Time for Each Other
A thorough marriage preparation for Christian couples. Produced by Marriage
Resource.
PRESENTATION
The course is developed around two videos introduced by Sally Magnusson
and Eric Bird, a marriage counsellor. Originally designed for marriage
enrichment, the pack for marriage preparation contains the videos, a sheet
for leaders and six workbooks for the couples. The workbooks are available
in different formats - for Christian couples and for couples who don't
attend church regularly
COST
Leader's pack £34
Extra workbooks £ 2.50
CONTENT
The content of the pack is based around the videos, which contain a 25-minute
introduction to the course and four units. These are titled 'Understanding
each other', Equal but different', Let's be friends', 'Let's communicate'
and 'Giving love or getting sex'. The tapes contain information from the
presenters, accompanied by interview soundbites from a wide range of
people and scenes played by actors. There are helpful recaps of the main
information and the workbooks are referred to in the videos. No assumptions
are made about the Christian knowledge or commitment of the couples in
the videos.
The leader's notes are brief, containing information about Marriage Resource
and further reading materials, as well as a few pointers about how to
use the material in a Marriage preparation course. There is further material
available from Marriage Resource, should a leader need it.
The workbook includes advice, recapping much of what is on the video
and questionnaire-based exercises. The workbook for Christian couples
includes Bible references and explanation relating to the topics.
APPROACH
'Time for Each Other' was originally developed as a self-help marriage
enrichment course for individual couples or in a group of married people.
It makes little reference to weddings. However, the tapes can easily apply
to those preparing for marriage, especially if they are living together
already. Eric Bird wrote the material. It uses many of the insights gained
from his work as a marriage counsellor, based on the assumption that good marriages
do not just happen but need to be worked at. It is designed for couples
to work through.
OVERALL VERDICT
The strength of this course is in the videos. The tapes are professional
and well-produced. Any couple who was serious about marriage preparation
would find a lot to think about. The workbooks are initially confusing
and densely written, but contain helpful recaps. Those leaders less experienced
at running marriage preparation would need more help in using the material
with couples.
Please note that although we have endeavoured to check the facts,
this review reflects personal opinion and is not an official statement from
Churches Together for Families. All reviews of resources are the personal views
of the group that prepared the material for this web site.
© Churches Together for Families, 2001
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