In Oklahoma, about 75% of all weddings occur in a church. Because of the opportunity and influence of the church at this time and throughout the marriage, we believe that the church is the key to promoting the value of strong, healthy marriages, marriage preparation and enrichment.
We want to assist the church to reach the goal of changing the high divorce and cohabitation occurences in Oklahoma.
This network of churches and faith organizations is established:
- To promote the value of marriage
- To bring Christian marriage education classes, events, leadership training, and resource information to the public (submit your information)
- To encourage marriage educators and ministries
- To network resources, training, and guidance for the development of church marriage ministries (see bottom of page)
We suggest that the church take the first steps in developing a vision for an effective marriage ministry by signing the covenant agreement of the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative and joining Marriage Network Oklahoma (see the member page).
Then begin to develop an effective marriage ministry strategy within your church.
Developing a marriage ministry strategy within a church:
I. Clergy leadership make a commitment to the priority of strengthening marriages.
II. Identify and train a lay team to develop an effective marriage ministry strategy with staff support.
III. Implement strategy to include:
- Premarital education/counseling
- Newly married small groups
- Marriage/parenting mentors
- Blended family education and guidance
- Yearly marriage maintenance classes/seminars
- Ongoing marriage/family small group Bible studies
- Crisis intervention and guidance
- Yearly events to highlight the value of marriage
