Marriage Ministry
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” Genesis 2:24-25 NKJV
Weddings occur for a day, but Marriage is for a lifetime. That’s why the best way to enjoy every part of marriage is by learning to understand why God designed it, and what it takes to build a successful marriage before you say, “I do.” Our desire is to help you be prepared as you become joined together in the most holy union God ever made. The Bible says, God has created each of you different to complement and complete each other in the oneness of marriage.
We believe so strongly in getting God’s blueprint for marriage that we’ve made Premarital counseling a requirement for couples planning on getting married at Calvary Chapel or having one of our pastors officiate at your wedding. That’s because all of our weddings are conducted as a Christian worship service between one man and one woman, which is also a picture of the unity and oneness we the church have with Christ Jesus.
Premarital Classes
Our premarital classes are designed to strengthen and prepare you for a strong, Christ-like relationship with your future spouse. The premarital counseling includes, prayer, Bible reading, group discussions, and homework. We believe that marriage is the second most important decision you will ever make—second only to your decision to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
In order to honor your future spouse and the Lord, we ask that you not be living together, as an unconditional commitment to love someone “until death do us part” is absent in cohabitation. God’s Word tells us what makes a holy marriage, and in order to better help you understand this preparation for a Biblical marriage, please read the following Scriptures that are about having healthy boundaries: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, Ephesians 5:3, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Corinthians 6:14-15, 1 Corinthians 7:9, 1 Corinthians 8:9, and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
It is our heart’s desire to come alongside and help you learn about the real commitment of love and intimacy that God designed within marriage because it is sacred, beautiful, and meant to be experienced in the lifelong union of one man and one woman (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:24). If you are unwilling to live separately for this short season beforehand know that we will be unable to conduct your wedding as unto the Lord. Please know that all of the past can be forgiven by God and that we simply want to help you enjoy a long-lasting marriage as you share the rest of your lives together committed to one another and to God.
The Premarital Class Workbook we use is called “Strengthening Your Marriage” by Wayne A. Mack. In this book, you’ll gain biblical insight and practical information on God’s design for marriage, marital roles, communication, finances, sex, child rearing, and family worship. We pray that your marriage will honor our Lord in all that you do, and we are truly excited to share in this special experience with you!
Note: Interestingly, we are not the only one who think proper expectations are important for newlyweds. The state of Minnesota, says if engaged couples submit proof of premarital counseling that includes conflict management skills, their marriage license fee is reduced by over 50%. The state does this because, in the long run, it will save significant money in legal proceedings because these marriages tend to outlast those that don’t begin with such counseling. When proper expectations are set, couples have the opportunity to peer into reality, rather than have their fantasy world dashed upon the rocks of life.
Family Ministry
“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” Psalm 127:1a NKJV
The family unit is the backbone of any society, and so too in our church. Whether you are anticipating the arrival of your first child, preparing your young adult for independence, or find yourself anywhere in between, we are here to serve you and your family.
Expecting a baby? Our community has many resources to help you… sometimes you just need a little help finding them. The Health Resources Center offers free and confidential ultrasounds, prenatal care, nutrition education, childbirth prep, baby clothes, baby supplies and more.
If you have children in your home, the best thing you can do for them is to love your spouse and help them see what love in a Christian marriage really looks like. One of our recommended resources is “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman which is great for married couples. Throughout the Bible, we discover God’s design for our individual families, and how to honor Him in our God given roles. Another great resource is “Focus on the Family” and they have lots of great articles and resources, such as their ministries for Marriage, Parenting, and Adoption & Orphan Care to help families thrive. And you’re ready to have the purity talk with your child, a helpful resource is “Passport2Purity” from FamilyLife with Dennis and Barbara Rainey .
There are many who seek out counseling, and yet no matter how much advice is given without seeking the Lord to build the home, it won’t last. This is why we encourage families to be regularly praying together, having fun together, worshiping together, working together, reading the Bible together, and taking communion together. We also have recommended books on the Family and Parenting.