In most places it is more difficult to get a drivers license than a marriage license. Little wonder that many times our cars outlast ours marriages! “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is certainly the case in marriage. Pre-marriage seminars are a wonderful opportunity for the church to build a crowd and make a difference.
Plenty of options are available. Choose an engaging video presentation if the church does not have a presenter. Consult the local conference and scour your Christian bookstore. The selection of the presenter is always important, so choose one or a team who will be transparent, engaging and, most of all, interesting. This seminar really lends itself to a multiple meeting format of approximately 8 to 12 weeks.
As usual, the best place to start is with couples at church. Encourage each of them to recruit another couple. This approach is always appropriate when building seminar attendance. It not only adds additional recruiters, but those couples who bring couples will always have a greater excitement for and commitment to the seminar. Some creative souls have found couples to invite by reading wedding announcements in the local newspaper or other public sources. Be creative, but also respectful of what is considered appropriate for your town and culture.
The seminar should include one of a number of helpful instruments to determine compatibility, temperament and potential problem areas. Allow plenty of time for the couples to share their excitement and apprehensions. It is important that the couple or individuals leading the group do more than share personal experiences. The engaged couples need not only professional advice but personal practical experience to form a firm foundation.
