Premarital Counseling Among Christian Couples And The...

Premarital Counseling Among Christian Couples and the Effects on Divorce Rates William Q. McCardle Liberty University Abstract Premarital counseling is an option that is often prompted by clergy as a positive experience to explore the familiarities, differences, and expectations that couples hold prior to the marriage commitment. The goal of premarital counseling is to promote discussion of difficult questions that may arise after the nuptial vows. Examining the effects of premarital counseling among Christian couples will permit the exploration of how it alters divorce rates. The effectiveness of premarital counseling will be analyzed and deliberated using statistics, data, interviews, surveys, and library research. Targeted†¦show more content†¦Many young couples who are entering into marriage are caught up in the whirlwind of engagement parties, wedding plans, planning a new home, and meeting new family members; often, they cease to look beyond the present and think about the issues that may arise in the relationship during the future (Altenhofen, 2008). In some instances, couples are ill prepared for marriage because they do not have a relationship that has considered and worked through any type of conflict resolution (Phegley, 2003). Clergy who are entrusted to conduct the marriage ceremonies have a duty to assist couples in discussing and facing the difficulties that will arise as a marriage develops (McGeorge Carlson, 2006). Lack of communication can lead to many complications that often lead to individuals going their separate ways in a marriage (Clinton Sibcy, 2006). Through statistical information, research, interviews, and biblical accounts, one can determine whether premarital counseling among Christian couples has an effect on the divorce rate. The institution of marriage is blessed and instructed by God. Hebrews 13:4 of the King James Version of the Bible, instructs that, â€Å"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled.† (Hebrews 13:4, King James Version). Whenever Christ began his ministry on Earth , he chose members of a wedding feast to be the recipients of the