Here at The Vineyard we believe we are created for relationship with God and others. It is through relationships where we are able to experience and live out life. Recognizing the importance of relationships, the Marriage and Family Ministry is designed to equip and support couples and families in building God-honoring lives. Knowing the challenges which face individuals, especially in the area of marital and family issues, we offer several ministries which meet you at your place of need and help to strengthen and build lasting relationships.
In order for our relationships to be strong and healthy, it is necessary to continually grow and become strengthened in areas related to our relationships. Often by learning, developing, and gaining insight into relational patterns, we are able to better enhance our interactions with others. The below ministries are designed for anyone interested in strengthening their relationships.
VLearning Classes
Throughout the year, various classes are offered in order to encourage relationship growth in a specific area such as: single parenting, finances, marriage enhancement, blended families, communication, and parenting. Classes provide a non-threatening atmosphere where we are able to learn alongside one another various biblical and practical truths, which apply to our relationships. Classes run throughout the year for several weeks at a time.
Small Groups
We emphasize community and the importance of gathering together, knowing how vital it is for the body of Christ to do life together. Small Groups (also called Home Groups) provide a format, where couples and families can do just that. Through joining with others in a small groups setting, couples and families provide support and encouragement for each other. A list of current home groups is available at our website: www.slvineyard.org
Mentoring
It is important for us to place ourselves around individuals who are able to offer meaningful support and encouragement through life. We all face challenges and are in need of individuals to come alongside of us to help walk through life. Whether you are struggling in a particular area, walking through a difficult season, or just in need of additional support, mentoring serves to provide you with the opportunity to join with another person or couple who commits to walking alongside of you.
Mentors are individuals and couples who are specifically trained Christians who have a commitment to growth in their relationship with God and one another. Mentors are learning and enhancing their own personal relational skills and share a passion to mentor others. Mentors share their time, life, and heart with those they mentor in an effort to provide additional support and encouragement to those in need. Mentors are not counselors, but rather trained individuals who provide a healthy role model of Godly relationships.
Mentoring is available to any couple in need of growth or support in the area of marital or family issues. The process of mentoring involves a mentoring couple being paired with you for a set period of time that meets regularly to offer encouragement and support. The time length of the mentoring process varies due to your individual need; however the process usually lasts between six to eight meetings.
Mentor individuals and couples have experience walking with the Lord and make their lives available to you. We have a wide range of mentors who have walked through various challenges and life stages.
Counseling
At times, through life’s challenges, there is a greater need for support and encouragement. Recognizing our inability to handle many of life’s situations alone, the Marriage & Family Ministry offers opportunities for more intensive support through various counseling services. Several counseling options are available including lay counseling, support groups, and professional counseling. Counseling is available for areas related specifically to marriage and family. Examples include pre-martial, grief, divorce, family relations, and marital counseling. With a wide variety of options, a form of counseling is available to meet your needs.
Divorce Care Groups for Adults & Kids
DivorceCare is a divorce recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce. DivorceCare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. This group is faciliated by Ron and Brenda Briggs and begins August 10th and runs for thirteen weeks until November 2nd. Topics include but are not limited to: Hope To Cope, Grief and Loss, Dealing with the Pain, Forgiveness, Starting Again, Barriers to New Relationships, Surviving the Holidays and How to Support Your Children Through Divorce. Dinner is served for adults and kids at 6:45 p.m. and is included in the price of the course.
DivorceCare for Kids is a divorce recovery support group to help children, 5-12 years of age, heal from the pain caused by a separation or divorce. DC4K provides your children with a safe and neutral place to recognize and learn to share their feelings. Children must be accompanied by a parent in DivorceCare.
The cost of the group is $20 per person. To register, click here.
Getting Married At The Vineyard
We desire for you to have a wonderful, lasting marriage and are committed to do everything possible to make sure your marriage is God’s best. Research shows that if you place God first, choose a mate wisely, grow in relational skills, and receive input from an experienced couple, you are very likely to have a happy and lasting marriage. Our Marriage Policy is designed to facilitate a healthy beginning to your marriage.
The below are required for anyone wanting to be married at the Vineyard:
- Member or Regular Attender (actively involved in the life of the church).
- If couple is cohabitating, we ask they make arrangements for alternative living conditions until wedding.
- Couple must complete premarital counseling and/or mentoring.
5 Steps To Getting Married at The Vineyard
Step #1
Schedule a meeting with Stephanie Frey, Director of Marriage, Family and Counseling, at 281-690-5554.T he purpose of this meeting is to gain knowledge about how to get married at the Vineyard including scheduling a date, building use, fees, who will officiating the ceremony, and required pre-marital investment by the couple. Once an agreed upon date is established, the necessary paperwork completed, and officiating pastor is confirmed, then you can precede to step #2.
Step #2
Meet with the Officiating Pastor to become more acquainted and to discuss expectations for ceremony.
Step #3
Begin pre-marital counseling or mentoring. Pre-marital counseling/mentoring lasts between six to eight sessions and must be completed prior to the wedding. Each engaged couple will be paired with a mentor couple that best matches the engaged couple’s particular needs. The mentor couple will be in periodic contact with the officiating pastor and Director of Marriage, Family and Counseling to provide feedback as needed.
There are instances were more intensive care is recommended. In this case, the engaged couple will be encouraged to meet with a Licensed Professional Counselor. Research demonstrates that engaged couples who are involved in counseling/mentoring prior to their marriage are statistically more likely to report higher levels of martial satisfaction once married and have a lower percentage of divorce. Any time during the premarital counseling/mentoring process you are free to move to Step #4.
Step #4
Meet with the Facilities Coordinator to discuss specifics related to building use and set-up for rehearsal and the day of the wedding.
Step #5
After premarital counseling/ mentoring is completed, meet with the officiating pastor to discuss specifics related to your wedding ceremony.