Research has shown that effective marriage preparation results in greater satisfaction in marriage and better ability to handle stress and differences in constructive ways. Asbury’s Couple-to-Couple ministry provides an opportunity to discuss topics that will help build a strong marriage, such as: expectations, goals, finances, in-laws, roles and responsibilities, communication, and conflict resolution. Each engaged couple planning to be married at Asbury meets with a Support Couple several times before the wedding. When plans are confirmed and a date for the wedding is set, the couple is assigned a trained Support Couple. Also, those who are married by an Asbury pastor are invited to participate in Couple-to-Couple, regardless of where their ceremony is held.

Most meetings occur in the married couple’s home and last around 1-1/2 hours. Support Couples are caring Christians with Christ-centered marriages, who are taught to be facilitators, not counselors. All discussions are kept confidential, and referrals are made to Christian marriage therapists when appropriate.

After taking a version of PREPARE, a relationship inventory, the Support Couple and the engaged couple discuss the results, identifying both strength and growth areas. In addition, engaged couples do homework in a workbook entitled Preparing For A Marriage That Lasts A Lifetime. Sometimes the church offers other alternative growth options for engaged couples.

After the wedding, Support Couples offer the option of meeting three times during the first year to discuss common issues of early marriage.