Couples/Marriage
Marriage is a way for us to discover and live out a love story that mirrors God's great love for humanity. Marriage contains all the commitment, forgiveness, grace and romance that are also a part of the story of Jesus and the bride of Christ, the church. It's incredibly important to us as a church to support and build strong marriages that reflect God's love, grace and trust. We also hope to surround those who have been hurt by broken relationships with God's grace and truth.
We are committed to serving couples in all stages of their relational development. There is great value in building a Christ–centered relationship before marriage in order to live out the word of God as a married couple. We also recognize that life happens and relationships often encounter difficult times. For whatever stage of relational development you may find yourself, SouthBrook is here to guide you along the way.
God's Direction For Couples
Dating and Engaged Couples
Married Couples
Divorced Individuals
Events & Classes
GOD'S DIRECTION FOR COUPLES
"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate." – Mark 10:7–9
Spiritual Compatibility
God's Word is clear about spiritual compatibility between marriage partners in 2 Corinthians 6:14–18. SouthBrook holds to the value of being "equally yoked" before marriage. Being equally yoked means a couple shares the same spiritual beliefs, values and commitment to spiritual formation. This is vital to building a strong marriage foundation. When a couple has different or opposing spiritual beliefs, their individual values begin to compete, causing stress and tension within the relationship. We believe very strongly in the institution of marriage by God's design. We want your vows to last a lifetime.
Sexual Purity
The future bride and groom are encouraged to abstain from physical intimacy. Sex is a gift from God. He is the one who created it. Therefore, we follow God's directions alone regarding our sexuality. The Bible gives us clear instructions for sex within the parameters of the marriage relationship in 2 Corinthians 6:3. God's Word also gives us clear warnings and consequences when sex is used outside of the marriage.
"God wants you to live a pure life. Keep yourselves from sexual promiscuity. Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body, not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God." – 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5
FOR DATING AND ENGAGED COUPLES
If you are DATING and investigating a potential married relationship, we encourage you to seek help in sorting out potential hazards early in the relationship. SouthBrook offers a coaching relationship designed to give you advanced assistance in your search of a life–long marriage. Contact Rita Brown to schedule an appointment.
If you are ENGAGED, Congratulations! SouthBrook is happy to be a part of this special time of your lives. If you would like to be married by a SouthBrook pastor, please schedule with Rita Brown at least six months in advance of the planned event. SouthBrook offers premarital mentoring designed to help couples build a Christ–centered marriage. Completion of premarital mentoring is required for any couple to be married by a SouthBrook pastor.
Prior to meeting with a mentor, you and your future spouse will be asked to complete an assessment, which will help uncover areas of strengths and/or potential concerns. As you are matched with a mentor, you will meet to discuss topics such as: marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, financial management, sexual expectations, children and parenting, family and friends, roles and spiritual beliefs. After completing the mentoring sessions, you should leave with new insights and realistic expectations of what marriage will be like. In the years to come, your mentor can also serve as a valuable resource as your relationship continues to evolve.
As a first step, complete the Wedding Packet and review the sermon messages below. You may download the messages or contact Rita Brown to request a CD copy.
Before You Say Will You – May 4, 2003The Second Mile Marriage – April 15, 2007
FOR MARRIED COUPLES
Close Encounters
This study incorporates a mix of teaching and interactive discussion for the purpose of equipping couples to resolve on-going struggles, and identify next steps for spiritual and emotional growth. A great first step for couples seeking to make a significant investment in their marriage and desire to strengthen, deepen and/or restore their relationship. It's for all couples—those in need of help during hard times, those who want to strengthen their marriage, even those considering marriage for the first time. Check the Events page for dates of the next class offering.
Counseling
To help individuals deal with a wounded past and current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that may affect your relationships.
Coaching
To care for and nurture the marital relationship by providing information and new skills needed for change to occur.
Choosing Wisely
This divorce prevention ministry helps couples considering separation or divorce to learn ways to help them turn around their marriage.
Individuals seeking counseling, coaching, referral, or other guidance should contact Rita Brown for further assistance.
For an in–depth teaching, consider the sermon series below. Marriage is understanding how romance, recommitment and respect function together to create a partnership that grows and honors God. Romance affects recommitment. Recommitment affects respect. Respect affects romance. Each interplay uniquely together to create a growing marriage.
Rock Paper Scissors (Part 1) – January 9, 2010Rock Paper Scissors (Part 2) – January 16, 2010Rock Paper Scissors (Part 3) – January 23, 2010Rock Paper Scissors (Part 4) – January 30, 2010
FOR DIVORCED INDIVIDUALS
DivorceCare
For those who are going through separation or divorce, or who are already divorced, DivorceCare will help you deal with the hurt, discover hope for the future and experience God’s healing. Get a biblical look at reconciliation, remarriage, forgiveness and the effects of divorce on children and family. Check the Events page for dates of the next class offering.
DivorceCare for the Holidays
If the thought of facing the holidays without a partner is causing anxiety, fear or loneliness, you are not alone. Prior to Christmas, SouthBrook offers a DivorceCare for the Holidays class to help people connect with others for support, encouragement, and advice to endure the holiday season. Check the Events page for dates of the next class offering.
