Premarital Counseling

Premarital Counseling at Wooddale Church involves the following:

1. Initial meeting with a pastor 
2. Completion of the PREPARE inventory 
3. Three or more additional meetings with a pastor or marriage counselor

Read material sent to you and complete the “Background Information” questionnaire. Then call the church office to schedule an appointment for both of you to meet with the pastor you desire to officiate at your wedding.

Initial Meeting With A Pastor

This is an informal time to get acquainted and talk over matters that relate to your marriage and wedding. You will be asked a number of questions about yourselves, such as:

• How long have you been together? How long have you been engaged?
• How long have you been attending Wooddale Church?
• Share a little about your Christian experience. (It is important to note that the Bible does not allow marriage of a Christian to a non-Christian.)
• Tell a little about your family backgrounds and your goals and plans for the future.
• Why do you want to get married?
• What can Wooddale Church and its staff do to help you prepare for your wedding and marriage?
• What questions do you have?

The PREPARE inventory is a tool designed to help you learn more about yourself, your partner, and your relationship. You will be able to take the PREPARE inventory individually online, and it will take about one hour to complete. Please make an appointment with your officiating pastor to review the results.

Subsequent Meetings With Officiating Pastor or Professional Counselor

The officiating pastor or professional counselor will use the PREPARE inventory as the basis for at least four additional meetings designed to provide guidance and counseling for your relationship.  Following the premarital counseling the officiating pastor and another pastor will consult and make a recommendation to you. No wedding date will be confirmed on the calendar until all these steps have been completed.