In several places, the data continues to show that “churches are the best at strengthening marriages.” After all, what other social institution can offer the sort of surgical precision needed to identify and connect with couples? What other institution is as scattered, de-centralized, and localized? This insight is obvious once you think about it, but unfortunately, it’s rarely put into practice, especially at the kind of scale needed to make a difference.
Are married couples more satisfied than those who cohabit? For the first time in history, more Americans have lived with a romantic partner than have married one.
A new study has found that about half of Christians under age 35 believe a Christian should not become romantically involved with an unbeliever.
A Mississippi wedding venue, Boone’s Camp Event Hall, has apologized for canceling an interracial couple’s wedding based on their biblical beliefs.
A Dallas church is challenging cohabitating couples to stop living together – and it’s offering a free wedding and wedding reception to those who follow through with marriage.
The offer includes free dresses, tuxedos, wedding rings, cake and a wedding reception. It also includes 10 weeks of counseling and the first month’s rent for living separately.
“If you commit today, we will have you married in the next 90 days,” pastor Bryan L. Carter of Concord Church in Dallas told the congregation Sunday.
The goal, he added, was to give cohabitating couples “a pathway in the honoring of God in your relationship.”
“Church is not just about calling up where we're short, but the church is also a place where you can find hope and healing and restoration and redemption for wherever you might be in your life,” he said to applause.
It is the fourth time Concord Church has given the offer – or “challenge” – to members. About 60 couples have accepted it and been married.
“This is your time now,” he said.Preaching from Hebrews 13:4, Carter listed five myths of living together before marriage:
Photo courtesy: Concord Church
In a recent opinion piece at Business Insider, Shana Lebowitz proclaimed, “Divorce isn’t a failure…In fact, it could mean your marriage was a success!” According to the relationship experts cited by Lebowitz, the goal of marriage isn’t that two people become one flesh, or create a family, or even share lifelong love. No, the purpose of marriage, these so-called experts claim, is that we grow as individuals. Even marriages that end in divorce can accomplish that goal!
When Sarah and I got married, if I remember correctly, I think we stuck around the wedding reception maybe for a grand total of about 45 minutes. Not to put too fine a point on it, we had other places to be. The anticipation of a wedding is more than just a passing element of the joy and mystery of marriage. It’s why people laugh and throw rice at couples as they run for the getaway car. It’s why we celebrate in the first place. The beauty of promises made is matched only by the beauty of promises fulfilled.
Outspoken Christian actor Chris Pratt took to Instagram in the early morning hours on Monday to announce that he is getting married.
