jesus Christ individually and as a couple.
How long will the pre-marriage
counseling take? Our minimum requirement for
premarital counseling is three (3) one and half hour sessions.
we begin the session with prayer.
What is the cost of the pre-marriage
counseling program? Fees are based on the amount of
time involved and the type of help needed. Generally,
appointments are once or twice a week and last about 1 - 1-1/2
hour. We operate on an adjustable fee scale based on income and
general ability to pay. It is part of our outreach /mission to
turn no one away who is in need of Spiritual guidance because of
their inability to pay the counseling fees. The cost of
counseling is discussed carefully at some point during the first
interview with your pastoral counselor, and a mutual agreement
is reached before the actual counseling begins.
What do we talk about at the
pre-marriage counseling sessions? You will discuss
many subjects throughout your time together. These subjects
include marital roles and responsibilities; Gods plan for
marriage; skills for communicating and resolving conflicts;
realistic management of finances; Children and parenting;
Husband Wife roles; why and how a marriage dies; and much more!
Your relationship strengths will be discussed as well as areas
that need growth. Although the program is designed to cover
certain topics, your counselor will design your time together to
fit your individual needs. Details of the three sessions are
discussed during your first session. Homework assignments are
given to enhance your understanding. Our final goal is to have
each person evaluate his or her commitment to Jesus Christ
individually and as a couple.
If you would like to make an appointment for
pre-marriage counseling:
Appointment
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