Loving People Resources: Dating & Marriage

Dating and Marriage offer unique challenges in the area of Loving People. Note: Most resources listed are suitable for both married and dating couples. More specific resources are indicated.

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The 5 Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt…

Author: Gary Chapman
© 1992 Moody Publishers ISBN 1881273156
Notes: How do you express love? Some people use words, others use actions. Sometimes these differences lead to misunderstanding and pain. By learning about love languages and which of them you & your spouse/significant other have, your communication can improve. Love languages covered include: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch.
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Growth Level: Develop

Boundaries in Dating

Author: Henry Cloud & John Townsend
© 2000 Zondervan ISBN 0310200342
Notes: Doctors Cloud & Townsend, both licensed psychologists, have written several books about Boundaries. This edition, specific to dating relationships, can help you understand dating initially or to comprehend what it is like for a Christian to date. This book may be best received by those without substantial dating experience as a Christ-follower though anyone can learn from the foundational ideas. Even if you've made some bad decisions in the past, you can establish healthy boundaries and great relationships.
Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
Growth Level: Develop

Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts

Author: Leslie & Les Parrott
© 1995 Zondervan ISBN 0310492408
Notes: This book is suitable for engaged couples or newlyweds wishing to understand what a healthy marriage looks like. Arranged into 7 questions to ask before (or after) marriage.
Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
Growth Level: Develop

Building Your Mate's Self-Esteem

Author: Dennis & Barbara Rainey
© 1995 Nelson Reference ISBN 0785278249
Notes: Author Dennis Rainey said that "self-esteem is either the crippler or the completer of the marriage relationship." In this book, the authors talk about the self-esteem issue from a realistic point of view.
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Growth Level: Develop

Should We Live Together?

Author: David Popenoe & Barbara Dafoe Whitehead
© 2002 National Marriage Project / Rutgers University
Notes: This resource, distinctly not from a "Christian" source has a lot to say on the subject of living together (cohabitation) that should speak volumes to either Christians or non-Christians who are dating. Think about how living together affects you, your significant other, your children (if applicable), and your other relationships - both now and into the future. This National Marriage Project publication gives several recommendations that may surprise you to come from a non-religious source.
Resource Access: National Marriage Project download
Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)

Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage

Author: Lee & Leslie Strobel
© 2002 Zondervan ISBN 0310220149
Notes: When these two authors married, neither was a Christian. After a few years of marriage, Leslie became a Christian, but Lee did not for several more years. This time of being "mismatched" taught them many lessons which they present in this book -- how to deal with the loneliness, fear & conflict you may face, continuing to grow spiritually even if your spouse doesn't join in, and how to pray for your spouse who doesn't believe what you do.
Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
Growth Level: Develop

Divorce Support Groups

Event Organizer: Gateway Community Church
Gateway Community Church - Schedule: (NA)
Notes: Gateway offers various support groups and learning opportunities for those considering, going through, or affected by divorce.
Resource Access: Email for more info: divorcesupport@gatewaychurch.com
Growth Level: All

GEM Weekend

Event Organizer: Gateway Community Church
Gateway Community Church - Schedule: (NA)
Notes: GEM Weekend (Gateway Encounter Marriage) is held several times a year at Gateway. It's usually offered in a Friday-evening & Saturday format, often timed with Gateway U. Through the seminar, engaged or married couples can better understand God's designs for marriage and encounter growth in their relationships. There is a cost for the materials, which include meals, seminars by various teachers, workbooks, and a standard couples compatibility inventory.
Resource Access: Email for more info: gateway@gatewaychurch.com
Growth Level: All

Media

There are currently no resources of this type in this category.

Group Study

Marriage: Building Real Intimacy

Author / Series: Bill Hybels / InterActions (Willow Creek)
© 1996 or 2005 Zondervan ISBN 0310206758 or 0310265894
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: Group Study about marriage. This is good as an overview of the topic for most couples.
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for new leaders. Revised in 2005.
Growth Level: Develop

Sex: What's God Got To Do With It?

Author / Series: Rick Richardson / Groups Investigating God
© 2002 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830820264
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: Each section of this group study guide tackles a question about sex -- is God against sex & pleasure? Is there help for sexual mistakes and regrets? Is there healing for sexual hurts? Is there hope for sexual struggles? Is premarital sex right if you care for the person? And finally, How do I find sexual integrity and fulfillment?
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Leader Notes: 6 sessions. The Groups Investigating God (GIG) series are designed for groups of seekers & skeptics - especially those in college or in their 20s.
Growth Level: Discover

The Model Marriage

Author / Series: Focus on the Family / Focus on the Family Marriage
© 2003 Gospel Light Publications ISBN (NA)
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: You think you have a model marriage? Perhaps not... This study guide will help you look at the model for relationships that Jesus gives us. Though our Savior himself was not married, through considering his qualities you can encounter what your marriage could look like.
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Leader Notes: 4 sessions. Recommended for couples groups only. Recommended for group containing growing Christ-followers.
Growth Level: Develop

Improving Communication in Your Marriage

Author / Series: Gary & Barbara Rosberg / Homebuilders
© 2000 FamilyLife Publishing ISBN 0764422367
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: A study for couples groups. Designed to bring husbands & wives closer to each other & God through developing communication skills.
Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for more experienced leaders.
Growth Level: Develop

The Fighting Marriage

Author / Series: Focus on the Family / Focus on the Family Marriage
© 2003 Gospel Light Publications ISBN (NA)
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: This study guide will help you consider what conflict resolution looks like in marriage.
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Leader Notes: 4 sessions. Recommended for couples groups only.
Growth Level: Develop

Couples of the Old Testament

Author / Series: Dale & Sandy Larsen / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830480
Bible Section: OT-General
Notes: If you're looking to think about relationships and marriage in a slightly different way, this study guide may be the perfect thing for you. Rather than just considering principles of a good marriage, this study guide looks at some couples of the Old Testament -- couples who's relationships range from challenging to nearly impossible. Thinking about their situations can help you face the challenges and disappointments that many people see as synonymous with marriage.
Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
Leader Notes: 9 sessions. The Life Guide series is usually easy to lead. You might choose to cover some sessions but not all 9, to make this a shorter study for your group.
Growth Level: Develop

The Passionate Marriage

Author / Series: Focus on the Family / Focus on the Family Marriage
© 2003 Gospel Light Publications ISBN (NA)
Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: What passion do you have in your marriage -- for each other -- and also for God. This study will help you consider what a Christ-centered marriage looks like - and how intimacy is part of that picture.
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Leader Notes: 4 sessions. Recommended for married couples groups only.
Growth Level: Develop

The Goal of Marriage

Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: Group study about marriage.
Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
Leader Notes: 6 sessions?. For use in groups or as a couple.
Growth Level: Develop

The Masterpiece Marriage

Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: A study on unity in marriage.
Leader Notes: 6 sessions?. For us in groups or as individuals.
Growth Level: Develop

Boundaries in Dating Leader's Guide

Bible Section: Topical Study
Notes: A leader's guide to accompany the Boundaries in Dating book or videos.
Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
Leader Notes: 10 sessions. Use with the Videos or book.
Growth Level: Develop

For Leaders

Responding to a Friend Considering Divorce

Notes: Reference for Gateway leaders in how to respond to someone considering divorce.
Resource Access: Download PDF
Growth Level: Deepen: Leadership