Biblical Foundations for Premarital Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide for Priests and Christian Counselors

SUMMARY

This book serves as an in-depth resource for premarital counseling, combining biblical teachings with practical advice. It begins with the divine design for marriage, emphasizing its origin as a sacred covenant reflecting God’s image and Christ’s relationship with the Church, and highlights key aspects like companionship, procreation, and spiritual growth. The book outlines prerequisites for marriage, including spiritual maturity, character qualities, and emotional readiness, while also providing practical assessment tools. It offers a detailed initial assessment framework, addressing faith foundation and relationship dynamics, followed by core counseling sessions on faith, roles, communication, intimacy, and practical life together. The guide includes various assessment tools, biblical counseling methods, and special circumstances such as previous marriages and cultural considerations. It provides pre-wedding guidance on ceremony planning, vow writing, and premarital retreats, and extends support post- wedding with follow-up plans, crisis intervention, and ongoing mentorship. The comprehensive approach ensures couples are well-prepared for a godly marriage, grounded in biblical principles and equipped to navigate the challenges of married life.