What Leaders Are Saying

"This is a book I wish I had read when I was a young pastor; I would have had in my hands a book chock-full of biblical wisdom about how to do pre-marriage counseling. Jamie presents convictions that are thoroughly biblical and in some ways obvious, but lost in our me-first world of casual evangelical Christianity. His track record in the 150 marriages he has performed is proof that these principles actually work. Get a copy of this book for your pastor and send it to any couple planning to meet at the altar."

Erwin W. Lutzer
Pastor Emeritus, The Moody Church, Chicago

"This book reads like Proverbs. It is filled with wisdom for before an engagement let alone a wedding. The author hearkens us back to biblical truths that are often lost amidst social media memes and headlines describing the latest marriage break up. It is essential foundational teaching for the successful life-long union of Christians considering marriage."

Rev. Mark Barnard
Blessing Point Ministries

"I have had the privilege of counseling scores of couples regarding premarital and marriage issues throughout more than 55 years of educational ministry. I have seen firsthand the tremendous blessing of a healthy, Christ-centered marriage, as well as the heartache that results when couples enter marriage without the biblical convictions and preparation they need.

For these reasons, I find Jamie Mitchell's Shutting the Door on Failed Christian Marriages: Six Convictions You Need Before Marriage to be an extremely valuable and timely resource. I have known Jamie for many, many years and have greatly respected his faithfulness, wisdom, and genuine love for couples and families.

Jamie's six convictions are firmly rooted in Scripture while also providing practical wisdom for living them out. His emphasis that marriage preparation must begin long before the wedding day—and that parents, pastors, and the church have a vital role in preparing the next generation—is especially important.

I wholeheartedly commend this book to pastors, parents, couples, and Christian leaders. My prayer is that Jamie's message will help inspire a renewed commitment to the sanctity and permanence of marriage and equip couples to build strong, Christ-centered marriages that truly last a lifetime."

Dr. Peter W. Teague
President Emeritus, Lancaster Bible College

"It is interesting to open a book on marriage and discover that the principles outlined by the author mirror what I have found to be true in pastoral ministry over the past three-plus decades. That was my experience opening this book. I'd like to attribute it to 'great minds think alike', but I know Jamie and I know myself. There are no great minds in play here. But there is sound wisdom from God's word, and Jamie applies it with clarity and care. A basic understanding of biblical marriage can seem almost radical these days, but Jamie helps us see that it is all the more vital in our changing world. Read this if you are preparing for marriage, if you are counseling about marriage, if you are evaluating your own marriage. It will be worth the time spent."

Andy Farmer
Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church, Chadds Ford, PA

"After 50+ years of ministry and officiating more than 100 weddings, I believe it would be foolish for pastors to ignore the wise counsel that Jamie frames in these Six Convictions. They are simplistic, foundational, and biblical. Pastors need to determine if they want to invest their time in 'planting trees' or 'fighting fires.' I, too, prefer a preventative and proactive strategy in ministry to build healthy family systems instead of the prescriptive bandaging of wounded lives from failed marriages and broken homes. This is a must read for pastors before saying 'yes' to the next request to officiate a wedding ceremony."

Rev. Dr. James R. Ayers
Professor Emeritus, Lancaster Bible College/Capital Seminary & Graduate School

"Jamie Mitchell writes as a pastor who has sat across the desk from countless couples. He has seen what makes a marriage last and what quietly undermines it. He sets out six clear, biblical convictions to settle before the wedding. Chief among them is marrying only a growing believer and closing the door on divorce for good. What I appreciate most is his desire for marriages that honor Christ, and not only marriages that endure. This book is for singles, parents, and every pastor who takes premarital counseling seriously."

Dr. Richard Bargas
Executive Director, IFCA International