About
The Try This at Home: Dating Pre-Engagement Course helps dating individuals thoughtfully discern whether they are ready for marriage before the pressure of engagement begins. Led by Dr. Jennifer Jill Schwirzer, this four-part course offers a biblically grounded, practical framework for evaluating readiness, character, and compatibility. The course begins with “The Covenant Foundation,” exploring how a personal covenant with God prepares a person for the covenant of marriage. Drawing from the biblical stories of Isaac and Rebekah and Ruth and Boaz, Dr. Schwirzer highlights principles such as placing God first, honoring wise counsel, maintaining healthy boundaries, seeking character over chemistry, and preserving freedom of choice. The next two lessons, “Deal Breakers” and “Deal Makers,” use Galatians 5 as a guide for relational discernment. Participants examine patterns that can damage a future marriage, including sexual sin, addiction, spiritual compromise, chronic conflict, jealousy, uncontrolled anger, selfish ambition, and substance misuse. They also consider the qualities needed for a healthy home: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The final lesson, “Are We Compatible?” helps participants look beyond attraction and personality labels to consider the practical realities of shared life. Topics include spiritual beliefs, values, family relationships, finances, health, politics, sexuality, career and ministry callings, parenting, lifestyle preferences, gender roles, and expectations for marriage. With structured workbook exercises, assessments, and discussion prompts, this course can be completed individually, as a dating couple, or with the support of an Abide coach, counselor, or your pastor. The goal is honest discernment, personal growth, and wise preparation for the lifelong covenant of marriage.
You can also join this program via the mobile app. Go to the app