By the Power…

Serves Eden, NC

35244

Hired 49 times

2 employees

14 years in business

$205

4.9

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, and Square cash app.

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Credentials

Background Check

Max Goelling
Completed on 5/9/2024

Introduction

Weddings are far more than the fancy food, the nice flowers, and the nice gifts. In reality, they are one of the few times in our lives when people come together to share their support for others as they witness a sacred moment. Weddings offer you the moment to publicly demonstrate your love and commitment to the world and no matter the size of the event, this is a time for celebration. Whether it is a simple elopement, a small family event, or a formal church wedding, each ceremony will create the bond that will last a lifetime. No matter how many weddings I perform, I am still amazed at the many simple ways that couples bring parts of themselves to the ceremonies. A hippie wedding in a field where everyone is barefooted, a short ceremony in a mountain cabin surrounded only by family, a brief elopement in the apartment of a Soldier who was deploying the next morning - each of these events were special in their own ways. My goal is to help you create an experience that no matter how complicated, or simple it may feel during the planning phase, will live in everyone's memory as "that perfect day." Over the course of the last few weeks, I have seen weddings performed from balconies, through glass doors, and in fields where everyone stands a bit farther apart than they normally would - our lives must continue, and lives spent together are much happier than those spent alone. In our modern world, we can harness the power of technology to create a perfect, yet safe, ceremony. My goal is simple: help all couples celebrate their futures. It doesn't matter which religious tradition you come from (or none at all), your gender, race, or sexual orientation - everyone deserves to be happy and I am here to make that a reality. So, reach out to me and together we will create just the right combination of love and safety. NOTE: Much as my ministry is ecumenical in nature, so too is my position on COVID vaccines. Both my Wedding Day Coordinator, Debra, and I have had both the two initial vaccinations and the booster as well. Our focus has been, and always will be to conduct safe and healthy ceremonies.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Having discussed how best to price our services with numerous minsters, priests, and officiants, I found a wide range of opinions. Some say, charge nothing and just ask for a donation to their church (or favorite charity). Others say charge a significant amount so that potential brides and grooms will appreciate the value of your services. We have chosen to charge a fair price that covers our time, travel, and expertise. Ours is not a commodity that can be simply valued by a market analysis - it's far more of a personal touch. We also know that now is a time where budgets are stretched thin and that no matter how much a couple may want to have a ceremony, they think it is too expensive. I say where there is a will, there will be a way - contact our Wedding Coordinator and I guarantee you we can find that way.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Regardless of how we are introduced, my first goal is always to Our first goal is always to establish an environment of trust. My preference is to meet in person and when we do, I begin by asking some questions about the couple's vision of the event. If they would like to engage in any counseling sessions (finance, property ownership issues, religious challenges, etc.), we will find the best place and time for me to share a few ideas. If, on the other hand, they wish to continue the conversation by email, telephone, or text, I am more than happy to do so. Again, my goal is to create a high level of trust and comfort while exploring the best way forward.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Academically, I hold a Doctor of Theology, a Master of Christian Education, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and am a credentialed member of The National Association of Christian Minsters. As a counselor, I hold several licenses in the fields of financial advising, investment management, and protection strategies. I also am a certified sexuality educator and can provide counseling in this are as well. I have conducted many pastoral counseling sessions and continue to work with new couples as they process the many challenges that bringing two lives together can bring.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

Having spent many years in the military as a counselor and leader, I have had the opportunity to help guide hundreds of young Soldiers through the most demanding of challenges. I also have had the honor of conducting religious services across many military environments and have served in the Chaplain's role in several high-stress situations. I truly enjoy helping others reconcile some of their ideas about the meaning of marriage as an institution within the broader community. The decision to join two lives into one must not be made quickly or without a great deal of thought. I see my role as that of a guide through the religious, social, financial, personal, and legal worlds with the goal of removing some of the stress that this type of event produces.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Young couples just beginning their lives, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines as they integrate someone new into the world of the military, older couples who want to reaffirm their commitment to each other, multi-religious couples who wish to integrate different faiths into one ceremony, members of the LGBTQ community who felt rejected by their own faith communities, and many other couples who find my caring and non-judgmental approach to be just what they were looking for.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

The last wedding I performed was a bit of a hurried event as the young man was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. His young bride knew little about being a military wife and as veterans of that experience, my wife and I helped her navigate some of the many challenges that this new world presented. We conducted a there ceremony in their home and then helped the new military wife address several of the hurdles that she needed to face prior to her husband's departure. A wonderful experience that allowed us to reflect on the many challenges that a military life can bring.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Find someone that you trust. Spend some time learning about their approach, goals, and experiences. Ask them about their formal education and also about their ability to create that perfect experience. At the end of the day, it really isn't about calling yourself a "minister" - it is about living a ministry of caring and helping others find a collective path that allows them to live beautiful lives. This calling is not one to be taken lightly for the actions of the minister It is not focused on money, but rather on the feelings, passions, and dreams of the soon-to-be-married.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

The date, the venue, the music, and most importantly, the vows. Whether they choose to write their own, or simply allow the minister to choose them, they must understand that the words they speak as they look into each other's eyes, will form the basis for their new commitment. The minister's words must help create a community of support among all in attendance and must form the strong glue that binds the couple together.