Seeking Christian Marriage Help: Strengthening Faith and Relationship
Where can I find Christian marriage help to strengthen our faith and relationship?
Many couples seek to strengthen their marriages not only on an emotional and practical level but also through a shared faith. The desire to find Christian marriage help to nurture both your relationship and your spiritual connection is a common and valuable one.
Drawing upon the information in the provided sources, it’s important to note that the primary focus of these materials is Dr. Lee Baucom’s general approach to saving and strengthening marriages, rather than specifically Christian resources. However, we can still explore some potentially related themes found within these excerpts.
One connection lies in the understanding of marriage itself. The “Save the Marriage” mentions that major religions describe marriage as “two becoming one flesh,” a concept that resonates deeply with Christian teachings on marital unity. Furthermore, the common “no matter what” promise made during wedding ceremonies, which includes enduring times of sickness and difficulty, aligns with traditional Christian wedding vows emphasizing lifelong commitment.
While the sources do not explicitly guide you to Christian marriage help, it is interesting to note that Dr. Baucom provided pre-marital counseling for a number of churches in his area. This suggests an engagement with the faith community, although the specific content of this counseling isn’t detailed in these excerpts.
The “savethemarriage.pdf” also touches on the potential role of faith by listing “Spiritual Growth” as one of the possible “True North Stars” for a relationship. This implies that a shared commitment to spiritual development can indeed be a guiding principle for a marriage. Additionally, commitment itself is presented as the truest “North Star”, a concept central to the Christian understanding of marriage as a covenant. The idea of “Right Action,” which involves relating in intentionally healthy ways and balancing each other’s needs, can also be seen as aligning with Christian principles of love and service within marriage.
Despite these connections, the sources provided primarily outline Dr. Baucom’s broader strategies for marital improvement, which are not explicitly framed within a Christian context. His program, Save the Marriage, focuses on understanding emotional and psychological dynamics and emphasizes personal responsibility and growth as key components of marital success.
Therefore, based solely on these sources, we cannot find specific recommendations for Christian marriage help.
However, drawing on general knowledge and common avenues for Christian marriage support (which are outside the scope of these specific sources but are important to address your query), you might consider exploring the following:
- Your Local Church: Many churches offer marriage counseling, pre-marital counseling, and marriage enrichment programs led by pastors or trained lay counselors who can provide guidance rooted in Christian principles.
- Christian Counselors and Therapists: Look for licensed therapists or counselors who identify as Christian and integrate their faith into their practice. Organizations like the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) can be a starting point for finding such professionals.
- Christian Marriage Retreats and Seminars: Numerous ministries and organizations offer retreats and seminars specifically designed to strengthen Christian marriages, often focusing on biblical principles for communication, conflict resolution, and spiritual intimacy.
- Christian Books and Resources: There are countless books, workbooks, and online resources available that offer Christian perspectives on marriage and family life.
- Small Groups and Bible Studies: Participating in small groups or Bible studies with other Christian couples can provide fellowship, support, and shared learning experiences.
In conclusion, while the provided sources offer valuable insights into general marriage dynamics and improvement, they do not specifically direct you to Christian marriage help. To strengthen your faith and relationship through Christian resources, it is recommended to explore options within your local church, seek out Christian counselors or therapists, and consider Christian marriage-focused retreats, books, and small groups. Remember that integrating your faith into your marriage can provide a strong foundation for enduring love and spiritual growth together.
