COUPLES
We realize that all couples are not at the same place in their relationships. Some are at that stage where life is centered around kids and family activities, others are experiencing life after kids have left home, and some are just beginning their journey together. Some have found contentment, while others struggle in their marriage. No matter where you are in your relationship, our desire is for your marriage to be all that God intended, finding fulfillment in each other and being a reflection of His Glory in the world. With this in mind, we have structured our Couples’ Ministry into 3 categories: Prepare, Strengthen, and Save.
PREPARE
Prepare to Last
Designed for both engaged and dating couples who are seriously considering marriage. The Prepare to Last class is the first step of the Grace Fellowship marriage process and serves as an introduction to the Biblical foundations of marriage. Our program is designed to help you address common problems that most couples face. You do not need to attend Grace or be a member to take the class.
The class meets once a week for eight weeks with each class being devoted to a specific topic (such as communication and conflict, finances, and sexual intimacy). The class is part video teaching, part group discussion and part homework date nights.
Have questions about Prepare to Last? Click here for the FAQ
Day/Time: Sundays, 5pm at the Facilitator’s home (contact rachael@gfc.tv)
CLICK HERE to register.
Contact: Rachael Vigardt (rachael@gfc.tv)
Prepare & Enrich
The second step for couples in the premarital process involves taking the PREPARE & ENRICH Inventory (designed to help provide an objective focus on critical relationship issues) and meeting as a couple with your marriage mentor couple. The normal time for this is 4-6 weeks. You will be given time to discuss any issues raised, as well as any topics the engaged or mentor couple think would be helpful.
For information on upcoming Prepare to Last groups, or if you are interested in taking the PREPARE Inventory contact Rachael Vigardt (rachael@gfc.tv). There is a $35 dollar fee for the Prepare to Last, and an additional $25 for the PREPARE Inventory.
If you are in need of pre-marital and marriage counseling, here are our recommendations:
- Scott Sklenar, Grace-Full Living Ministries, 770.337.4267
- Georgia K. Fite, MAMFC, 404.357.9512
- Kristen Smith-Vaniz, Pre-marriage, (kristen@intimatemarriage.org)
Foundations
To prepare newly married couples and young families within the context of community for a lifetime of marital oneness, ministry and discipleship. We will do this by matching 5-6 couples up with a married mentor couple and focusing on components of marriage and parenting that typically challenge marital oneness. Our desire is for you to start your marriage and family well and to establish a firm foundation for your home.
We will have a “Big Event” date twice a year where couples can enter the Foundations small groups. Groups are put together based on stage of life, any prior relationships that you have with other newly married or young family couples. Foundations will meet every other week for 16 months. We meet on the 1st, 3rd and if there is a 5th weekend on Sunday nights at the 5:15hr. There will be childcare available. Contact Rachael Vigardt, (rachael@gfc.tv) with questions.
CORE Couples
The purpose of the CORE Couples curriculum is to encourage couples to pursue oneness through teaching, stories of grace, and discipleship. We pursue oneness in marriage by becoming learners of Jesus and intentionally engaging in Christ centered community. Maybe your marriage needs a spark or maybe it needs a resurrection, CORE couples is a safe place where couples can connect with the help of others within community. Join us for this 13 week period where there is a time of worship, teaching by marriage professionals, or stories from couples who have experienced God’s amazing grace, and small group time which follows the basic teaching of the CORE topics.
CORE Couples is a 13-week session and is offered twice a year. If you would like to sign up for the next CORE Couples or have questions, email Rachael Vigardt (rachael@gfc.tv). There is a $60 fee for CORE Couples, which covers the cost of books, couple checkup, binder, handouts, speakers, etc.
