Arusi Network, Inc.  

Design for Growing a Parish-based Marriage Ministry

Phase Three

Having experienced the powerful effects of the enrichment experience, couples are encouraged to continue the process by participating in monthly sharing groups.  These sharing groups will be a part of and use as a resource the Arusi Network that will be elaborated on later.

The sharing groups will have three key elements:

1)      Spiritual:  There will be an element of prayer at every meeting.  Couples will be encouraged to be creative in the form that prayer takes.  Music, dance, poetry, incense, drums, singing, spontaneous incantations, or simple, traditional prayers are all valid.  Whatever the form that prayer takes, it should be authentic to the culture(s) of the couples participating.

2)      Educational:  Each meeting should be informative and provide the participants with new insights to Christian marriage and family living.  Topics of discussion may center on current issues.  They may be philosophical.  They may be very practical topics about child care, sexuality, developing primacy in the marriage, conflict management, in‑laws, fidelity, etc.  The Arusi Network will provide a framework from which topics may be addressed.

3)      Social:  If the group is not fun it won't last.  Having time to relax and laugh will help to bond the group. 

It is critical that all three elements are present.  Though, the emphasis may weigh more heavily on one element from time to time.  Still, it is important to have all three elements present.