A new statewide partnership is putting the tools, coaching and proven strategies of marriage ministry directly in the hands of thousands of Texas pastors and church leaders.
Texas Baptists (The Baptist General Convention of Texas) and national marriage ministry Communio have announced a new statewide partnership aimed at helping churches care for marriages, support pastors and church leaders, and reach families across Texas with the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
“At a time when many couples and families are under growing strain, the local church is best positioned to respond not only by preaching the gospel, but by walking alongside people in their most important relationships. This partnership with Communio is timely.”
— Julio Guarneri, Executive Director, Baptist General Convention of Texas
Communio is a nonprofit Christian ministry that helps churches strengthen marriages and relationships as a way to share the Gospel and build healthy congregations. Through data-informed tools, coaching and relationship ministry programs, Communio is proven to equip churches to reduce divorce, renew families and advance the mission of Jesus Christ.
“We have already seen tremendous transformation coming from our partnering Baptist churches in Texas with double-digit increases in church attendance, hundreds of first-time guests and a number of marriages saved,” said De Gance. “I am thrilled that this new partnership with the Texas Baptists will give thousands of pastors easier access to our ministry support services. This means many more people meeting Jesus and many more thriving Christian marriages.”
One Texas pastor has seen his church and community transformed by partnering with Communio — in two different churches he has led.
Pastor Ronny Marriott, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Richardson, speaking at a Communio Family Ministry Reception.
“Engaging Communio as a ministry partner is like adding another staff member with tons of resources, experience and ideas. Communio got to know our church, assessed our needs and developed a fresh approach for us to accomplish our goals. They helped us move this part of our vision farther and faster than we could have on our own.”
— Ronny Marriott, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Richardson & Former Texas Baptists President
Through this joint agreement, Texas Baptist churches will have direct access to Communio’s ministry experts, coaching and tools — empowering pastors and leaders to:
- Better understand the relationship needs of their congregations
- Invite couples and singles into welcoming, relationship-focused events
- Offer practical, faith-based classes and retreats that build skills for marriage and dating
- Use relationship ministry as a bridge for outreach, discipleship and spiritual growth
How Communio is already making a difference in churches across the country:
Behind these numbers are real stories of couples, marriages and families finding renewed hope through their local church.
24% Average growth in Sunday attendance among churches that have partnered with Communio for 12–24 months
56,000+ People attended Communio outreach experiences in 2025 — with nearly 1 in 3 coming from outside each church’s membership
82,000+ People participated in in-person relationship ministry experiences at Communio partner churches in 2025
74% Of couples in Communio’s most intensive programs reported being very or completely satisfied in their marriages afterward
By the Numbers: Texas Marriage & Family
Family Structure
54% of Texas children are raised by their married, biological parents — meaning nearly half are growing up outside a married home.
Births Outside Marriage
42.1% of all children born in Texas are born to unmarried parents.
Marriage & Divorce Rates
Texas reports 5.8 marriages per 1,000 residents and 2.1 divorces per 1,000 residents — indicating both continued marriage formation and ongoing marital breakdown.
In the news
The story of what Texas Baptist churches are doing is reaching audiences near and far.
Baptist Standard · Primary Coverage “Communio and Texas Baptists Announce Partnership”
The Baptist Paper “‘Fresh Approach’: Partnership Puts Focus on Marriage”
Breitbart News · National Audience “Christian Groups Launch Initiative in Churches Across Texas to Rescue Marriages and Strengthen Families”
Total News “Christian Organizations Start Effort in Texas to Save Marriages”
Is your church ready?
When families are strong, the church is strong.
And when the church is strong, communities change.
This partnership builds on Communio’s National Strategy to save the family by seeing churches become places where marriages are strengthened, families are supported and faith is passed on to future generations. We’d love to show you what that looks like for your church.
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