Marriage Interventions in Church & Community

Marriage Interventions in the Church and Community : 

Marriage Interventions in the Church and Community A How To Guide

A Conceptual Overview : 

A Conceptual Overview So you want to do a marriage weekend? Community based principles Self-assessment Community assessment Couples assessment Intervention decisions

Community based Principles : 

Community based Principles MMATE Center Conceptual Plan Marriage Ministry Assessment, Training and Empowerment Center Mission: To support and empower marriage ministries Vision: To encourage the Church in the implementation of effective, biblical, programs tailored to the needs of their community.

Community based principles : 

Community based principles Foot in the Door Stage Leadership Team Create Goals for the Church Tailored interventions for church/ community Options Needs assessment Program evaluation Training Resources On-going advisory role

Self-Assessment : 

Self-Assessment Who am I relevant to working with churches? My own spiritual heritage/history My public speaking abilities My ability to collaborate with people who are very different in the way they think (e.g., pastors, lay-leaders) What has God called me to in this regard?

Community Assessment- level I : 

Community Assessment- level I Church type- derived from key informants (pastor or leaders) Typical family type/ style Specific church teachings/ doctrines on marriage Pastoral role in the church Ethnicity and SES issues Psychologically-minded church or not? General vision of the church, how marriage fits in

Community Assessment- level II : 

Community Assessment- level II Where do church members see things? Intrapersonally: Marital satisfaction, Marital commitment, Marital intimacy—spiritually, emotionally, recreationally, physically, Marital forgiveness, Marital conflict management Interpersonally: Marriage mentors and role models, Church climate in support of marriages, Teachings, Fellowship, Outside Resources Individually: Knowledge of Scripture, Spiritual disciplines, Sanctification, Family Values, God-image

Community Assessment- Level III : 

Community Assessment- Level III Surrounding community Church as outreach center for marriages in their community Needs assessment of community

Couples Assessment : 

Couples Assessment Once you make decisions on interventions Baseline assessment before intervention (hardly ever works but high ideals) Assessment “in process” Make decisions: One-way ministry, discussion groups, leadership potential within church Establish “baseline” to determine if the ministry work is making a difference

Couples Assessment II : 

Couples Assessment II What do you want to change due to the ministry? Information/ Learning Marriage behaviors Marriage attitudes Community cohesiveness, sense of support New ministries operational (marriage cell groups…)

Intervention Decisions : 

Intervention Decisions So much more than a weekend retreat A needs assessment Program evaluation Training for ministers or lay leaders Resources for the development of church teachings, biblical teachings, pro-family values, and spiritual disciples relevant to marriage. On-going advisory assistance Evaluation of the efficacy of the program with the church.

Weekend Retreats: Bread & Butter : 

Weekend Retreats: Bread & Butter Mistakes I’ve made Communication with primary contact person Clear expectations Too much content in too little time

Weekend Retreats : 

Weekend Retreats What will you focus on for content? Forgiveness, Attachment, Conflict Negotiation, Love languages, Love Bank, Vision Making…. Communication skills (warning) God’s plan for marriage (warning) Sex (warning)

Weekend retreats : 

Weekend retreats What is your real goal? Motivate to attend to marriage Motivation primarily occurs through emotions Stories that evoke emotions, take the time Encourage testimonies from audience Small group sharing Use music, exercises that evoke emotions

Weekend Retreats : 

Weekend Retreats The simple “tricks” Don’t forget good “breaks” Use co-leader or small group discussions to give yourself a break now and then Use video clips Plan games/tricks ahead of weekend with retreat leaders Don’t forget to negotiate cost up front, and that you are a professional.

Ending the Retreat : 

Ending the Retreat Something memorable and tangible Chances for testimonies? Response of worship or prayer (depends on flavor of the church) Opportunity to make a new commitment to their marriage Looking for an emotional positive “wash”