Marriage and Marriage Preparation Course Intro Guide

An Introduction to The Marriage Course and The Marriage Preparation Course

What are The Marriage Course and The Marriage Preparation Course?

The Marriage Course is a series of seven sessions designed to help couples invest in their relationship and build a strong marriage.

The Marriage Course was developed in 1996 by Nicky and Sila Lee (authors of The Marriage Book) for couples looking for practical support to strengthen their relationship.

Over seven sessions, the course will help you to: • Understand each other’s needs • Communicate more effectively • Grow closer by learning methods to resolve conflict • Recover from the ways you may have hurt each other • Recognize how your upbringing affects your relationship • Improve relationships with parents and in-laws • Develop greater sexual intimacy • Discover each other’s “love language” For couples in the Military and those facing extended times apart, there is an additional session to help you prepare for the challenges these times bring.

The Marriage Preparation Course is a series of five sessions to help engaged couples or those exploring the possibility of marriage, to build strong foundations for their future together.

Over five sessions, the course will help you to: • Recognize the importance of commitment • Understand and appreciate your differences • Learn the art of communication • Resolve conflict • Recognize the influence of your family background • Develop a good sexual relationship • Talk about your goals, values and dreams

Who is the course for?

The Marriage Course is for any married or cohabiting couple wanting to invest in their relationship.* Some couples already have a strong relationship; others are in need of help. Either way, the course offers a lifetime of practical ideas and tools to invest in the future of your relationship. If you are engaged or wanting to explore the possibility of marriage, we recommend you do The Marriage Preparation Course, comprising five sessions and run in a similar way to The Marriage Course.

Both courses are based on Christian principles but are designed for all couples with or without a church background. *Some course leaders may be running The Marriage Course for married couples only. Please check with your local course before booking.

What can we expect?

Courses are run in many venues, from cafĂŠs to homes, all offering a welcoming, intimate environment. You may be seated at your own table for two, or you may start by eating as a group before breaking off into couples. Each session starts with a casual meal, a video or live speaker focusing on a different topic each session, interspersed with private discussion with your partner. The practical talks are interspersed with times for private discussion for you as a couple.

Background music ensures that you can talk in complete privacy. You never share anything about your relationship with anyone other than your partner.

Most courses charge a minimal fee to cover costs. Your local course leader will be able to let you know how much you’ll need to pay and if financial help is available.

What do others say about the course? “ The Marriage Course gave us practical tools to help us function together, especially learning to listen to one another more effectively.”

Cameron & Joanna “Some of the deep discussions were the most enjoyable… I enjoyed the fact that they were really productive.

It felt like a date and it was just nice to spend time together.”

Jon & Vicky

“ One of the key things we learned on The Marriage Course was communication and learning how to communicate effectively… It has added a lot to our marriage.”

Christian & Christina

“ It was time for just us. Every session was very practical and we came out with something useful at the end of each one.�

Deborah & Miles

Ready to strengthen your relationship?

Over the last 30 years, our courses have provided practical support to strengthen marriages around the world.

The Marriage Course and The Marriage Preparation Courses act as a bridge between the church and local community by recognizing the need to go beyond the social, as well as physical, walls of the church to help couples with their relationships. To find a course near you in the USA go to themarriagecoursesusa.org, or in Canada go to themarriagecourses.ca.

RELIGION / Christian Life / Love & Marriage ISBN ISBN:978-1-934564-70-7 978-1934564707 102730

Š Alpha International 2016 The Marriage Courses A ministry of Alpha International In the USA: themarriagecoursesusa.org In Canada: themarriagecourses.ca

9 781934 564707