Jeff and I have had the privilege of meeting with several young couples for pre-marital counseling utilizing different aides as we go through weeks of meetings.  A few summers ago, I suggested we write our own curriculum as we saw similar patterns in topics, and we continually used many of our own experiences within those topics.  That’s when “Established” was, well, established!  In a biblical context, the word establish means to firmly set something in place, make it permanent, or give it a solid foundation.  It can also refer to confirming or ratifying something previously made, or to settle or fix what is weak or doubtful. 

We guide couples through a four-session reading and activity curriculum that focuses first on the foundation of who God made each individual and then how each individual contributes to a new establishment through marriage.  In each session, we learn about a specific framework that strengthens their establishment.  Each time we discuss a topic, go to God’s Word to see what the author of all establishments are built on, and then ask couples to complete an activity that brings their individualism into an overlap of their upcoming establishment. 

What a beautiful picture of two individuals joining to make something new, solid, permanent, and stronger than on their own.  If you are starting a new establishment and would like to learn more about how God designed your relationship to be, reach out to us.  We would love to walk alongside you!

–Angie Thompson