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Most of us dream that when we are married we will “live happily ever after.” We are committed to helping that dream become reality. Since marriage is a covenant commitment for life, it is, perhaps, the most important decision two people will ever make outside of giving their lives to Christ. God has a plan and prescription for marriage that will result in vital, healthy relationships. Too often we enter into this commitment casually, have unfulfilled expectations of our spouse, or forget to follow God’s rulebook—the Bible. The resulting pain leads many couples to divorce. We are committed to turning the tide on divorce and equipping couples to successfully navigate the potholes of life.
At GTA, we take the quality of our marriage relationships very seriously. We understand that the security of the family is dependent upon the health of the marriage; parents who love and give priority to each other first evoke security in the lives of their children. Children who are secure do better in school, get into less trouble, and become more productive, well-adjusted adults who are more successful in their own relationships.
All the programs we offer have this goal in mind. We want to adequately prepare individuals for marriage, give couples tools to facilitate healthy, vital marriages, and assist those in difficulty to find their way back to the relationship God intended for them.
Your wedding should be the most joyous day of celebration possible. Planning a wedding can be a complicated process with false starts and long waiting periods. At GTA, we have endeavoured to make this process as smooth and swift as possible.
WEDDINGS
We take weddings very seriously because we believe that marriage is a covenant commitment for life. Therefore, premarital counselling is a requirement for all couples married by one of our pastors. Your pastor will work with you in selecting your vows and insuring your wedding ceremony is meaningful and memorable.
Our facility is open to the community for scheduling weddings, however, regular attendees and members will be given preference in dates. For this reason only regular attendees and members can book their wedding more than six months in advance. During our relocation and building process, which begins in January 2008 and is tentatively scheduled to be complete late December 2008, we do not have a facility for weddings so you will need to find alternate location.
The Process
- Call Janine Buckles, GTA’s Executive Assistant with questions and to tentatively book your wedding date and pastor. (519-473-2804) She will send you a copy of GTA’s wedding booklet which contains detailed information about planning your ceremony with us and a form for you to complete and return.
- Next, you will want to make an appointment with your officiating pastor to start planning the ceremony.
- We ask that you contact us at least four months before your desired wedding date, so that you will have time to complete your premarital counselling before the wedding. Dates, facilities, and personnel are available on a first-come basis, so the sooner you can begin this process, the more likely you will be able to have everything you desire.
We believe your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and commit ourselves to making it the day of your dreams!
Please note: GTA reserves the right to rent or allow use of these premises only by individuals or groups not incompatible with our goals, values and statements and for purposes which are not incompatible with our goals, values and statements. Read our Statement of Fundamental and Essentials Truths: Section IX here.
MARRIAGE COUNSELLING
There are times and issues in marriages that require one-on-one attention. GTA meets this need with different counselling options.
I. Lay Counselling – “The Pre-Marriage Course” Facilitated by Jeff & Jody Harrison who have a heart and gift for helping young, engaged couples, and have been specially trained to work with a variety of life situations.
II. Pastoral Counselling – The pastor who will officiate at your ceremony. It is required that you meet with him/her at least one or two times before your wedding.
III. Licensed Psychologist – Dr. Elaine Olson Ph.D., a professional counsellor working in conjunction with GTA. Elaine’s involvement includes a group session where you will be with other engaged couples and personal counselling sessions over a one year period. This is also outlined in the wedding planning booklet you receive.
* Whether you are two years or 20 years married, marriages can run into difficulty. It is our desire to work with all couples to help conflict resolution and healing take place. Please speak with one of the pastors to arrange for an appropriate counselling method. In some instances financial costs will be incurred.
MARRIAGE MENTORING
While offering a strong premarital program automatically cuts a church’s divorce rate by 50%, adding Marriage Mentoring to that program cuts the divorce probability in half again. Mentoring is the opportunity for mature couples in stable Christ-centered marriages to invest their lives in the lives of other couples who are engaged, newly-wed, troubled or just want the input of a couple who have “been there”. A Mentor’s goal is to share the life lessons God has imparted in keeping relationships vital and mutually satisfying. GTA mentors are trained in relational nuances and are paired with Mentorees through prayer, giving consideration to matching personalities and interests when possible. The Mentoring relationship extends one year from the start date, or until the couple’s first wedding anniversary (if they began as an engaged couple). At the one-year mark, both couples jointly have the option to officially extend the relationship for another year. Couples interested in becoming Marriage Mentors should contact the church office.
Who Can Receive a Mentor Couple?
Mentoring relationships are available to all engaged and newly wed couples married less than 5 years. Mentoring is also highly recommended for couples who are remarrying, and for those who are struggling or separated, where they can benefit from the strength and accountability of regular contacts. If you would like to receive a Marriage Mentor contact Jeff & Jody Harrison at 519-432-6975.
Marriage Retreats
We believe it is important for married couples to take time away from the busyness of day to day life, to “get away from it all”. It is for this reason that we plan marriage retreats and/or one-day seminars. There you will have time to relax together, time to worship together, and time to learn more about each other through carefully designed, open and interactive workshops.
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