People filed into the lecture hall at White Oak Conference Center in pairs. Some had been together for more than 40 years, others married only a few. But regardless of their history, all were present to strengthen their marriages at the first-ever Victorious Marriage Conference.
Clay and Ren?e CrosseClay and Renee Crosse, a Christian couple who watched Clay rise through the ranks of the Christian music world, told their story of fame and eventual confrontation with sin. By 1998, the Crosses were struggling under the lure of pornography and its acidic effect on a union. But fortunately, a subsequent reconciliation and rededication have launched a new ministry for the couple.
Today, healed and renewed, the Crosses are telling their story to a room full of couples.
“The pornography was just a symptom of a man not fully committed to God,” Renee Crosse told the gathering.
The Crosses have started Holy Homes Ministries that combines worship, music and a time of challenging couples around the country to strive for holiness in their homes.
“Pornography affects the entire family. It is not just one spouse’s problem,” said Renee.
The Crosses said catalogues and cable channels were cancelled in an effort to purposefully choose Christ over the offerings of this world.
“Intentional is a word that we have come to appreciate,” Clay said. “Every day, intentionally say, ‘I want to be a different person.'”
Are holy homes attainable?
The Crosses outlined practical advice to guard homes, including constantly reading scripture and praying together as a family. They spoke of the flippant nature to which they approached those practices before, and how important these practices now have become for their family.
“Prior to 1998, the Bible was something I used on Sunday,” admitted Renee.
Born out of a stop on a listening tour by convention executive director-treasurer Carlisle Driggers, the conference also included workshops on finances, anger management, newlyweds and stepfamilies, among others.
Clay encouraged the group by saying, “The people who are here are showing a great willingness to become better.”