Christians Engaged And Headed For Divorce

July 31, 2009 - PRLog -- Engaged And Headed For Divorce
This is true for 34% of Evangelical Christian marriages studied by Barna in 1999.   He suggests that this can be attributed to the following four attributes describing  Christian couples:
1.Christians are generally younger when they marry the first time.
2. Christians are less likely to have pre-marital counseling than non-Christians.
3. Christians tend to view their faith as protecting their marriage from divorce.
4. Christians are more likely to be ignorant about the problems that can develop within a marriage.
Steve and Susy Gerber, a born again Christian couple of nearly twelve years, have mentored many young couples and tend to agree with the Barna assumptions for the majority of marriage failures among Christians.
“The greatest obstacle facing couples today is the fact that they do not view themselves as a team of two.  They selfishly pursue their own desires and develop a mistrust for their mate in the meantime,” says Susy.  “If they truly believed they were on the same team, they would trust in each other enough to communicate needs and encourage the strengths in their partner, not be threatened by them.”
One new husband comments, "Steve and Susy really helped us see the truth in being on the same team.  That, along with some other very helpful communication tools they offered, has made all the difference with us.  Our differences used to drive us crazy... because we didn't understand them.  Steve and Susy helped us see that God has created the two of us differently so that we compliment each other.”
“Great marriages don’t just happen,” Steve emphasizes.  “You must have a mission and a mutual goal you’re pursuing together.  Ours is a life of love-for God, each other, and others in our community.  That partnered with our shared values of adventure, mission, and potential have taken us places we could only go together.”
Feeling so strongly about helping couples develop a strong sense of mission and purpose, the Gerbers  created the Prep for Marriage kit.  The kit includes a workbook and a CD guiding engaged couples through six self directed relationship coaching sessions and Bible studies.  It also includes a four session Mentor Guide to be used by a trusted, more experienced couple who are chosen by the soon- to-be-marrieds.  Prep for Marriage provides this and all the benefits of personal coaching, all for the cost of approximately one face to face session.
“We’re not interested in re-creating the wheel of status quo pre-marital counseling.  We want to pursue the tough personal issues facing Christian couples today:  emotional neediness, addictions, spiritual/physical intimacy, and true communication apart from false assumptions and self-focused interpretations.  We believe that through addressing these isssues, you can begin ‘Creating a Life You Can Love Together.’  That’s why we chose that for the title of our Prep for Marriage kit.”
If you’re looking to add inspiration and excitement to your relationship, the first session alone is worth the cost of the kit.  During this session, you’ll learn how to dream big together and design your ideal marriage.  The Gerbers encourage couples to consider practical day to day interactions in and outside of your home.  They believe that it’s these small encounters that makes up the personality of your marriage and ultimately the legacy you will leave as a couple.  If you are on the cusp of a wedding or an early anniversary in your marriage, the intentional, insight provoking assignments of Prep for Marriage is sure to give you a focused jump start “Creating a Life You Can Love Together”.

Steve and Susy Gerber have served in full time ministry for the past twelve years. Currently, they lead short term missions and wilderness trips with LeaderTreks, a Christian leadership development organization for students.  Steve is the Chief Officer of Ministry there, while Susy enjoys assisting clients through her personal development coaching business, InnerAction Coaching.  They currently reside in North Aurora, IL with their infant son, Truman and two English Setters, Hawken and Henry.  Contact them or order Prep for Marriage at www.TeamofTwoSite.com.