Knightdale — For years now, the church has fallen short in its role as a supporter of marriage.

That’s an argument Phillip Lyon hopes to change.

The young-ish pastor of Knightdale Church of God and members of his congregation are about to embark on a six-week study of how to make marriages stronger.

It’s a study Lyon hopes others will take up with his church.

“Studies show that about 50 percent of the marriages in the church fail,” Lyon said. “That’s about the same number as society as a whole.”

The study Lyon hopes to lead is a multi-pronged effort aimed at those in the pews on Sunday mornings and those who are willing to invest a few nights in small group studies.

Called “Fireproof Your Marriage,” the study begins with a movie that features a couple headed down the path toward divorce. Answering a challenge by his father to take part in the “Love Dare,” Caleb slowly begins to realize his true role in marriage.

Lyon and several small group leaders plan to host small-group meetings throughout Wake County after the initial screening of the film to let couples work through the Love Dare themselves as a way to strengthen their own marriages.

But Lyon cautions that the Fireproof project is not intended just for those whose marriage is on the rocks.

“This is a like a devotional guide for anyone who wants to make their marriage stronger,” Lyon said. And, he says, couples who aren’t married but have long-term commitments can also benefit by taking part.

He says marriage is a key institution in today’s society despite the fact that so many end in divorce.

“The Bible says we’re supposed to marry. It’s one of God’s commandments. We want marriages to stay together, not fall apart. We know that there are going to be some problems. No relationship is perfect,” Lyon said.

“But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence.”

Lyon will kick off the study of marriage in his sermon Sept. 21. The movie will be screened during the 11 a.m. service. Small group meetings will begin in early October.

The church is at 4272 Old Faison Rd., Knightdale. Call 261-0568 for more information.