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Our Services

Pre-Marital Counseling

Pre-Marital Education Class: Preparing for a Thriving Marriage

Facilitated by: Rev. Emmanuel and Dr. Althea Penn  
Certified Family Development Specialist and Odained Clergy Member  

Overview:
This pre-marital education class meets the requirements set by Gwinnett County and Newton County, Georgia, for couples seeking a discounted marriage license. It is designed to help couples lay a strong foundation for their marriage by addressing key areas of marital life through practical teaching and biblical wisdom. We discuss God's prpose for marriage. Guided by Coach Penn’s expertise, couples will explore meaningful topics and gain the tools necessary for a marriage that honors Christ and withstands life's challenges.

Key Topics Covered  
1. Communication & Conflict Resolution:  
Develop effective listening and speaking skills to build trust and manage disagreements with grace. Based on biblical principles like James 1:19, couples will learn how to approach conflict as an opportunity for growth.  

2. Building a God-Centered Marriage:
Understand the importance of keeping Christ at the center of your relationship, aligning your marriage with God’s design (Ecclesiastes 4:12; Ephesians 5:22-33).  

3. Financial Stewardship: 
Learn practical financial management strategies, including budgeting, saving, and giving, while applying biblical wisdom such as Proverbs 21:5 and Malachi 3:10.  

4. Roles, Responsibilities, & Expectations:
Identify and discuss expectations for each spouse while exploring God’s design for marriage roles, rooted in Ephesians 5:21-33 and Proverbs 31.  

5. Emotional & Spiritual Intimacy: 
Discover how to nurture emotional closeness and develop spiritual habits, such as praying together, studying scripture, and attending church as a couple.  

6. Handling Life Transitions:
Prepare for the transitions that come with blending two lives, from merging households to navigating extended family dynamics, while maintaining unity as a couple (Philippians 2:2).  

Additional Topics Inspired by "Preparing for Marriage" by Focus on the Family: 
- Personal Histories & Their Impact: Understand how your past experiences and family dynamics shape expectations and behaviors in your marriage. Learn how to address these influences with humility and understanding, rooted in forgiveness and healing (Colossians 3:13).  
- Spiritual Leadership & Shared Vision: Explore the role of spiritual leadership in marriage and create a shared vision for your future together, including your family’s mission, values, and goals. This is grounded in Habakkuk 2:2 and Proverbs 29:18.  
- Intimacy & Sexuality in Marriage: Discuss the biblical perspective on intimacy, focusing on building trust and understanding God’s gift of physical connection (1 Corinthians 7:3-5; Song of Solomon 2:16).  

Class Format:
- Duration: Eight hours total (as required by Georgia law), offered as a one-day seminar or over multiple sessions to fit couples' schedules.  Virtual or in-person (Gwinnett and Newton Counties).  
Certification:
Upon successful completion, couples will receive a certificate of completion, fulfilling the pre-marital education requirements for a discounted marriage license in Gwinnett County and Newton County.

Why Choose This Class? 
Coach Penn brings a unique combination of professional expertise as a certified family development specialist and spiritual wisdom as a clergy member. The class provides couples with practical tools, spiritual guidance, and scripture-based encouragement, preparing them for a marriage that reflects God’s love and purpose.

Sessions are typically held:

Mondays 7-8 pm ET

Thursdays 7-8 pm ET

Saturdays 7-8 pm ET

You will be contacted within 24 hours to book the appointment. 

Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

1. No Refund Policy:
All payments for services are non-refundable. By registering and submitting payment, you acknowledge and agree to this policy.

2. Missed Appointments:
If an appointment is missed without prior notice, the session will be considered forfeited and cannot be rescheduled. No refunds or credits will be provided for missed appointments.

3. Rescheduling Policy:
Each client is allowed to reschedule an appointment one time only. Rescheduling must be requested at least 48 hours in advance of the originally scheduled appointment. Any subsequent missed or rescheduled appointments will result in forfeiture of the session without a refund.

4. Late Arrivals:
Sessions will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Late arrivals will not result in an extension of the session time, and the session will end at the originally scheduled time.

5. Cancellation and Notice:  
In the event that the facilitator needs to cancel a session due to unforeseen circumstances, a rescheduled date will be offered. No additional charges will apply for such cases.

6. Agreement to Terms:
By participating in the services provided, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions.

Disclaimer

1. Purpose of Services:
The mentoring and pre-marital counseling sessions provided by Coach Penn amd Dr. Penn are intended for informational and educational purposes. They are not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic treatment. Participants are encouraged to seek additional professional services if necessary.

2. Limitations of Liability:
While every effort is made to ensure that the advice and guidance offered during sessions are helpful and accurate, Coach Penn and associated parties are not responsible for any personal, relational, or financial outcomes resulting from the application of the information provided. Participation is voluntary, and attendees assume full responsibility for their decisions and actions.

3. Spiritual Guidance: 
Sessions are conducted from a Christian faith-based perspective. Participants acknowledge that the teachings and advice will reflect biblical principles and values, which may not align with all personal beliefs.

4. Professional Credentials: 
Coach Penn is a Certified Family Development Specialist and ordained  clergy member, but he is not licensed to provide psychological or clinical counseling. By attending these sessions, participants agree to this scope of practice.

5. Confidentiality Agreement:
While efforts are made to maintain confidentiality, participants acknowledge that absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in group settings or virtual calls. It is advised that sensitive personal information be shared with discretion.

 

Privacy Policy

1. Collection of Information:
Basic information, including names and contact details, may be collected for the purpose of scheduling and communication. By providing this information, participants consent to its use for these purposes only.

2. Storage and Security:  
Personal information will be stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel. Measures are in place to protect your information from unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure.

3. Use of Information:
Information provided during sessions will be used solely for the facilitation of mentoring or counseling activities. Coach Penn and associated parties will not share your information with third parties unless required by law or with the participant's explicit consent.

4. Group Setting Confidentiality: 
Participants in group mentoring or counseling sessions acknowledge that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed when other attendees are present. Participants are encouraged to exercise discretion when sharing personal details.

5. Rights of Participants: 
Participants have the right to request access to, modification of, or deletion of their personal information at any time. Requests can be made by contacting Coach Penn directly.

6. Compliance with Legal Requirements:  
This privacy policy complies with all relevant local and federal laws governing the protection of personal information.

7. Mandated Reporter Policy for Clergy:
As a clergy member, Coach Penn is a mandated reporter in compliance with Georgia state law. This means that any disclosure of suspected abuse, neglect, or harm involving minors, the elderly, or other vulnerable individuals must be reported to the appropriate authorities. While every effort is made to maintain confidentiality, participants understand that Coach Penn is legally obligated to report such disclosures, even without the consent of the individual involved.

8. Updates to Policy:
Coach Penn reserves the right to modify or update this privacy policy at any time. Participants will be notified of changes in advance, where applicable.

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