The Road to Marriage is a valuable resource created for individuals seeking clarity on marriage, whether they are contemplating marriage or are already married. It's important to understand that participating in this step doesn't assure or obligate anyone from this ministry to officiate your marriage ceremony. The decision for that will be determined during this process. Emphasizing our focus on cultivating meaningful relationships, we go beyond merely performing ceremonies.
1. Meetings
Meeting #1: Go through the Road to Marriage program.
Meeting #2 (after two dinners): Continue with the Road to Marriage program. See #4 below for explanation of dinners.
Meeting #3 (after the two final dinners): Complete the Road to Marriage program, and plan the ceremony. Write and email personal vows to the officiant.
Meeting #4: Rehearsal, ceremony, and reception.
Meeting #1: Go through the Road to Marriage program.
Meeting #2 (after two dinners): Continue with the Road to Marriage program. See #4 below for explanation of dinners.
Meeting #3 (after the two final dinners): Complete the Road to Marriage program, and plan the ceremony. Write and email personal vows to the officiant.
Meeting #4: Rehearsal, ceremony, and reception.
- Preparation: Ensure you have a checklist for marriage, including obtaining a marriage license, etc.
- Rehearsal: Confirm the date, location, time, and marriage coordinator for the rehearsal.
- Ceremony: Finalize the date, time, and location. Discuss colors and plan the attire for the officiant. Develop a contingency plan (Plan B) for potential weather issues.
- Reception: Note that the officiant won't act as the MC. Arrange for someone else to take on this role.
2. Personal Background.
Share about your family background, emphasizing both positive and negative aspects from your family of origin that might influence your relationship.
Share about your family background, emphasizing both positive and negative aspects from your family of origin that might influence your relationship.
- Discuss any previous experiences with marriage.
- Outline your academic and employment history.
- Provide details about your hobbies and interests.
- Express your passions and what drives you.
- Offer insights into your spiritual background and beliefs.
- Discuss key milestones or experiences that have shaped your beliefs and practices.
- Highlight any significant moments of growth, challenges, or transformations in your faith.
- Explain how your spiritual beliefs influence your daily life, decision-making, and relationships.
- Convey where you currently stand in your relationship with the Lord, and if applicable, express any goals or aspirations for your ongoing spiritual journey.
- Describe the moment you recognized your need for God's grace.
- Confirm your reliance on the substitutional death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ as the sole foundation for forgiveness and eternal life.
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3. Blueprint
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4. Dinners.
Reach out to four couples who follow Jesus, preferably at different stages of life (newly married, married with children, middle age, empty nesters) and whom you don't know well. You may ask your Pastor for recommendations if needed. Propose a dinner discussion with each couple, presenting the same set of questions for consistency. Here are the questions you can discuss:
These questions can spark meaningful conversations and potentially lead to lasting friendships as you learn from the experiences and wisdom of other couples who share a similar faith foundation.
Reach out to four couples who follow Jesus, preferably at different stages of life (newly married, married with children, middle age, empty nesters) and whom you don't know well. You may ask your Pastor for recommendations if needed. Propose a dinner discussion with each couple, presenting the same set of questions for consistency. Here are the questions you can discuss:
- Love: What advice do you have for us regarding expressing and nurturing love in marriage?
- Communication: How do you navigate communication challenges in your relationship?
- Work: How do you balance work commitments with maintaining a healthy marriage?
- Parenting: What advice can you offer about parenting and maintaining a strong marital bond?
- Faith and Spiritual Growth: How do you prioritize faith and spiritual growth within your marriage?
- The Scriptures: How do you incorporate the Bible into your daily life and decision-making?
- Church and Ministry: How do you engage in church and ministry activities together
- Baggage: How have you overcome negative family of origin issues and baggage in your marriage?
- Blessings: How do you embrace positive family of origin influences in your relationship?
- Finances: What advice do you have for managing finances and making financial decisions together?
- Sex: How do you maintain intimacy and navigate challenges in the area of physical intimacy?
- Surviving Hardship: How have you weathered hardships and difficulties in your marriage?
- Overcoming Mistakes: How do you address and overcome mistakes and failures in your relationship?
- Role of Advice: What role has advice, whether through mentoring, counseling, or disciple-making, played in your marriage?
- Keys to a Healthy Marriage: What are the key elements that contribute to a healthy and thriving marriage for you?
- Additional Advice: Is there any advice or insight that we haven't covered, but you find important to share?
- Favorite Recipe: Do you have a favorite recipe that you'd like to share with us?
These questions can spark meaningful conversations and potentially lead to lasting friendships as you learn from the experiences and wisdom of other couples who share a similar faith foundation.
5. Your "Ten Commandments."
Compile a set of ten Bible verses that resonate with both of you. Each person contributes five verses to the list, ensuring there are no duplicates. These verses will serve as your personalized "Ten Commandments" for your marriage, reflecting your specific hopes, dreams, and aspirations. The goal is to discover these verses through your individual Bible reading experiences rather than relying on word searches. Once collected, consider framing these verses as a meaningful representation of your unique marital journey.
Compile a set of ten Bible verses that resonate with both of you. Each person contributes five verses to the list, ensuring there are no duplicates. These verses will serve as your personalized "Ten Commandments" for your marriage, reflecting your specific hopes, dreams, and aspirations. The goal is to discover these verses through your individual Bible reading experiences rather than relying on word searches. Once collected, consider framing these verses as a meaningful representation of your unique marital journey.
6. Friendship 1
Good marriages are founded on friendship. Describe what you have done to establish a friendship.
Good marriages are founded on friendship. Describe what you have done to establish a friendship.
- Do I genuinely like this person?
I know this seems redundant, but it’s really not. I talk to many couples who say they love each other, but when you get past all the romantic feelings, there’s no friendship at the core of the relationship. Marry somebody you love to hang out with. Without a strong friendship, I believe a marriage is destined for failure. Don’t just marry somebody you love... marry somebody you like! - Am I attracted to more than their looks?
Physical attraction is definitely important but looks are going to change. That hot girl or guy you’re staring at now is going to look a lot different in 40 years! You need to make sure you’re drawn to who that person is, not just how that person looks. - Do I want this person to be the father or mother of my kids?
Before you get married, you need to ask more than “Do I want my kids to look like this person?” You need to ask “Do I want my kids to be like this person?” - Can I be myself around this person?
This is huge. If you feel like you have to be somebody else around your potential spouse, don’t get married! There’s nothing more exhausting than pretending to be someone you’re not for someone’s approval. Your spouse should bring out the best of who you are, not try to change who you are. - Does this person share and strengthen my faith?
God’s design for marriage is that a husband and wife come together with Christ in the center. Without Him as the foundation, the marriage will eventually crumble. Marry someone who not only shares your faith but also strengthens your faith. Your spouse should bring you closer to Jesus, not drag you farther away. - Do the people who love me most think we are a good match?
If your family and friends who love you the most, don’t think you are good for each other, then please look past your feelings and weigh carefully if you’re marrying the right person. You need a spouse who is going to strengthen your family bonds, not put a huge strain on them. If your family loves your fiancée, that’s a great sign! If they don’t, seriously reconsider your next step.
Has anyone declined to your request to perform your marriage ceremony?
7. Compatibility.
Compatibility is fundamental to a lasting relationship. While the instinct is often to search for someone who is good for you, a selfless approach reverses the perspective, asking, "Am I the right person for him/her?" It's crucial to embrace this, as neglecting this principle early on may result in significant challenges later.
Reflecting on why you are the right person for your future spouse involves a deep understanding of your qualities, values, and commitment. It means recognizing how you complement and support your partner's goals, dreams, and personality. Articulating this requires self-awareness and a genuine desire to contribute positively to the relationship.
In essence, being the right person involves ongoing efforts to grow individually and as a couple, fostering open communication, empathy, and a shared vision for the future. It's about being willing to adapt, compromise, and continually invest in the well-being and happiness of your future spouse.
With all that said, explain why you are the right person for each other.
Compatibility is fundamental to a lasting relationship. While the instinct is often to search for someone who is good for you, a selfless approach reverses the perspective, asking, "Am I the right person for him/her?" It's crucial to embrace this, as neglecting this principle early on may result in significant challenges later.
Reflecting on why you are the right person for your future spouse involves a deep understanding of your qualities, values, and commitment. It means recognizing how you complement and support your partner's goals, dreams, and personality. Articulating this requires self-awareness and a genuine desire to contribute positively to the relationship.
In essence, being the right person involves ongoing efforts to grow individually and as a couple, fostering open communication, empathy, and a shared vision for the future. It's about being willing to adapt, compromise, and continually invest in the well-being and happiness of your future spouse.
With all that said, explain why you are the right person for each other.
8. Purity
Past sexual relationships can have adverse effects on future relationships. Share your interpretation of this idea and elaborate on the extent of communication you've had with each other regarding this matter.
Engaging in current sexual activities can hinder crucial relationship decisions. How are you actively working to ensure that your relationship remains pure and aligns with God's principles in terms of physical or sexual involvement? In what ways are you taking responsibility to maintain purity? Are immediate decisions you need to make to purify your relationship?
Past sexual relationships can have adverse effects on future relationships. Share your interpretation of this idea and elaborate on the extent of communication you've had with each other regarding this matter.
Engaging in current sexual activities can hinder crucial relationship decisions. How are you actively working to ensure that your relationship remains pure and aligns with God's principles in terms of physical or sexual involvement? In what ways are you taking responsibility to maintain purity? Are immediate decisions you need to make to purify your relationship?
9. Master, Mission, Mate
In healthy relationships, the order of priority is Master, Mission, Mate.
Master: Are you living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ? A key measure of this is your commitment to spending time with God through His word and prayer. Share insights into your devotional life. Additionally, discuss your thoughts on the following verses: 2 Timothy 3:15-17.
Mission: Have you identified your life's mission or ministry direction? Have you engaged in shared service or ministry activities? Describe your experiences in doing ministry together.
Mate: Tim Keller suggests, “Don’t stop and look for a life mate, run as fast as you can towards the cross, reach out, and grab the hand of someone nearby.” Does this characterize your relationship? Provide an explanation of how your relationship aligns with this advice.
In healthy relationships, the order of priority is Master, Mission, Mate.
Master: Are you living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ? A key measure of this is your commitment to spending time with God through His word and prayer. Share insights into your devotional life. Additionally, discuss your thoughts on the following verses: 2 Timothy 3:15-17.
Mission: Have you identified your life's mission or ministry direction? Have you engaged in shared service or ministry activities? Describe your experiences in doing ministry together.
Mate: Tim Keller suggests, “Don’t stop and look for a life mate, run as fast as you can towards the cross, reach out, and grab the hand of someone nearby.” Does this characterize your relationship? Provide an explanation of how your relationship aligns with this advice.
10. It's not too late.
In certain situations, the momentum leading into marriage can make it seem challenging to slow down or reconsider the decision to get married. However, it's essential to recognize that IT'S NOT TOO LATE! The following questions are best addressed individually. Therefore, each prospective partner should respond to the questions separately.
The questions are: Do you harbor reservations? Are there fears and concerns that you haven't had the opportunity to discuss openly? Is there a specific topic you're hesitant to communicate about? Do you feel the need to pause and reevaluate?
After answering these questions individually, reconvene to discuss them together.
Is proceeding with the relationship a wise and healthy choice? Elaborate on your reasoning.
In certain situations, the momentum leading into marriage can make it seem challenging to slow down or reconsider the decision to get married. However, it's essential to recognize that IT'S NOT TOO LATE! The following questions are best addressed individually. Therefore, each prospective partner should respond to the questions separately.
The questions are: Do you harbor reservations? Are there fears and concerns that you haven't had the opportunity to discuss openly? Is there a specific topic you're hesitant to communicate about? Do you feel the need to pause and reevaluate?
After answering these questions individually, reconvene to discuss them together.
Is proceeding with the relationship a wise and healthy choice? Elaborate on your reasoning.
11. Right person, right time.
Healthy relationships thrive when two individuals are the right people for each other at the right time. It's often said that the right person at the wrong time is the wrong person. Share your insights on why you believe you both are the right people at the right time for each other in this relationship.
Healthy relationships thrive when two individuals are the right people for each other at the right time. It's often said that the right person at the wrong time is the wrong person. Share your insights on why you believe you both are the right people at the right time for each other in this relationship.
12. Readiness
Are you genuinely prepared for marriage? True readiness for marriage extends beyond mere availability, eagerness, and the anticipation of a shared life. It signifies a willingness to undergo significant character development, allowing your marriage partner to play a crucial role in your maturation process. This readiness implies embracing the idea that your spouse will bring to light your weaknesses, point out your deficiencies, and reveal your flaws.
In the words of author Rod Dempsey, “Being married exposes who you really are. Being married is like looking into a 'character mirror.' If you are selfish and immature before you marry, then you will be selfish and immature after you marry. I agree with Martin Luther, who viewed marriage as a school of character, whereby God uses the hardships of daily family life to sanctify us."
Given this perspective, explain why you believe you are genuinely ready for the commitment of marriage.
Are you genuinely prepared for marriage? True readiness for marriage extends beyond mere availability, eagerness, and the anticipation of a shared life. It signifies a willingness to undergo significant character development, allowing your marriage partner to play a crucial role in your maturation process. This readiness implies embracing the idea that your spouse will bring to light your weaknesses, point out your deficiencies, and reveal your flaws.
In the words of author Rod Dempsey, “Being married exposes who you really are. Being married is like looking into a 'character mirror.' If you are selfish and immature before you marry, then you will be selfish and immature after you marry. I agree with Martin Luther, who viewed marriage as a school of character, whereby God uses the hardships of daily family life to sanctify us."
Given this perspective, explain why you believe you are genuinely ready for the commitment of marriage.
13. Score
Here is how this works. Together you can score a total of four points. Each of you can bring two points to the equation. One point for each parent who modeled what it means to follow Jesus. Out of a possible score of four, what is your total score? What does it matter? If you’re not a four, what should you do about it?
Here is how this works. Together you can score a total of four points. Each of you can bring two points to the equation. One point for each parent who modeled what it means to follow Jesus. Out of a possible score of four, what is your total score? What does it matter? If you’re not a four, what should you do about it?
14. Colors
Individuals are often categorized into two temperament colors: Red or Blue. The Red person tends to heat up quickly in conflict, placing blame rapidly and being slow to admit fault. They seek to win arguments, pursue truth, and are motivated by fixing issues promptly. On the other hand, the Blue person remains cool during conflict, willingly accepting blame to make peace, avoiding the pursuit of victory in arguments. They withdraw to seek harmony over truth, valuing being loved and requiring time to process and reach conclusions.
What color are you?
Why does it matter?
Describe conflict you have experienced as a couple.
Understanding your temperament color is crucial because it influences how you approach and handle conflict. It shapes your tendencies in blame assignment, conflict resolution strategies, and the values you prioritize during disagreements.
How do you need to handle conflict based on your temperament color?
For Red individuals: Recognize the need to be mindful of blame and the pursuit of victory. Practice patience and consider the value of allowing time for processing.
For Blue individuals: Acknowledge the tendency to accept blame too quickly and prioritize peace. Embrace the importance of expressing your thoughts and conclusions, even if it requires time.
Pay special attention to #21 below if this is an issue in your relationship.
Individuals are often categorized into two temperament colors: Red or Blue. The Red person tends to heat up quickly in conflict, placing blame rapidly and being slow to admit fault. They seek to win arguments, pursue truth, and are motivated by fixing issues promptly. On the other hand, the Blue person remains cool during conflict, willingly accepting blame to make peace, avoiding the pursuit of victory in arguments. They withdraw to seek harmony over truth, valuing being loved and requiring time to process and reach conclusions.
What color are you?
Why does it matter?
Describe conflict you have experienced as a couple.
Understanding your temperament color is crucial because it influences how you approach and handle conflict. It shapes your tendencies in blame assignment, conflict resolution strategies, and the values you prioritize during disagreements.
How do you need to handle conflict based on your temperament color?
For Red individuals: Recognize the need to be mindful of blame and the pursuit of victory. Practice patience and consider the value of allowing time for processing.
For Blue individuals: Acknowledge the tendency to accept blame too quickly and prioritize peace. Embrace the importance of expressing your thoughts and conclusions, even if it requires time.
Pay special attention to #21 below if this is an issue in your relationship.
15. Partnership
"I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible." - 1 Corinthians 7:35 (NLT)
When seeking a life partner, the focus should be on finding a ministry companion, not merely someone to be with. Marriage is a shared journey of serving the Lord, standing side-by-side to minister to others rather than being captivated by each other face-to-face. It's a couple's approach to fulfilling the Great Commission.
Describe how you intend to fulfill the Great Commission together. How will you make disciples as partners?
Explain your vision for serving the Lord as a united front, sharing how your partnership in marriage aligns with the goal of making disciples and contributing to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
"I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible." - 1 Corinthians 7:35 (NLT)
When seeking a life partner, the focus should be on finding a ministry companion, not merely someone to be with. Marriage is a shared journey of serving the Lord, standing side-by-side to minister to others rather than being captivated by each other face-to-face. It's a couple's approach to fulfilling the Great Commission.
Describe how you intend to fulfill the Great Commission together. How will you make disciples as partners?
Explain your vision for serving the Lord as a united front, sharing how your partnership in marriage aligns with the goal of making disciples and contributing to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
16. Time apart
The adage "absence makes the heart grow fonder" holds true in certain instances. Healthy relationships sometimes benefit from the opportunity to evaluate from a distance.
Reflect on occasions when you spent time apart and how it impacted your relationship.
Additionally, consider if you are open to spending time apart with no contact or communication.
Discuss your thoughts on the potential benefits of such periods of separation in the context of your relationship.
The adage "absence makes the heart grow fonder" holds true in certain instances. Healthy relationships sometimes benefit from the opportunity to evaluate from a distance.
Reflect on occasions when you spent time apart and how it impacted your relationship.
Additionally, consider if you are open to spending time apart with no contact or communication.
Discuss your thoughts on the potential benefits of such periods of separation in the context of your relationship.
17. Heart
In healthy relationships, unity of heart on key issues is essential.
Describe your heart for God. Where are you in your spiritual journey? What do you do to keep your heart strong for God? How do you help each other grow spiritually?
Describe your heart for each other. What makes you want to be partners for life? What specific qualities, values, or shared experiences contribute to your commitment to each other?
Describe your heart for ministry. Discuss your passion for ministry, outlining specific areas that resonate with you. Consider how your shared values and individual strengths align to ensure effective service and collaboration in your ministry endeavors.
In healthy relationships, unity of heart on key issues is essential.
Describe your heart for God. Where are you in your spiritual journey? What do you do to keep your heart strong for God? How do you help each other grow spiritually?
Describe your heart for each other. What makes you want to be partners for life? What specific qualities, values, or shared experiences contribute to your commitment to each other?
Describe your heart for ministry. Discuss your passion for ministry, outlining specific areas that resonate with you. Consider how your shared values and individual strengths align to ensure effective service and collaboration in your ministry endeavors.
18. Read a book
After reading "The Meaning of Marriage" by Tim Keller, please individually share the five most important things you underlined.
Reflect on the following quotes by Timothy Keller and explain why they are important:
1. "We are so instinctively and profoundly self-centered that we don't think we are."
2. "We should be neither overly elated by getting married nor overly disappointed by not being so—because Christ is the only spouse that can truly fulfill us and God’s family the only family that will truly embrace and satisfy us."
3. "For the record, it stands to say that if each friend says to the other, 'I will treat my selfishness as the main problem in this relationship,' you also have the prospect for great things."
4. "Some people are really, really the wrong people to marry. But everyone else is still incompatible."
After reading "The Meaning of Marriage" by Tim Keller, please individually share the five most important things you underlined.
Reflect on the following quotes by Timothy Keller and explain why they are important:
1. "We are so instinctively and profoundly self-centered that we don't think we are."
2. "We should be neither overly elated by getting married nor overly disappointed by not being so—because Christ is the only spouse that can truly fulfill us and God’s family the only family that will truly embrace and satisfy us."
3. "For the record, it stands to say that if each friend says to the other, 'I will treat my selfishness as the main problem in this relationship,' you also have the prospect for great things."
4. "Some people are really, really the wrong people to marry. But everyone else is still incompatible."
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20. The Marriage Triangle
In the context of marriage, there are two approaches: focusing on one another or focusing on God. Focusing on each other often results in conditional love, operating on the premise of "I'll be nice to you if you are nice to me." This approach is lived out in the flesh's power and can lead to a stage characterized by frustration (the mad stage), symbolized by the two-pointed arrow at the bottom. On the other hand, focusing on God leads to unconditional love, adopting the perspective of "I'll try to please God in my role as a spouse." This approach is lived out in the power of the Holy Spirit and can lead to a stage characterized by joy (the glad stage), represented by the other arrows. |
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Where are you in the triangle (glad, sad, or mad)?
Reflect on your current position within the marriage triangle. Consider whether your focus is predominantly on each other or on God. The placement matters because it influences the nature of love in the relationship—whether it's conditional or unconditional—and affects the overall dynamics and stages of your marriage journey.
Reflect on your current position within the marriage triangle. Consider whether your focus is predominantly on each other or on God. The placement matters because it influences the nature of love in the relationship—whether it's conditional or unconditional—and affects the overall dynamics and stages of your marriage journey.
21. The Spirit-filled life
"Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves." - Galatians 5:16 (NLT)
Learning how to live a Spirit-filled life is identified as the single most crucial element for a healthy and enduring marriage.
Despite the fact that one in two Christian marriages ends in divorce, the understanding of how to live a Spirit-filled life can serve as a key factor in preventing marriages from reaching such a point.
In any given circumstance, two voices speak to individuals—the flesh and the Holy Spirit. The flesh, representing our sinful nature, often speaks first and loudest, while the Holy Spirit patiently and lovingly waits for His turn, communicating through the lens of Scripture.
The wise person chooses to resist the promptings of the flesh and instead listens to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, recognizing the importance of Scripture in discerning the Spirit's voice. The Holy Spirit and the flesh have distinct characteristics:
Reflect on your capacity to live a Spirit-filled life. Consider how often you choose to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit over the promptings of the flesh.
Evaluate your familiarity with Scripture and how it informs your decision-making in various circumstances.
"Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves." - Galatians 5:16 (NLT)
Learning how to live a Spirit-filled life is identified as the single most crucial element for a healthy and enduring marriage.
Despite the fact that one in two Christian marriages ends in divorce, the understanding of how to live a Spirit-filled life can serve as a key factor in preventing marriages from reaching such a point.
In any given circumstance, two voices speak to individuals—the flesh and the Holy Spirit. The flesh, representing our sinful nature, often speaks first and loudest, while the Holy Spirit patiently and lovingly waits for His turn, communicating through the lens of Scripture.
The wise person chooses to resist the promptings of the flesh and instead listens to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, recognizing the importance of Scripture in discerning the Spirit's voice. The Holy Spirit and the flesh have distinct characteristics:
- The Spirit guides toward love; the flesh toward truth.
- The goal of the Spirit is winning a heart, while the goal of the flesh is winning an argument.
- The Spirit guides toward confession; the flesh guides toward blaming.
- The Spirit builds up, whereas the flesh tears down.
- The Spirit loves, while the flesh hates.
- The Spirit rightly accepts responsibility, while the flesh wrongly assigns it to another.
Reflect on your capacity to live a Spirit-filled life. Consider how often you choose to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit over the promptings of the flesh.
Evaluate your familiarity with Scripture and how it informs your decision-making in various circumstances.
22. Responsibility
A veteran marriage counselor asserted that a significant portion of marital conflict revolves around the issue of responsibility—either assuming responsibility for things one shouldn't or neglecting responsibility for things one should. Reflect on your upbringing: were either of these tendencies modeled in your childhood home? Examine your own inclinations: do you tend to take on undue responsibility, or do you struggle with neglecting responsibilities that are rightfully yours?
Consider the importance of unlearning any unhealthy tendencies in this regard. Discuss how recognizing and addressing these patterns can contribute to a healthier approach to responsibility within your relationship. Explain why it is crucial for the well-being and success of your marriage.
A veteran marriage counselor asserted that a significant portion of marital conflict revolves around the issue of responsibility—either assuming responsibility for things one shouldn't or neglecting responsibility for things one should. Reflect on your upbringing: were either of these tendencies modeled in your childhood home? Examine your own inclinations: do you tend to take on undue responsibility, or do you struggle with neglecting responsibilities that are rightfully yours?
Consider the importance of unlearning any unhealthy tendencies in this regard. Discuss how recognizing and addressing these patterns can contribute to a healthier approach to responsibility within your relationship. Explain why it is crucial for the well-being and success of your marriage.
23. God's Plan for Marriage
To the prospective husband:
To the prospective wife:
To the prospective husband:
- Financial Provision: Outline your plan for financially providing for your wife.
- Spiritual Leadership: Discuss your plans for fostering spiritual growth, leading in prayer, and creating a spiritually nurturing environment for your wife.
- Emotional Nurturing: Discuss how you plan to provide emotional support, communicate effectively, and create a safe space for open and honest conversations.
- Dreams and Goals: Discuss the vision you have for your shared future, including aspirations, family traditions, and any specific plans you envision.
To the prospective wife:
- Financial Contribution: Discuss your approach to financial partnership, budgeting, and any specific financial responsibilities you intend to take on.
- Submission to Spiritual Leadership: Discuss your perspective on spiritual alignment, mutual growth, and how you plan to support your husband in his role as the spiritual leader.
- Respect: Discuss your approach to communication, conflict resolution, and how you plan to honor and uplift your husband in your interactions.
- Dreams and Goals: Discuss your vision for the future, including aspirations, family values, and any specific plans you have for building a shared life together.
24. Threats
- Read 1 Peter 5:8
- Watch the following video and describe what it says about marriage. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yFMq-2k7tQY
25. Final Thoughts.
In good times and bad, in times of illness and health, in times of wealth and poverty, until death separates us.
Are you ready to affirm "I will" not only to each other, but also to God during the ceremony?
What is one aspect you wish to remain constant in your future spouse? What is one aspect you hope evolves in your future spouse? How prepared are you to embrace the second aspect for the next several decades?
In good times and bad, in times of illness and health, in times of wealth and poverty, until death separates us.
Are you ready to affirm "I will" not only to each other, but also to God during the ceremony?
What is one aspect you wish to remain constant in your future spouse? What is one aspect you hope evolves in your future spouse? How prepared are you to embrace the second aspect for the next several decades?
- Dave Earley, Disciple Making Is...: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence (Nashville: B&H, 2013), 193 Kindle