The document provides an overview of steps churches can take to establish a marriage ministry, including using the 8 Habits of Successful Marriages as a curriculum to enrich couples. It discusses building the foundation, framework, and protection of marriages through developing high-trust character, effective communication, and unselfish companionship. Activities are suggested to help couples apply each habit to strengthening their own marriage.

1. Help Keeping the Knot Tied II Marriage Ministry First Steps Marital Knots for Couples Enrichment by Rev. Brian and Maria Dixon Lakeland Baptist Association Kingdom Growth Conference – Parklawn Assembly of God Church May 13, 2010

7. The 3 C’s of a Successful Marriage Roof Framework Foundation

8. Build a Foundation of High-Trust Character The first habit you need to build a foundation of high-trust character is: Habit 1: Be Proactive

11. Build a Foundation of High-Trust Character The second habit you need to build a foundation of high-trust character is: Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind

13. Marriage Mission Statements Our Marriage Mission: To love each other…to help each other…to believe in each other…to wisely use our time, talents, and resources to bless others… to worship together forever. Our marriage is great— As equal partners, we want to love, have fun, teach, and learn. We are a great team. We circle at the summit. “ No Empty Chairs” John and Jane Covey A Married Couple’s Motto… It is our belief that the other is never wrong. Rather than blame or accuse, we simply ask the other: “Will you help me understand?” With love and understanding, we will grow our lives together.

14. Activity Begin a Marriage Mission Statement How do you want to live, love, learn and leave a legacy together?

15. Build a Foundation of High-Trust Character The third habit you need to build a foundation of high-trust character is: Habit 3: Put First Things First

16. Habit 3: Put First Things First Your BIG ROCKS are your values—the things that are most important to you. Your LITTLE ROCKS are the things that get in the way of being true to your values—your big-rock “barriers”.

18. Build a Framework of Effective Communication The first habit you need to build a framework of effective communication is: Habit 4: Think Win-Win

21. Build a Framework of Effective Communication The second habit you need to build a framework of effective communication is: Habit 5: Listen First, Talk Second

26. Build a Protection of Unselfish Companionship The first habit you need to build the protection of unselfish companionship: Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

27. Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw Sharpen the Saw means to take care of you and your marriage.

28. The Whole Person

30. Build the Protection of Unselfish Companionship The first habit you need to build the protection of unselfish companionship: Habit 8: Lifting Yourself by Lifting Others

31. The Elements of Kindness 1. Choose kind words. 2. Speak in a soft tone. 3. Give rather than take.

32. Gives and Takes Why do marriages succeed or fail? Amazingly, we have found that it all comes down to a simple mathematical formula: No matter what style your marriage follows, you must have at least five times as many positive moments, ( GIVES) , as negative moments, (T AKES) , if your marriage is to be stable. — JOHN GOTTMAN, PH.D.

34. Questions?