Proc. of Implementation

The marriage support group will serve as a recurring stimulus in the growth of a couple's relationship through social support. Ideally, a support group presentation takes as its topic one of the many and varied facets of married life. A presenting couple or team shares with the group from their own experiences regarding that particular topic. The format of the group presentation includes one or two brief presentations to stimulate group sharing, a Scripture reading and reflections, group sharing, and time for dialogue between spouses. The remaining time will be used as unstructured social time. The meetings should be at least two but not more than three hours in duration. The size of the group is optimally ten couples. However, a smaller group can be just as effective. Large groups will need more time for sharing, thus there will be less time for socializing. Though it may be difficult to do, large groups should divide so that intimacy and social time remain.

The group will establish a set of norms by which they will conduct themselves. In the table below some rules for sharing are listed. These disciplines may seem unnatural at first, however, they are essential for the group to maintain a strong atmosphere of trust, acceptance and couple support.