Descriptive assessment of premarital programs: A sample of Southern Baptist churches

Abstract

Premarital programs have been in existence for over fifty years. A majority of the programs are church-based. The purpose of this study, using a random sample survey of Southern Baptist churches, was to compile a description of what these churches were doing in premarital preparation work; examine what effects, if any, church size had on the type of program offered, church program leader characteristics and topic coverage. Descriptive material was compiled. Churches were divided into five size categories. Statistical significance was detected based on size and type of format used. Larger churches were more likely to see couples in a group format setting versus individual or couple-only counseling. With consistency, larger churches were much more likely than the smaller to cover a broad range of topics in sessions. The pastor remained the primary individual to conduct the premarital program within their churches, regardless of church size.