Third Edition of Growing Love in Christian Marriage Now Available

With the recent publication of the third editions of the Growing Love in Christian Marriage (GLCM) Couple’s Manual and Pastor’s Manual, United Methodist leaders are encouraged to unite in an effort to strengthen marriage and family ministries throughout our connection.

These updated companion books, available from Amazon in print or the Kindle format, provide in-depth scripture-based marriage preparation before the wedding and during the early years of marriage. Pastors currently using other marriage preparatory resources will find new ideas to incorporate into exisiting ministries.

The couple’s manual, which is sold in a packet of two, offers effective exercises for couples to use on their own or with guidance from a pastor, counselor or mentoring couple.

The pastor’s manual provides direction for pre-marital and post-wedding counseling, including instructions for administering and interpreting the GLCM relationship inventory. It also includes information about comprehensive marriage and family ministries and resources, such as

• relationship education for all ages
• marriage preparation
• marriage education and enrichment
• ministries with those in crisis, transition and special situations
• ministries with singles

Growing as disciples of Jesus Christ includes the ability for everyone -- married, divorced, widowed or single -- to form healthy relationships and relate more lovingly with others.

So, offering relationship education is an important mission -- indeed, an evangelistic opportunity -- of the church. Meet people at their point of need, and offer to help strengthen your community's families through nurturing more healthy relationships. What more logical place for this than the church?