Growing Marriages

Most premarital couples spend far more time, energy and resources preparing for their wedding ceremony, which lasts only a day, than they do preparing for their actual marriage relationship, which God intended to last a lifetime. At Fountain of Life church, we want to provide that preparation as well as continued opportunities for development after marriage.

This ministry was named Growing Marriages for two reasons:

1. Great marriage relationships don't just happen
2. Getting married is just the beginning. Developing strong, fulfilling marriages requires ongoing growth
   

This ministry seeks to empower marriages at every level, from premarital preparation to marriage enrichment to crisis counseling*

Premarital Preparation

If you have a desire to get married in Fountain of Life church contact Pastor Rich Raad to set up an initial appointment (preferably at least 6 months in advance) to discuss your wedding day details. At that meeting you will also meet with the Marriage Mentoring coordinators to get an overview of the marriage preparation program, fill out the necessary forms, and pay the program fee.

Based on that interview and the forms you fill out, the coordinators will select a Mentor couple that is the best match for you (unless you already have a preference). The Mentor coordinators will also set up a time when you can both take the PREPARE inventory, a 165 question inventory that your Mentors will use in their discussions with you. After your PREPARE inventory results come back, your Mentors will contact you to set up your meeting. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your Mentor couple, and you would like to switch mentor couples, contact the coordinators and they will do their best to accomodate your needs. We are here to serve you!

Typically our program includes 8 sessions, every other week, taking 16 weeks to complete. You should allow for this amount of time in your planning. If necessary, upon review, we can make exceptions and customize the program for unusual circumstances.

In addition to using the PREPARE inventory, you and your fiance will read through "Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts" by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott. You will also complete the companion His & Her workbooks to help you get the most from the book. We have found these books/workbooks an excellent preparation for the challenges of married life and well worth the time to complete them. They include fun and stimulating exercises for you and your fiance to experience together.

If you are not getting married at Fountain of Life church or by Fountain of Life pastors, but would still like to go through the Premarital Preparation program, contact coordinators Russ or Sharon Peterson and they will arrange for a Mentor Couple to assist you.

Program Fee

$125, which includes the cost of the PREPARE inventory and scoring, books and workbooks, and ongoing support of the program.

What is Marriage Mentoring and how can it benefit your marriage?

Marriage Enrichment
We provide Mentor Couples for all stages of marriage:

• Premarital
• Enrichment
• Repairing.

If you would like to become a Marriage Mentor or would like to be coupled with a Mentor, or would like more info regarding the Growing Marriages ministry, contact Russ or Sharon Peterson

For articles on marriage and relationships from this country's leading experts and to purchase resources, visit www.GrowingMarriages.com

*couples in crisis may be referred to a professional christian counselor.