Cross Road Baptist Church Pastor Andrew Gilder wanted to reach out to the community near his church in Verbena by creating a family conference.

“I had a vision because I noticed in the community there were a lot of single parents,” Gilder said. “A lot of families who have one parent in the home, and I wanted to create something that would be a good outreach for the people in this community.”

A “Unite the Family” marriage conference started Aug. 31 and will continue through Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. each night at the church.

Gilder said topics covered during the conference include the role of a Christian husband, the role of a Christian wife and the role of Christian children.

“This is not just for couples who are married, this is for the entire family,” Gilder said. “I believe it is good for people to come and see what the Bible has to say about being a good husband, wife and child. There are so many children out there who grow up seeing one parent in the home, and they think that is the only outlet. It is important as a church, and as a pastor, to teach them the strength of marriage and the importance of marriage. It is also good for children who will one day grow up and get married to hear about the importance of marriage at an early age.”

This is the first year for the church to host a conference, but Gilder said he anticipates making it an annual event.

“We want to have a lot more of these,” Gilder said. “It is good for those in the community to come together.”

The church is located at 670 County Road 438 in Verbena.

For more information about the conference, or to attend Wednesday night’s session, call (334) 322-7503.