RelationshipCentral

How do I get started?

  1. Attend The Marriage Course yourselves. Go to find a course to find your nearest course. If there isn’t one near you, we recommend you do the course in a home with two or three other couples using the DVDs. If you are planning on using FOCCUS, make sure that your Support Couples have also attended The Marriage Course.
  2. Attend The Marriage Conference and/or watch the ‘Leaders’ Training’ on The Marriage Preparation Course Leaders’ Toolkit. Details listed under ‘Training & Events'.
  3. Purchase the necessary resources. You can find more details and how to order them on AlphaShop.org
  4. Find a counsellor in your area to whom you can refer couples if they need additional help. Details are available on this website under ‘Counselling’.
  5. Set a date and advertise your course - The Marriage Preparation Course Leaders’ Toolkit contains a section on ideas for promoting the course.
  6. Make sure you have the support of your church leaders and congregation. Build a team of volunteers to help you. If the course is large you may need people to help with setting up, cooking, serving and clearing.
  7. Watch the FOCCUS training if you are planning to use FOCCUS as part of the course.  This training is mandatory and can be found on The Marriage Preparation Course Leaders' Toolkit.  Ensure that all your Support Couples have also viewed this training.  
  8. Find a suitable venue. This may be a home if your course is small, or you may need a larger venue - perhaps a church, a community hall, a hotel, a café after hours - anywhere that you can serve a meal and create a great atmosphere.
  9. Decide on what to charge your guests based on the cost of the food, manuals and venue.
  10. Register your course online under register your course. This will allow us to put you in touch with couples looking for a course in your area.
  11. Contact your local Marriage Advisers. These are couples with experience of running the course who help other leaders with advice and support. Their details are listed on this website under ‘Marriage Advisers’.

Follow the course formula - it really does work