Why should we care about marriage? There is a lot of confusion about the purpose of marriage todayâ€"outside the church as well as within it. Written by a distinguished Christian sociologist, Christian Marriage is a theologically rich, biblically robust, and sociologically informed treatise on the nature and value of marriage. Drawing on recent social science research, empirical data, and social history, Ayers paints a picture of marriage as an institution meant for human flourishing. Along the way, Ayers addresses such topics as Dating and selection of a spouse The importance of premarital counseling Sex and procreation Mentoring and supporting unmarried believers Divorce and remarriage And current controversies surrounding premarital sex and same-sex marriage. Though the book is academically and theologically informed, it is written with a pastoral heart. It seeks to provide a rich resource for pastors and counselors on a topic of supreme importance to a vibrant church and society.

Respected family advocate Elayne Bennett brings hope and encouragement to families and shows the way to save our daughters from the many threats they face. Many girls today are caught up in a world that devalues them and prioritizes perceived needs and desires, in ways that will break their very hearts. Much of our culture undermines girls and damages their souls. Elayne Bennett has worked tirelessly in urban, suburban, and rural environments to bring hope and guidance to the lives of girls. In Daughters in Danger she reveals: How American families can rescue daughters from the negative and destructive patterns of our culture Why progressive feminism is the wrong answer and an inadequate solution How mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends, schools, colleges and universities can be involved in saving our daughters The success of the Best Friends and Best Men program models We all—especially families—bear the responsibility for encouraging and supporting, training and directing, loving and cherishing daughters everywhere. This book is an inspiring call to take action for their sakes.

Months--and sometimes years--of planning go into creating the perfect wedding. But when the last piece of wedding cake is eaten and the rice is thrown, many couples realize they've not put much thought into their honeymoon. Because it's imperative to let the honeymoon and sexual relationship for a couple set the tone for their life as a couple together, two respected physicians draw from their extensive premarital counseling experiences to compile this invaluable guide of honeymoon essentials. It's all here--from birth-control options and a calendar for travel arrangements to medications to have on hand and God's design for the honeymoon. There are even ideas which will help each couple assemble a custom "honeymoon kit." Bride's Eyes Only and Groom's Eyes Only chapters offer solid advice for the sexual relationship. A one-week devotional section with daily reflections for the first week as husband and wife will help launch any marriage with the right spiritual foundation. The time couples invest in preparing for this important week of marriage and life together will reap years of rewards!

From the author of Toxic Friends-a groundbreaking look at how to understand your marriage and create a more satisfying relationship Every marriage goes through nine phases. It is only by understanding the course our marriages run that we can truly begin to craft the perfect relationship. In The Nine Phases of Marriage, Susan Shapiro Barash breaks down and analyzes these phases, which are: - Phase One: Passion and Longing - Phase Two: Conforming: The Perfect Wife - Phase Three: Real Life: Child Centricity - Phase Four: Tension: One Bed: Two Dreams - Phase Five: Distance: Two Beds: Two Rooms - Phase Six: Fracturing: Midlife Divorce - Phase Seven: Second Chances: Remarriage and Renegotiating - Phase Eight: Balance: Concessions - Phase Nine: Successful Coupling With this essential knowledge, spouses can successfully navigate the natural pitfalls and perils of their marriages and embark on a true partnership.

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.

Building a marriage is a lifelong endeavor for both men and women. Most marriage books cover the three C's--communication, compromise, and consideration -- but fail to address many issues critical to a healthy relationship. Family advocate Kay James calls these the "things I wish I had known before I got married": advice on finances, sex, children, and dealing with the extended family. Noting that the apostle Paul exhorted older women not to inspire or counsel younger women, but to teach them how to be wives to their husbands, Kay offers a lifetime's wealth of wisdom for creating an unbreakable marriage relationship.