More About Marriage Care

Over the years, we have been acutely aware of the stress on the marital life of students during their seminary career. Graduating seminary couples were reporting that the seminary years, instead of strengthening their marriages, often brought negative pressures to bear on husband-wife interaction. All of this stirs the conviction that seminary couples need to be intentional about preventative measures in the care of their marriages.

Some years ago, an extensive study at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary indicated a strong need for a supportive network to aid seminary couples in the strengthening and enriching of their marriages. It was suggested that this emphasis be offered as part of the seminary career for married seminarians. To our knowledge, nothing in the way of a formal venture regarding this issue was implemented in any other major seminary.

The 1982-83 school year saw the advent of the formation of Marriage Care support groups. Since then, 864 couples have been involved in Marriage Care support groups. If you and your spouse would like to participate, you can attend an introductory session that will launch you and your new group on the path of marriage enrichment.

Marriage Care was developed by Bill and Anita Smith and is currently being run by Rev. John and Stephanie Nelson and Rev. Keith and Janine Pearson. The Nelsons and Pearsons have been working with the Marriage Care program at Luther for over four years and each has incorporated this ministry into their own parishes. If you have any questions or comments about Marriage Care, please feel free to contact them.