Pastor and bestselling author Craig Groeschel is opening up about the principles that have helped sustain his marriage to wife Amy for more than three decades while also offering advice to those pursuing relationships and dating.
In a heartfelt reflection, Groeschel revealed that early in their marriage, the couple came across a quote by columnist Ann Landers that deeply impacted them: "Neglect the rest of the world if you have to, but never neglect each other." The quote became so meaningful that they placed it on their refrigerator as a daily reminder of what mattered most.
More than 30 years later, Groeschel says that prioritizing one another - while keeping Jesus at the center of their relationship - has been foundational to building a strong and intimate marriage.
"It hasn't come without a lot of work," Groeschel admitted, noting that life's constant demands and competing priorities can easily distract couples from investing in each other. Even so, he emphasized the importance of intentionally making time together a priority.
Groeschel also recently shared relationship advice for singles, encouraging people to prioritize character over attraction when choosing a partner.
"When you are considering going out with someone, don't just look for attraction but look at their character," he wrote. "What someone does will always tell you more than what they say."
The pastor urged people not to become consumed with promises or imagined potential, but instead to pay attention to consistent behavior and spiritual maturity.
"Do they show kindness? Do they live out their faith?" Groeschel asked. "You won't marry who someone claims to be - you'll marry who they really are."
Groeschel and his wife Amy have six children and seven grandchildren and live in Edmond, where Life.Church is headquartered.
Since founding Life.Church in a two-car garage in 1996, Groeschel has become one of the most influential voices in modern evangelical leadership. Under his leadership, the church pioneered innovations such as multisite campuses, online ministry, and the globally popular YouVersion Bible App, which surpassed one billion downloads in 2025.
Despite leading a massive ministry, Groeschel says one of life's greatest blessings continues to be a Christ-centered marriage built through consistency, sacrifice, and mutual commitment.
