Spring 2013

Premarital Counseling

Is One of those Conversations that Immediately Triggers Conversations Among Pastors

...including talk of the deep satisfaction of watching God’s Spirit at work. But—to be honest—even more of the conversations revolve around the challenges of premarital sessions. The tough questions, the honest feedback, the anxiety of, What if I’m just not sure I can partake in this covenant?

Perhaps you can relate to this comment from an EFCA pastor:

“So many people don’t see the value of a ‘piece of paper.’ They’ve watched way too many marriages in and out of the church fail, to believe that a wedding makes any difference. So perhaps the primary question that pastors need to ask in our culture isn’t, ‘Whom should we marry and how do we go about it?’ Perhaps the urgent question of our day is, ‘How do we help people understand and value marriage?’”

In this issue, listen in as various EFCA leaders discuss how they embark on the premarital conversation—how they address practical, important issues with each engaged couple but also introduce the reality of the beauty and honor of this lifetime commitment.

Said another EFCA pastor: “My assistant tells me that she read my wedding policy and while she didn’t disagree with its stance, she thought that the whole thing was harsh and unwelcoming. I can’t wait to read this issue. I need it.”

Before They Say " I Do"

…INCLUDING TALK OF THE DEEP SATISFACTION OF WATCHING GOD’S SPIRIT AT WORK. But—to be honest—even more of the conversations revolve around the challenges of premarital sessions. The tough questions, the honest feedback, the anxiety of, What if I’m just not sure I can partake in this covenant?

Perhaps you can relate to this comment from an EFCA pastor:

“So many people don’t see the value of a ‘piece of paper.’ They’ve watched way too many marriages in and out of the church fail, to believe that a wedding makes any difference. So perhaps the primary question that pastors need to ask in our culture isn’t, ‘Whom should we marry and how do we go about it?’ Perhaps the urgent question of our day is, ‘How do we help people understand and value marriage?’”

In this issue, listen in as various EFCA leaders discuss how they embark on the premarital conversation—how they address practical, important issues with each engaged couple but also introduce the reality of the beauty and honor of this lifetime commitment.

Said another EFCA pastor: “My assistant tells me that she read my wedding policy and while she didn’t disagree with its stance, she thought that the whole thing was harsh and unwelcoming. I can’t wait to read this issue. I need it.”