Sunday, a portion of my message I spoke directly to those who have been:
- Dating FOREVER;
- Thinking about getting engaged FOREVER;
- Engage FOREVER;
- Living together but not married.
We discussed the fact that the tendency during this phase of our relationship is to be “opening our gifts” to each other, but NOT be married in God’s eyes! So I said” You know what YOU need to do if you’re in this category? Get married! Give in! Step out! Make the commitment with your heart and mind! You’ve already made it with the rest of your body!”
“There are lots of reasons you may have had about why now or ever is not the time to get married: haven’t had enough money; it’s a hassle; It’s risky; or you’re afraid. You might’ve had good intentions; time’s gotten away; you messed up; now you’re just too embarrassed to go back . But I am challenging you today to give in to God’s design! Invite God into your relationship. Ask Him to bless it! He can’t and won’t fully bless your relationship until you’re opening the gift according to His design! Don’t you want God’s blessing on your relationship?! What I’m calling for today from you is the courage and faith to trust God. Give in. And step out!!!”
I WAS SCARED TO DEATH TO SAY THE NEXT PHRASE. I DID NOT KNOW HOW WHAT I WAS ABOUT TO SAY WOULD BE RECEIVED BY PEOPLE IN OUR CHURCH. BUT HERE’S WHAT I SAID:
“Here’s the big surprise for you: what we want to do for you is eliminate all the barriers (cost; convenience; complacency) that might keep some of you from getting married! Here’s what our church wants to do for you: We want to throw you a free wedding on Sunday Mar 7 in our worship services!”
Here’s what we have worked to secure for potential bride and grooms:
- Free invitations.
- Free wedding gowns.
- Free tuxedo rentals.
- Free flowers for bride and groom.
- Wedding decorations for the church auditorium.
- Free photographs.
- Free hair and makeup artists for the brides on the day of the wedding.
- Free pre0marital counseling for each couple at our church.
As of right now we have eight couples interested in getting married next month and the calls and emails are still coming in!
We’ve had so many people step forward in our church and offer gifts, their own wedding gowns, and other various donations in kind. Our church is FIRED UP about this and it’s going to be one of the best days in the history of our church! Do YOU need to get married? You’re out of excuses! Care more about what God thinks than anyone else thinks! Give in to His design…and GET MARRIED!
If you missed the message form Sunday, check it here.
I think its great idea, I do hope the church is also offering help for after the marriage. I had friends who had been living together for a long time and getting married, even though the routine was the same, changed things and they needed help after the fact.
I hope you post wedding pictures as well:)
Posted by: angela rogers | February 09, 2010 at 08:36 AM
This is THE COOLEST idea that I have seen!!! BRILLIANCE!!!
Posted by: Jessica | February 09, 2010 at 11:27 AM
Shawn, love this idea...too cool...I will be praying for this God-honoring event.
Posted by: Jonathan Howes | February 09, 2010 at 08:46 PM
GREAT idea!!!! LOVE this!
Posted by: Amy (Dandelion Seeds | February 11, 2010 at 12:51 AM
This is GREAT! LOVE it!!!
Posted by: Amy Verlennich | February 11, 2010 at 12:53 AM
I was one of the lucky grooms at the mass wedding and am so thankful to God and the church for giving my wife and I the opportunity to move forward with God's plan. We had two people in our family who were stricken with cancer recently and financial woes that forced us to keep putting our wedding off.
Without the church, we would have not been able to move forward. I am happy to say one of our family members is in full remission with her cancer. Thank you for all of the prayers from everyone. :)
Posted by: James Kaney | March 10, 2010 at 02:40 PM