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Facilitator Guide

Facilitator Guide

$15.99

Rick and Jane Learn to Be Married is a fully developed small-group marriage study created to equip churches with a clear, repeatable, and effective approach to marriage discipleship. The study combines relatable storytelling with structured skill development, making it accessible for couples at every stage of marriage.

The experience is intentionally designed as a 9-session study over 9 weeks. Session one serves as a guided onboarding session where couples establish group norms, commit to confidentiality, complete a pre-survey, and define specific goals for their marriage. Sessions two through nine correspond directly to the eight books in the series, creating a predictable weekly rhythm for both couples and facilitators.

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Description

Each week, couples read one book (typically 30–40 minutes) and complete exercises in their Couple Workbooks, with each spouse using their own workbook. These exercises include written reflections, personal assessments, agreements, and practical tools such as anger logs, forgiveness commitments, problem-solving frameworks, and intimacy-building conversations. Couples are then encouraged to practice the skills during the following week as they read the next book.

The Facilitator Guide is intentionally comprehensive and leader-friendly. Every session is fully laid out and includes:

  • Clear objectives and agendas
  • Weekly icebreakers
  • Chapter-by-chapter discussion questions
  • Facilitator scripts and follow-up prompts
  • Coaching notes explaining why questions matter
  • Scripture integration and theological framing
  • Guidance for managing participation, resistance, and group safety

Facilitators are not expected to be marriage experts. Their role is to guide conversation, reinforce the process, and create a safe environment where couples can learn and apply skills together.

The study also includes pre- and post-surveys to help couples and church leaders observe measurable growth. With built-in accountability, structured application, and a strong biblical foundation, Rick and Jane Learn to Be Married offers churches a sustainable, scalable, and outcomes-oriented marriage ministry that leaders can run with confidence.

What Facilitators Actually Do Each Week

Facilitators do not teach, counsel, or fix marriages.
Their role is to guide a structured process that the materials already provide.

Each week, facilitators:

  • Prepare in advance by reading the assigned book and completing the workbook questions themselves
  • Open the session with prayer and a provided icebreaker
  • Guide discussion using chapter-by-chapter questions already written in the Facilitator Guide
  • Use scripted prompts to encourage participation and manage silence or over-talkers
  • Reinforce group norms, including confidentiality and no advice-giving
  • Redirect gently if couples skip preparation or drift off topic
  • Highlight application, asking about last week’s Team Challenge and new agreements
  • Maintain emotional safety, not allowing shaming, fixing, or spiritual pressure
  • Close with reflection and prayer, capturing key takeaways

Facilitators are also given language for:

  • Resetting expectations when homework isn’t done
  • Handling resistance or discomfort
  • Encouraging quieter couples to participate
  • Keeping discussions balanced and time-bound

Everything facilitators need—including agendas, questions, follow-ups, and coaching notes—is provided. Their success depends on faithful use of the process, not personal expertise.

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