The Alpha Marriage Course

How to build a healthy Marriage that lasts a lifetime

Published by Alpha International

Pioneered by Nicky & Sila Lee

Course Resources/Make-Up

The Marriage Course Introductory Guide: - A 12 page book which describes the course and who the course is aimed at , what is involved in running a course, how to start a course; and gives some short testimonies from those who have been on the course.

Set of 3 DVD’s: – Contains the 7 sessions covered in the course.

The Marriage Course Manual: - Each session has notes from the DVD, exercises which are done during the session time and homework to be done before the next course time.

The Marriage Course Leaders’ Guide: - Everything you need to know about running a course is in this guide; from  tips on promoting the course, the design of the course, and set-up of the room, through to the resources that are required and examples of suitable music to play during the course. There is also an overview and timetable for each session.

The Marriage Book: - Written by Nicky and Sila Lee, The Marriage Book if full of practical advice, is easy to read and is designed to prepare, build and even mend marriages. The chapters follow the weekly sessions.

Staffing the Course

Depending on the number of couples, the course could be run in a home or a hall venue. One couple leads the course and it is good to have a support couple who can help with welcoming, the logistics on the night and to be available if any of the couples want to talk at the end of the session.

Course Participants

The Marriage Course is for any married couple, no matter how long they have been married. It is beneficial for those who have a strong relationship, and also helps couples who are going through difficulties. Some couples who are separated or divorced have also used the course to explore getting back together.

Aims of the Course

The Marriage Course is for married couples who want to invest in their relationship.

The course is based on Christian principals, it is designed for couples with or without a Christian background.

The Marriage Course provides couples with practical tools to strengthen their relationship and gives them time and space during the session to discuss difficult issues.

The aim is to break bad habits and create good ones, helping to grow the marriage.

The atmosphere of the session aims to create a venue which is relaxed and comfortable. During the exercise or discussion times, the couples sit apart form other couples and background music is played so that they can’t be overheard.

Overview of the Content

Each DVD session is approximately 50 minutes long, and is broken at intervals by opportunities for the husband and wife to work through an exercise or have a discussion. The sessions are facilitated by Nicky and Sila Lee and are down to earth and humorous.

Topics
Session 1
Building Strong Foundations – taking the long view, planning to succeed.

Session 2
The Art of Communication – how to talk and listen more effectively, the five expressions of love, words and action, time, presents and touch.

Session 3
Resolving Conflict – appreciating our differences, focusing on the issue, centering our lives.

Session 4
The Power of Forgiveness – how can intimacy be lost and how can it be restored?

Session 5
Parents and In-laws – how to get on well with our parents and in-laws, how to leave behind parental control, addressing the effects of childhood pain.

Session 6
Good Sex – what’s it all about?, six qualities for great lovers, protecting our marriage, keeping sex alive.

Session 7
Love in action

Format of a Typical Session

Before the session the venue is set up with separate tables for each couple. The aim is to create an intimate and romantic atmosphere so it is good to have each table set up with tablecloths, napkins and candles.

6.0               The team arrives to pray together and set up for the evening

7.0               Supper – the couples are welcomed with a drink and supper at their table as they arrive

7.35            Welcome from the leaders, notices and review of the previous session

7.50            The talk – live or on dvd – broken at intervals by opportunities for discussion between the husband and wife

8.40            Testimony by a couple who has been on a previous course

8.50            Coffee, tea, cake/biscuits are served while couples complete an exercise and talk as husband and wife

9.20            Conclusion

9.35            End – it helps to keep the same end time so that couples know when they can expect to get home.

Costs

The Starter pack contains everything you need to get a course started with five couples:

1 x Course DVD
2 x Leaders' & Support Couples’ Guides
10 x Guest
1 x Marriage Preparation Course Leaders’ Toolkit

$315

Individual costs are:

$145 The Marriage Course DVD

$7.50 Leaders’ and Support Couples’ Guide

$7.50 The Guest Manual

$24 The Marriage Book

Why use this Course?

·         The Marriage Course is an effective tool for couples who wish to strengthen their relationship, whether couples already have a strong marriage or are going through difficulty.

·         The course is based on Christian principals, but is also widely attended by those without a church background.

·         The guides and resources of the Marriage course are very structured and organised so that the leaders are assured of a smooth-running course.

·         Training for leaders is run regularly throughout New Zealand and is usually a 2 day course




For more information go to The Marriage Course website.

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