history
Every Marriage Matters was founded June 2001 with the signing the Clackamas County Marriage Policy. With this Policy, leaders from 157 of the 300+ churches in the county agreed to minimum standards for marriage within their congregations. These standards include a focus on premarital preparation, nurture of existing marriages, and a focus on assisting couples going through distress.
An increase in the health of marriage could be measured indirectly by a reduction in the divorce rate. The Clackamas County divorce rate fell by 15 per cent during our first 4 years. As a matter of reference, over this same period, the US divorce rate dropped 5%.
Program that has contributed to this success includes: Premarital Mentor Couple Training, an annual pastor marriage celebration event, annual couples marriage events and classes, Reconciling God’s Way materials and classes, Portland Bridal Show participation, celebration of long-term marriages, a monthly e-newsletter, and a web site.
An increase in the health of marriage could be measured indirectly by a reduction in the divorce rate. The Clackamas County divorce rate fell by 15 per cent during our first 4 years. As a matter of reference, over this same period, the US divorce rate dropped 5%.
Program that has contributed to this success includes: Premarital Mentor Couple Training, an annual pastor marriage celebration event, annual couples marriage events and classes, Reconciling God’s Way materials and classes, Portland Bridal Show participation, celebration of long-term marriages, a monthly e-newsletter, and a web site.