Premier Online Publication Fighting Negative Perceptions of Christian Marriage

PRLog (Press Release) - Aug 27, 2007 -
Empowering Everyday Women Online Magazine, the premier online magazine for African American Christian women, is combating negative images of Christian marriage in its September issue, live online, Monday, September 3, 2007. (www.eewmagazine.com) Bishop Darrell Hines and Pastor Pamela Hines, married 28 years have been chosen as the featured cover story by Dianna Hobbs, Founder and Editor-In-Chief of EEW Magazine. Together, they pastor the 6,000 member congregation of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“I’m troubled by the image of marriage that’s being perpetuated,” say Hobbs. “I believe that more positive Christian examples of marriage need to be celebrated.” According to a 2004 study by the Barna Research Group, born-again Christians are just as likely as non-believers to divorce. The survey concluded that the divorce rate is higher for Christians when compared with non-believers. While some might agree that many Christian marriages have been unraveling as of late, Dianna Hobbs wants to shift the focus toward more positive marriage models among African American Christians.

Hobbs is not alone in her concern. In a recent article published by Charisma Magazine, Harry Jackson says, “It is no secret that black families have been under assault. African-American households have been suffering from fragmentation since slavery, when husbands were often sold away from their wives and mothers from their children.” (http://www.charismamag.com/somebody-say-amen/082207.html)

Hobbs believes, “With all the distorted images centering on unhappy marriages, domestic abuse, and messy divorces, we need more wholesome examples for the black family… and by wholesome examples, I mean models of marriage rooted in sound biblical principles.”

Hobbs inadvertently ran across the love story of Bishop Darrell and Pastor Pamela Hines while watching television one night. Pastor Pamela was discussing her newly-released book A Wife’s Prayer, Seeking God’s Best for your Husband, which has already sold more than 5,000 copies.

“I sort of stumbled across their love story,” recalls Hobbs. “It was about ten o’clock in the evening and I was working on a few editorial pieces for the magazine, but I still hadn’t settled upon a cover story.” Feeling burnt out, Hobbs turned on the television and saw Bishop Darrell and Pastor Pamela Hines being interviewed by Pastor Jentezen Franklin on TBN, Trinity Broadcasting Network, a popular religious network and highly-rated faith channel.  

“I got lost in their story and the next day I knew I had to reach out to Pastor Pamela,” say Hobbs. “She [Pastor Pamela] agreed to a one-on-one interview with me, we had a great conversation, and really hit it off.”

The exclusive interview focuses on inside secrets to sustaining a happy marriage, plus tips on healthy ways to resolve conflict found in Bishop Darrell Hines’ book, Resolving Conflict in Marriage.

A contributing staff editor for EEW Magazine says, “Anyone looking to achieve God’s best in their relationship needs to read the cover story. It promises to be a good one.”

EEW Magazine is a Christian publication that reaches thousands of African American Christian readers monthly, and has been dubbed the Christian alternative to secular magazines. “I’m really excited about the September issue,” says Hobbs, “I know our readers will enjoy it.” Hobbs feels strongly about giving Christian women something positive to read. “I sincerely believe that Bishop Darrell and Pastor Pamela Hines are a great choice,” she says.

For additional information on how EEW Magazine is promoting a more positive image of marriage and for interviews with Dianna Hobbs, Founder and Editor-In-Chief of EEW Magazine, contact: Kenya Hobbs, 1-877-419-6560 ext. 5 khobbs@eewmagazine.com, http://www.eewmagazine.com