Rickey E. Macklin, Founder

Author, Minister, Teacher, Speaker, Certified Christian Life and Christian Relationship Coach, and United States Veteran, Rickey E. Macklin has devoted the past 20 years to assisting men, women, and young people with finding their God-given potential, purpose and healthy relationships. He is a graduate of South Carolina State University, and he received extensive biblical training at Jericho Christian Bible College and later received a Masters in Theological Studies from National Bible College and Seminary. Later, as a Professor at the Jericho Christian Training College, he taught “Christian Apologetics” and “Courtship Vs Dating” for many years.  Rickey is well known in the DC Metropolitan area, and up and down the East Coast for his passionate and purposeful teaching on relationships.  He is adamant in helping others avoid the pitfalls of dead-end relationships and preventing divorces on this side of  “I Do.” Rickey is the author of God’s Whole Armor, a book that prepares you for spiritual warfare; Daddy’s Waiting On You, a book on divine intimacy; 6 Points to Optimizing Your Life, a 6-day devotion to discovering the best you; Anointed But Not Ready, a book written to help you understand your purpose and God’s timing; Real Talk Relationship Tips, a book filled with tips to assist you in making the right relationship choices; The Chivalry Project, A Black Book For Gents, a book with 7 chivalric principles and 60 chivalrous acts for implementation; and His next book project is Inspiring Moments, a book written to edify, exhort, comfort, encourage, and inspire.

Why Courtship vs Dating?

In times past, before the explosion of dating in the early 1900s, courting was the norm. Prior to that time, in the US in the mid-1800s, the divorce rate was only 6%.   I’m not suggesting that the solution for today’s failed marriages is returning to a time when marriages were arranged. However, what I am suggesting is that we return to the fundamental principles of protection, loyalty, commitment, respect, accountability and honor; a time when the intent of the relationship was made clear from the very beginning. Here we emphasize biblical courtship. Although the term is not found in the bible, the concept is found throughout. Why biblical? Because the basis of all relationships are traced back the first human relationship found in the Garden of Eden in the book of Genesis. The first institution God created was not the church, but the family. This site is designed to help lead you and others “Back to the Basics.”

Why Choose Courtship Over Dating?

Courtship is an established relationship with someone where the intent is to carry out the relationship up to marriage.  It should happen only once, but of course we all miss the mark at times.  The great thing about courtship is there is no game to it.  It’s designed for the matured and serious minded, but also allows the couple to relax and have fun as well in the discovery process.

Dating offers no real protection and can happen for a hosts of reasons – with multiple people at the same time.  It exposes you emotionally and leaves you vulnerable without protection.  It teaches you flight instead of fight.  Courtship encourages you to work through the things that can be worked through, while dating encourages you to throw it away and try something new.