In the summer of 2000, Dr. Laird started performing weddings for young, unchurched couples on his days off. It proved a most fruitful doorway into the world of the unchurched, formerly churched, and even some then-currently churched who professed to be Christians but who, for whatever reasons, were not getting married in a church yet wanted an ordained minister (and, in 90% of the cases, some kind of religious service). They sought him out through his web site so all contacts were (and still are) initiated by these unchurched couples. In the majority of cases these couples were alienated and/or disenfranchised from organized Christian fellowship.

Between the web site and in-person interviews in the couple's own homes, safe and trusting relationships were established very quickly. An openness to talk about issues impacting their wedding and, even more, their relationship established the bridge to frankly address church and faith issues. To his surprise and delight, he discovered a great receptivity to very deep personal and spiritual conversations. But his eyes were also opened to story after story of painful rejection, shame, judgment and alienation. The vision -- and imperative -- was thus born for establishing a new kind of credible Christian ministry to touch these priceless souls with the love of Jesus Christ.

Credibility with the bride and groom also gained Dr. Laird credibility with their friends, family, and extended family -- hundreds of people who knew and were impacted by the couples' painful stories. The wedding ministry, then, also served as a fruitful PORTAL to establish -- or reestablish -- Christian credibility to broad segments of the unchurched population in a happy, personal, and non-threatening way.