The News
Church Leaders recently published pastoral guidance on how churches should respond to cohabiting couples, acknowledging that living together before or instead of marriage has become the expected norm rather than the exception in most communities.
Why It Matters
You've likely already noticed this shift in your congregation. The couples sitting in your pews aren't making the choices previous generations made—and judgment won't bring them closer to Jesus. But clarity won't either if you don't have it yourself. Cohabitation raises real questions about commitment, sexuality, and what your church actually teaches about these things. Avoiding the conversation leaves both pastoral care and discipleship incomplete.
The Takeaway
Develop a clear, compassionate pastoral framework for conversations with cohabiting couples before they walk through your doors seeking marriage counsel.