In a time when half of all marriages fail, sound advice for marital success is needed more than ever. Let's Talk Marriage is an exceptional premarital guidebook for couples wanting marriages that will last a lifetime. Speaking to readers as a friendly, experienced guide who has prepared more than a thousand couples for marriage, Pastor F. Dean Lueking extends a steadying hand, offering affirmation where couples are already confident and practical advice to help them recognize more difficult things that need attention. Central to Lueking's counsel is the crucial role of talk in healthy, enduring marriages. He gives couples the tools to foster open, caring, and purposeful communication - the surest path to a marriage that is solid, lasting, and happy. Couples are encouraged to read this book aloud together, so that they hear each other speaking things of importance - an exercise that will give them practice in developing the trust and maturity needed to open up to each other at those deeper levels of mutual enrichment. The book is packed with questions meant to help couples express to one another how they envision their respective roles, assumptions, expectations, and hopes - and also to help them give voice to any problems and uncertainties. Showing that a good marriage consists of lifelong growth in unity of mind, body, and soul, Lueking also discusses the physical side of married life and gives helpful insights into the benefits of grounding a marriage in shared spiritual values. Warm, honest, faithful, and enjoyable to read, Let's Talk Marriage is an invaluable resource for men and women about to begin one of life's greatest adventures.
F. Dean Lueking (1928–2026) served as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, Illinois for more than forty decades. He earned his PhD at the University of Chicago Divinity School and was later awarded an honorary doctorate by the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. In addition to his pastoral ministry, he served on the board of Thrive Counseling Center and helped cofound the Academy of Parish Ministry. He and his wife Beverly actively supported Lutheran Child and Family Services and served as foster parents to numerous children. His publications include The Last Long Pastorate: A Journey of Grace, The Grace of It All: Reflections on the Art of Ministry, and Through Their Eyes: A People’s View of the Global Church.
