Christian Premarital Counseling Manual for CounselorsPreparing the Two to Be One
Rev. Paul J. Bucknell |
The Design of Marriage
Session #1
Description: 'The Design of Marriage' (Session #1) helps direct a couple in premarital counseling to think seriously about what God wants for their marriage and make some commitment to pursue that which is pleasing to God.
We start the first session with dinner! Usually each session has 1 1/2 to 2 hours of time. This first session is extended. We obviously totally disagree with the concept that we should separate our ministry from our lives. We talk over dinner, hopefully make the couple more comfortable and informally train them on the family.
Each session starts with prayer. These six appointments are set up early on. The schedule is not only for them but also for my own time. We can change appointments, but it is much easier to plan them in now especially as the wedding draws near. Meeting every 2-3 weeks seems ideal, but they can be more closely scheduled if necessary. Sometimes a spouse might need to fly in to make an appointment. I do not space the sessions out less than once a month. Continuity is important.
Time Distribution:
* Invite them over your house for supper (60'). Casually eat together at home with all the children, learning more about each other. They catch a glimpse how my wife cooks for a large family, how to talk at the table and how the children take turns cleaning up.
* Go over the Premarital Questionnaires with them (10-30'). Often I interweave this time into our conversation before dinner (unfortunately this means Linda will not be there). Acknowledge their time in answering it. Usually I look for facts to help me understand them and potential trouble points. They help direct future conversations. For example, if they have a poor family background, I need to spend much more time sharing what a biblical family is like.
* Handout a paper binder (5'). I give each of them a paper binder (with 3-prongs). If I have time, I make a label with their names on it and the course name. I often print the handout in a different color.
Discuss Introduction & Handout #1, The Design of Marriage
Overview (5')
I first go over the overview and introduce the six sessions. I mention that I am willing to help provide resources for any area of need and that I am willing to individually meet with them.
#1 The Design of Marriage
#2 Principles of Godly Communication
#3 Wise Decision-making
#4 Finances & Marriage
#5 Understanding our Differences
#6 Preparations for Intimacy
Glory of marriage (15') (Part of Introduction)
Marriage is wonderful! I want them to know it and aim for having a great marriage. I show them how a great marriage is tied to having and living by a Biblical perspective of marriage. As we start off, we need to walk by faith. Through this introduction I show them the importance of premarital counseling that helps the couple get a Biblical perspective.
Gaining a Biblical Perspective (50') Handout #1
Because of dinner and having them join our family devotions (this time only), I rarely finish the second page on 'The Design of Marriage.' It is partly deliberate. We were busy getting to know each other. I want to emphasize this section a bit more in the next session.
Quotes on a Biblical Marriage (5') Handout #1
Quickly read the quotes and make appropriate comments.
End with prayer requests and prayer.
I usually have the to-be husband pray first, then his fiance, my wife and then I close. I only ask them to pray for their marriage. This too is training. Usually I ask them to pray for certain matters brought out from our conversation together. For example, "Ask God to give you a beautiful marriage."
Assign homework
Challenge them to meet together in God's Word and prayer during the week. I will check on them next time. I want them to get in a habit of this. Next => #2 Principles of Godly Communication.
Title of Premarital Counseling Lesson |
Forms or reading (Downloads) |
#0 Introduction to Premarital Counseling |
Handout#0 Premarital Counseling Introduction .pdf |
#1 The Design of Marriage |
Handout#1 Design of Marriage .pdf
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#2 Principles of Godly Communication |
Handout #2 Principles of Godly Communication .pdf
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#3 Wise Decision-making |
Handout #3 Wise Decision-making .pdf
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#4 Finances & Marriage |
Handout #4 Finances & Marriage .pdf
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#5 Understanding our Differences |
Handout #5 Understanding our Differences .pdf
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#6 Preparations for Intimacy |
Handout #6 Preparations for Intimacy .pdf
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We will next look at establishing godly communication in a new marriage. Next ->
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Biblical Foundations for Freedom
Paul J. Bucknell