You might not read a lot of sociology. But if you’re a church leader, you need to read the new book from Mark Regnerus, The Future of Christian Marriage, published by Oxford University Press. Regnerus, professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin, put into words what I’ve observed but did not understand. He gave me context for the trends and a sense of urgency about the consequences for Christian marriage.

Regnerus found that marriage is no longer something Christians pursue in order to meet life goals. It’s something they aspire to do someday if life works out in the meantime. The result is far fewer marriages, of course. But this shift means a lot more, not only for Christian marriage, but for Christian ministry as a whole. Regnerus describes the intrusion of the market mentality into our homes, marriages, and bedrooms.

And what is the result for Christian marriage? Nothing good, Regnerus warns: “Young adults are offered no guidance about maturation, mortgages, or marriage—save for words of caution, counsel to delay, and cost-benefit evaluation.”

Regnerus and I discussed on Gospelbound the “monumental, consequential, and subtle” shift in Christian marriage. I think you’ll find much food for thought in your counseling and even in your own views and practices of marriage.