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 Congratulations, in taking the next step in your relationship. The decision to marry is one of the most important choices individuals will ever make. Preparation for marriage involves much more than detailing a beautiful wedding. The MERGE Mentoring Ministry trains mentors to walk beside couples and offers resources designed for what lies ahead. We believe that great marriages don’t just happen. . . couples have to work at them! A crucial part of having a great marriage is preparation. That’s why we require that couples participate in our premarital mentoring program.
Heart for the World Church is committed to equip, encourage, and support Christ centered covenant marriages. We feel compelled to give priority as a church to raising up a clear standard of what a Christian marriage is. Our understanding of God’s Word for the requirements for a blessed Christian marriage are:
- The bride and groom must individually confess a personal relationship and commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord wand Savior. Heart for the World Church will not join an unbeliever with a believer in marriage (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
- The bride and groom must abstain from sexual intimacy and living together before marriage (2 Corinthians 6:3).
- We believe it is necessary that the bride and groom have taken sufficient time to know each other and share a common knowledge of the sacred commitment they are making. We feel we cannot bless any marriage where there has not been at least a six (6) month relationship.
- If either the bride or groom, or both, have been married previously and divorced, it is expected that they have a Biblical basis for believing that they are not obligated to seek restoration with their previous spouse. In cases, where either the bride or groom, or both parties, have been divorced it is required that there be an appointment with a pastor to discuss the condition of that divorce before moving forward with the MERGE premarital program.
- Heart for the World Church Pastors will not commit to marrying a couple until after the MERGE Mentoring Program is completed.
The MERGE Mentoring Program Process
Who is Eligible
Our pre-marriage mentoring is available to believers. In order to be married by one of our pastors it is required to receive premarital mentoring.
First Steps
Step 1: Read our MERGE Premarital Policy. Then register by clicking here.
Step 2: You will meet with one of our pastors and fill out the required Premarital Questionnaire.
Step 3: Take the PREPARE INVENTORY.
For some individuals, taking the inventory can be intimidating. Let us assure you that there is no need to be scared. You don’t have to study for it, and it’s relatively painless. The inventory is one that has been around for many years and is very helpful in evaluating potential problem areas and strength areas in your relationship as a couple.
Step 4: Begin Meeting with a MENTORING COUPLE
After the inventory results are received, you will begin meeting with your assigned "mentoring couple." This trained, caring couple will meet with the bride and groom for approximately eight sessions. The mentor couple follows a structured program that covers what we believe to be the most relevant areas for having a successful marriage. We have found these couples to be an invaluable asset, as they prepare you for marriage and help you deal with inevitable "issues."
Expectations for the Bride and Groom
Time: You will be asked to invest the time necessary to complete the MERGE process, approximately two (2) months ~ meeting with your mentor couple once a week for eight (8) weeks.
Fee: The cost for the inventory and the MERGE process is $65.00 per couple.
Preparation: It is imperative couples begin the process 2 to 4 months prior to the "big event."
Wedding Fees
After the bride and groom complete MERGE and a Heart for the World Church pastor agrees to perform the wedding ceremony, the couple may move forward with their wedding plans. Below are the fees for the "big event."
Building Usage: $250 ~ this will cover both the rehearsal and ceremony.
Wedding Coordinator: $75 ~ optional if needed.
Pastoral Honorarium: $150
Heart for the World Church Wedding Officiates
Hunter Howard,
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, 575-523-1113 ext. 28
Chris Kohn,
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, 575-523-1113 ext. 14
Johnny Terrazas,
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, 575-523-1113 ext. 20
Notes: Please note that when a pastor is contacted, he will agree to the date only. He will not agree to perform the wedding ceremony until after the couple completes the MERGE and after he has met with the couple. The agreement to perform the ceremony is made at the pastor’s discretion after discussions with the couple. |
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