A lot of health for marriages lies in the prework, before the marriage happens. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Kaleb Beyer and Arlan Miller speak about the pre-contemplative, contemplative and engagement phase of marriage and the great deal of promise these stages hold. They bring to bear resources and advice for both singles and the supportive community that surrounds them.

Show Notes:

The health of the marriage is what individuals bring into the marriage to create it. For this reason, attention to oneself is a critical starting point for future marital health. Singles should consider the following:

• Walk with God in healthy discipleship.
• Develop a healthy Christ-centered identity.
• Grow in healthy self-awareness.
• Learn to cope with uncertainty or unmet expectations.
• Nurture a community that will provide godly counsel.
• Gain realistic expectations for marriage.
• Steward a healthy understanding of intimacy.

Engagement is a unique and time-bound stage for engaged couples. If not stewarded well, wedding preparation can overshadow marital preparation. Couples should consider the following:

• Develop healthy connections with each other.
• Grow in friendship.
• Learn to honor each other.
• Establish a practice of proactively stepping into issues that arise in the relationship.
• Establish healthy rhythms that will carry over into the marriage.