“I’M GOING TO THE CHAPEL …AND I’M  GONNA GET MARRIED” 
[“Chapel of Love” by the Dixie Cups- 1964]
Article by Tom Sanders — Catalyst Church Planting Specialist, Board of Missions, Denver, CO

How many couples are now going to the chapel -- that is, turning to the church today when they think of marriage?  It is estimated that on any given week-end, approximately half of the weddings taking place are not being done in churches.  The weddings occur in homes, in outdoor settings, in restaurants, or before secular officials.  At the same time, many couples still want a ceremony that has spiritual meaning to it.

They also want a successful marriage, but they don’t know exactly how God might fit into that.  So what should we do- wait on them to come to us…or make ourselves available to them?  As Rev. Bill Yaccino, founder of Wedding Pastors USA asks, “What about the majority of couples who do not understand the care and guidance of God? Do we call them first to rules of Christian living, or do we call them first to a relationship with a life-changing Savior?”

During the year and a half I have been part of Wedding Pastors USA, I have received many contacts from persons outside the church looking for someone to officiate at their wedding.  I have had opportunity to be of help to many of them.  I have had opportunity to help not only the couple themselves, but also have been able to minister to the extended family as well.  I recently had a chance to re-unite in marriage a couple who had divorced earlier, but discovered that God had been behind putting them together after all!   Some of these couples are Christians, most of them are seekers, but none of them had any significant relationship with a local church community.  Because they asked me to do their wedding, many heard for the first time that God wanted to be involved in their lives as well as their marriage.  It has been one of the best things I have done to meet people outside of the church, minister to them where they are, and hopefully build a foundation for a growing relationship.  It is a fun way to be missional!

If you would like further information about Wedding Pastors USA, check out their website at www.WeddingPastorsUSA.org.

Tom Sanders
Catalyst Church Planting Specialist
Board of Missions - Denver, CO