Perhaps the time has come for us to take a community-oriented approach to the premarital effort. The church family must be willing to make a bigger investment of time, energy, thought, and prayer in preparing a premarital education program that supports and prepares couples and individuals in the church for marriage.5 The family ministries committee of the local church can serve as a wonderful resource. There are also many intervention programs that are ideal for use with premarital couples.6 Local churches can collaborate to provide premarital or relationship-strengthening classes for groups of couples. The pastor can then meet with couples privately to discuss deeper issues, and, when ready, make plans for the wedding. Christian counselors, therapists, and certified family life educators may also serve as an excellent resource in providing premarital education for couples.
Some churches use trained mentor couples.
These are couples who are committed to their own relationship and are interested in helping new couples have Christ-centered marriages. Keeping the Knot Tied Premarital education is a unique opportunity to influence the future of married couples, families, and society. Couples who participate in effective premarital preparation programs are reducing their risks of future marital distress and divorce and enhancing their capacity for a healthy, satisfying, and Christ-centered marriage. While we believe that premarital education is an opportunity for prevention, we must also say that its effects won't last for a lifetime. Couples will need ongoing support to maintain the preventive effectiveness.