Brad and Marilyn Rhoads formed Grace Marriage in 2012 to equip churches with an ongoing strategy for marriage ministry and help couples build marriages that showcase God’s grace. Five years ago, they launched Ignite, a one-day marriage enrichment event.
It will return to Pleasant Valley Community Church on Saturday, August 17, and Brad Rhoads said the experience would benefit all married couples, regardless of the state of their marriage.
“It’s a community marriage enrichment event, and it gets people excited about marriage,” Rhoads said. “Wherever you are, this will help take your marriage to the next level. So, if you’re struggling a little, it can help you get back on your feet, or if you’re doing well, it can keep you from just going through the motions.”
He said several couples will think their relationship is fine, but ultimately, they’re just going through the motions. The event’s goal is to help couples establish ongoing rhythms and refrain from simply maintaining the “norm.”
“We see several marriages where they have found a norm they can tolerate, and it’s the same thing each day, but there’s not a lot of fun or deep connection – it’s just lost,” he said. “As the name suggests, Ignite helps to bring more zip into the marriage. It provides opportunities to consistently invest in their relationship over time, rather than drifting into a stagnant coexistence.”
Rhoads added that now, husbands and wives both typically work, and by the time they care for the kids, pay the bills, and strive to be good people, they’ve left nothing for each other. Then, they go to bed and do it again the next day until the marriage ultimately falls to the wayside.
Organizers have gone above and beyond to target Ignite towards all married couples. Rhoads said they will pair short teaching sessions with time for couples to connect. He also promised lunch, games, and plenty of giveaways.
“All couples will benefit from this,” he said. “It’s so easy to be dominated by life and quit enjoying each other. It will be a very festive environment.”
Rhoads said there is space for 125 couples, and they’ve sold out each of the past couple of years. They hope to have a larger space by 2025.
The event costs $35 per couple, and lunch is provided. Click here to register.
“Ignite has been gaining momentum each year, with more and more new people coming,” Rhoads said. “Every marriage needs attention to thrive. Nothing grows without investment. Investment accounts don’t grow unless you invest in them. The same is true with marriages. We need to be in a real pattern of investment.”
