Who is that couple you never dreamed would get a divorce, who got a divorce? If you are a church leader, chances are you have a long list of the couples who fit that description. Pastors tell me the same story over and over of couples who they just can’t believe called it quits. I talk to small group leaders who tell me the same story over and over of couples in their group that never mentioned anything. Why is that the case? Why do we not hear from these couples until it is too late? The constant thing I hear over and over, is that people don’t mention it because they feel like they are the only ones—that everyone else’s marriage is perfect. If there has ever been a case for transparency in the church, it is in this area. Church leaders, whether you lead a small group or are the primary communicator of your church, we have to unearth two hidden facts when it comes to marriage:

1)   Struggles in your marriage are normal.

2)   Hope in your marriage is available.

Struggles in your marriage are normal. We have to say this over and over and over. We have to give examples of this over and over.

Hope in your marriage is available. We have to say this over and over. We have to give examples of this over and over.

As a church, for us to be able to communicate over and over that struggles in your marriage are normal and hope in your marriage is available, we have to have a marriage strategy that gives us different avenues to get this message into the hearts of married people. We need to leverage our influence in large groups, small groups, and with individual couples.

What do you think is one of the top issues couples struggle with?
Where do you see hope for married couples?
What is the best way for the church to communicate that struggles in your marriage are normal and hope in your marriage is available?

From 2001-2010, Ted Lowe worked as the Director of MarriedLife at North Point Community Church. His wife Nancie played a huge role in hosting and planning MarriedLife programs at North Point. It was during their time at North Point that they decided they not only wanted to help the married people at North Point, but married people at churches all over the world. So, in partnership with Orange and church leaders everywhere, they are working fast and furiously to—HELP CHURCHES HELP MARRIAGES. They have three children: Chapman (10), Judson (7), and Teddie (5), and live in Cumming, Georgia. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.