We at First Friends Church want to help you prepare for the most important relationship of your life. Our understanding of scripture is that marriage is a “covenant” between you, your spouse, and GOD! This is an unconditional promise to live in a permanent relationship defined by God.

 

In order to support you as the “body of Christ” we offer all engaged couples both Preparing For Marriage or Preparing For Remarriage classes, and Premarial Mentoring with one of our trained ministry couples. We believe so strongly in this preparation that we require the following of all couples planning on being married by any of our First Friends pastors.

 1. A personal commitment to Jesus Christ as their savior. (Jn. 3:16,

        Rom. 10: 9 & 2 Cor. 6:14)

 2. Regular attendance in worship services. (Heb.10:24-25)

 3. Attending our “Preparing for Marriage” or "Preparing for Remarriage" class. (Prov.15:22)

 4. Six sessions with a trained Mentor couple. (2 Tim. 2:2)

 5. At least one counseling session with one of our Pastors.

 

Cost for the Preparing for Marriage Class: $55.00 which includes Class Notes, the book "Preparing for Marriage" by Dennis Rainey and a FOCCUS Premarital Inventory.

 

 Cost for the Preparing for Remarriage Class: $55.00 which includes the book "Saving Your Second Marriage Before it Starts" and workbook by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott and a FOCCUS Premarital Inventory.
 
 The classes are eight weeks long and cover the following topics:

*What is a “Christian” Marriage?
 *Understanding How Our Family Backgrounds
 *Creating Realistic Marriage Expectations
 *Managing Finances Together
 *Communication in Good Times and Bad
 *Resolving Conflict for Intimacy
 *God’s Plan for Love & Sexuality
 *Meeting Your Spouse’s Greatest Needs

 

These classes are offered Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. Couples who are engaged or seriously dating with the intention of exploring the possibility of marriage are encouraged to attend. Call the church for more information.
 

The Premarital Mentoring is based on the FOCCUS Inventory each couple takes during class. We pair up each engaged couple with a trained ministry couple with similar experiences and personalities for six meetings. The Mentoring sessions are scheduled at the discretion of each couple. Mentoring is offered free of charge as a ministry of First Friends Marriage & Family Ministry.