Life together begins with a strong foundation.

This volume will direct pastors in leading couples through pre-wedding counseling. The revision will support those changes in the couples manual, including the addition of appropriate Scripture reference, cultural updates, working with mentor couples, and couples group enrichment. (see couples manual #0-687-08221-8)

Life together begins with a strong foundation.

The Pastor's Manual is a marriage preparation and ministry resource for pastors and other church leaders for pre-marital counseling and for comprehensive marriage ministries including guidelines for training mentor couples, working with couples in groups, and relationship education for all ages. Includes everything you need to have a comprehensive marriage ministry: The Ministry of Marriage Preparation The Pastor's Role (expectations and perceptions; coaching and problem solving; experiences and attitudes) Theological Perspectives (personal responsibility and christian community; God's purposes for marriage; divorce and remarriage; marriage as vocation and covenant) Basic Goals for Marriage Preparation Ministries (religion, money, and sex; communication skills) Working with Couples First Session (wedding details, assessing the couple's preparation for marriage) Sessions with Individuals (premarital questionnaire responses, surfacing potential disagreements) Additional Sessions (finalizing wedding plans) Nurturing Marital Growth After the Wedding Mentor Couples (selecting and recruiting mentor couples; leadership team; training mentor couples) Marriage Preparation in Groups Comprehensive Marriage Ministries (relationship education for children, youth, and young adults; enrichment opportunities for married couples; support for couples in crisis) An extensive list of "Additional Resources" includes organizations and other marriage ministry programs that may be readily available and can be incorporated into local church and community ministries. Updates for these"Additional Resources, " a "Directory of United Methodist Marriage Ministry" leaders and consultants, a "Training Model" for use of GLCM, and other helps are available at www.marriagelovepower.net.

Every couple wants and needs their marriage to begin on a strong foundation. An excellent pre-marriage counseling program with their chosen pastor helps to establish that foundation by introducing the couple to issues they may not have considered, helps them to clarify their individual expectations and concerns, resolve any conflicts, and prepare for a lifetime of love, happiness, and mutual support with their chosen partner. A firm understanding of Christian faith in marriage grounds all of this.