Mentoring Generations: A Journey of Lifelong Guidance

Supporting Young Couples with FamilyLife’s Preparing for Marriage Material

You know you are getting on in life when you work with a young couple, and they are the third generation in their family that you have had the privilege to mentor in some or other way.

We are presently mentoring this young couple in their journey to get married. We use FamilyLife’s Preparing for Marriage material, which we find to be an excellent resource as it covers just about everything they will encounter in their marriage relationship.

Part One: Preparing the Groundwork

In this initial phase, the couple is tasked with drawing up their personal history to foster a deeper understanding of one another. This stage also includes discussions about their expectations of marriage, structured around thoughtfully curated questions.

Part Two: Laying the Foundation of Marriage

Here, the couple reflects on the fundamental reasons for marriage, exploring the concept of marriage as per God’s equation – one plus one equals one.

Part Three: Evaluating the Relationship

This section provides tools for the couple to evaluate their relationship comprehensively. It includes a decision-making guide to help them navigate their future together.

Part Four: Building Oneness

This final part focuses on developing authentic communication, understanding roles and responsibilities, managing financial matters, and addressing sexual communication within marriage.

Additionally, there are helpful supplementary questionnaires, such as seeking input from the parents of their partners.

We truly believe that if a couple works through this material, their chances of having a long-lasting and successful marriage are significantly greater.

Quintus and Isolde Swanepoel

FamilyLife