Help Us Reclaim Family Culture—One Church at a Time
A Letter from Chris Lightfoot, Executive Director of CCV’s Church Ambassador Network
I've been thinking through how we can build a culture where family truly thrives in light of the insights from our marriage and family report, Hope and a Future. It's clear the responsibility extends to all of us: government, businesses, civil society, and, most importantly, our faith communities.
While the state does have work to do to get financial incentives right for families and teach the value of marriage in public schools, the truth is that reshaping culture to appreciate marriage and family is primarily the work of local churches.
But many churches and nonprofits are missing an opportunity to directly engage on this crucial issue. Too often, the conversation about marriage and family is avoided or seen as only relevant to those in crisis. But every member of our community—whether single, married, or raising children—can benefit from a deeper understanding of how to form and sustain healthy relationships.
That’s why I’m writing.
We’re equipping local churches with the tools, resources, and support they need to build a culture of strong families in every community. But we can’t do it alone.
We need your help to:
Expand our Team — Your donation will help us expand our work with churches by bringing on more talented staff to meet the need.
Advance Our Partnership with Communio — We're partnering with Communio, a nonprofit that equips churches with data tools and proven strategies to grow and strengthen relationships. Their approach has transformed communities, and now we're bringing it to Ohio.
Empower Local Churches — By partnering with us, you’ll help provide training and encouragement to pastors and leaders so they can create ministries that support every family.
Champion Faith-Based Family Values — Your gift will help us share the life-changing truth that faith-based marriages are stronger, happier, and more resilient, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
More About the Vision
How are we serving churches across the state to start building a stronger family culture in their communities? We want to help churches and pastors:
Destigmatize Marriage and Relationship Ministry — This ministry should not be seen as something only for those struggling, but rather a space for everyone to grow in the virtues needed for healthy marriages and strong families. It should be fun and accessible for singles, couples, and parents alike.
Lead by Example — Pastors and lay leaders set the tone when they participate in relationship and marriage ministries that are appropriate for their state of life. In addition to preaching about relationships, churches can teach practical skills like forgiveness, communication, and healthy conflict resolution to all ages.
Inspire a Vision for Marriage — While not everyone will marry, marriage remains a vital path for personal growth. Churches are uniquely positioned to regularly share an inspiring vision of marriage that highlights its beauty, power, and challenges—encouraging everyone to see it as a good, valuable, lifelong adventure.
Emphasize Faith-Based Marriage — With the data we now have, churches in Ohio can confidently make it clear that faith-based marriage strengthens not only individuals but communities. Couples who attend religious services together are more likely to experience stability and happiness in their marriages, along with a stronger emotional connection.
Share the Good News — Research shows that couples who are regular churchgoers report better relationships, greater sexual satisfaction, and a stronger sense of commitment than those who do not participate in religious communities. It’s time we celebrate and promote this truth!
Our state’s future depends on the health of our families.
That’s why I’m inviting you to take action. Will you make a donation today to help strengthen families?
If you’re ready to get involved or have questions about how your church or community can make a lasting impact, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for standing with us in this mission. Together, we can make Ohio a place where families thrive.
Via Veritas, Vita -
Chris Lightfoot
Church Ambassador Network
Executive Director
