Marriage

Wayne Risher

There is no greater arena to make practical application of our faith life than living in the midst of marriage and family.  Grace, forgiveness, communication, loving, serving, leading, deferring – so many ways we are challenged to apply Biblical principles every day. Our Family Life Ministry Pastor Wayne Risher is passionate about equipping spouses and parents to apply truth, employ tools, and process healthily as they navigate marriage. Find FAQs for the two different areas of marriage support that Faithbridge offers by clicking on the images below.

We're Engaged. What's Next?

A Godly marriage involves the purposeful effort of two people moving toward a healthy union with each other and with Christ. We encourage pre-engaged and engaged couples to enter into relationships that include both individual and couple-focused reflection and growth. Pre-marital counseling can also help equip future husbands and wives to build thriving marriages that reflect God’s goodness.


PRE-MARRIAGE FAQs:

+
Yes, Faithbridge does rent our facilities for weddings. Because we are a church first, we have some limitations and requirements that limit the use of our facilities for wedding events. For example, we don’t typically do weddings on a Saturday evening because the worship centers are set up with 1,000 chairs for Sunday morning service. If you want to have a wedding at Faithbridge, we can talk through the benefits and challenges. There is a fee to rent the facility.
+
Faithbridge just completed a new chapel in 2021 with a private entrance suitable for weddings. Details, rates, and availability coming soon.
+
Many couples choose a wedding venue for their wedding, which includes the wedding ceremony and reception at the same place. More than 90% of our couples choose a venue that specializes in wedding facilitation.
+
Absolutely. If you choose a Faithbridge staff member to officiate, we are willing to serve you at the church or a venue of your choice.
+
We recommend legalizing your ceremony here in the states for a number of reasons, prior to departing and celebrating your ceremony in another country.
+
Yes. This is the single thing we recommend more than anything – pre-marriage coaching is fun, relationship-building, and allows you the chance to work “on” the relationship while you are also living “in” the relationship. During a typical session, we’ll work through many topics together, work some fun exercises, and discuss the exciting and challenging times ahead. Typically, a couple will experience 5-6 sessions lasting 90 minutes each. We go through a variety of topics you would expect such as communication, conflict resolution, managing expectations, personality differences, etc.
+
While a group experience can be fun, progress is much slower, often taking 8-12 weeks. Often, couples do homework and then briefly discuss their answers. In many cases, the couples don’t get their opportunity to really work on their relationship with guided facilitation because of the size of the group. At this time, our pre-marriage coaching experience is designed for the couple only, not in a large group.
+
Yes. These are optional and may require an added session. We have personality and relationship assessments that often add clarity and direction.
+
Yes, confidentiality is expected among all parties.
+
The cost is only $50 per couple, obviously supported by the church as a ministry. Pastor Wayne is certified by Texas Health and Human Services. When you complete our pre-marriage coaching plan, you’ll earn a discount certificate good in the State of Texas for a $60 discount off the cost of your Texas marriage license. In essence, you save more than the $50 cost of the class. While your time actually pays you back with a discount on your license, it pays the biggest dividends in the years ahead by equipping you with solid tools for living together. You’ll find this a most helpful investment in your marriage.
+
Just let us know! Scholarships are available.
+
Yes! We love marrying couples. Because of the relationship that often develops during Pre-Marriage coaching, the ceremony becomes very personal and meaningful. We will be happy to officiate your ceremony if that’s something you need. The suggested officiating fee includes a personalized wedding ceremony written for you, attending the rehearsal, and processing your marriage license after the wedding. The officiating fee is $300 for Faithbridgers, and $350 for non-Faithbridgers.
+
We conduct our appointments in person, at Faithbridge.
+
We have limited capacity but are accepting new couples. If any of this sounds helpful to you, we’d love to chat further and get something on the calendar. You can contact Pastor Wayne at wayne.risher@faithbridge.org.

We're Married. What Can We Do?

Some couples want to go from good to great and come see us for a check-up or check-in appointment. Other couples find themselves in a rough patch and don’t quite know how to move forward. We offer short-term marriage coaching to help you tune-up, get moving in the right direction with healthy processing and tools, and help trouble-shoot problem areas. We do not provide long-term counseling services.


MARRIAGE FAQs:

+
Yes. We can officiate a wedding renewal ceremony for you. We would initially meet before planning your renewal ceremony.
+
  • Communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Financial tune-up
  • Parenting
  • Family dynamics
  • Building an identity as a couple
  • Affair recovery
  • Managing expectations
  • Balancing career and family
  • Family strategy (direction, goals, and plans)
+
Yes. These are optional and often add clarity and direction.
+
From time to time, we have specific relationship-building groups, speakers, or events, but for the most part, married couples meet together with a pastor or a marriage mentoring couple in a private setting. In most cases, for marriage help, the couple comes together, not individually, for couples care.
+
Yes, confidentiality is expected among all parties.
+
No. This is a care ministry provided by Faithbridge. However, we do not provide long-term counseling. Instead, we provide short-term care for the helpful benefit of those who need it.
+
If we can’t provide the help and support you need, we will refer you to a practicing professional counselor for couples or individuals depending on your needs. Click here for a list of our recommended licensed counselors.
+
We have limited capacity but are accepting new couples. If any of this sounds helpful to you, we’d love to chat further and get something on the calendar. You can access contact info for any of our Pastoral Care staff here.


Need to talk to someone?

Jesus designed His Church to be a place of genuine love, help, and ultimate healing. We want you to know we are here for you in a variety of ways, including providing a pastor or care ministry staff for you to talk to when you need it.

Pastoral Care Info

X