Adult Lessons
Week 1: Introduction to the course Theme: Foundations of Biblical Relationships Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Main Point: Understanding the importance of healthy, godly relationships and setting expectations for the course. Activity: Participants will introduce themselves and share their expectations for the course. Facilitator will provide an overview of the course topics and objectives.
Week 2: Biblical foundation for relationships Theme: God’s Design for Relationships Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25 Main Point: God created relationships for companionship, support, and fulfillment. Activity: Participants will engage in a group discussion to explore the importance of relationships and how they reflect God’s design.
Week 3: God’s plan for dating and courtship Theme: Understanding God’s Plan for Dating and Courtship Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Main Point: God desires for us to pursue relationships with wisdom, purpose, and intentionality. Activity: Participants will discuss and share their experiences with dating and courtship and how they relate to biblical principles.
Week 4: Attributes of godly relationships Theme: Building Godly Relationships Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17 Main Point: Healthy relationships should be characterized by love, kindness, humility, and forgiveness. Activity: Participants will brainstorm and discuss qualities they believe are essential for godly relationships.
Week 5: The importance of spiritual compatibility Theme: Spiritual Compatibility in Relationships Scripture: Amos 3:3 Main Point: A strong relationship is built on shared faith and a commitment to grow together spiritually. Activity: Participants will share their thoughts on the importance of spiritual compatibility and discuss challenges they’ve encountered in relationships with differing spiritual beliefs.
Week 6: Establishing boundaries in dating Theme: Setting Healthy Boundaries in Dating Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:7 Main Point: Boundaries are essential to maintaining purity and protecting the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of both individuals. Activity: Participants will discuss their experiences with setting boundaries in dating and share practical tips for maintaining those boundaries.
Week 7: Purity and holiness in dating relationships Theme: Pursuing Purity and Holiness in Dating Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 Main Point: God calls us to live pure and holy lives, honoring Him in our dating relationships. Activity: Participants will share personal experiences and discuss strategies for maintaining purity and holiness in dating.
Week 8: Communication and conflict resolution in dating Theme: Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution in Dating Scripture: James 1:19-20 Main Point: Open and honest communication, along with effective conflict resolution, are crucial for a successful dating relationship. Activity: Participants will engage in role-play scenarios to practice communication and conflict resolution skills in a dating context.
Week 9: The role of mentorship and accountability in dating Theme: Mentorship and Accountability in Dating Scripture: Proverbs 27:17 Main Point: Seeking wise counsel and accountability from trusted mentors can provide guidance and support in dating relationships. Activity: Participants will share their experiences with mentorship and accountability and discuss the importance of seeking guidance from trusted sources.
Week 10: Preparing for marriage Theme: Laying the Foundation for a Strong Marriage Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27 Main Point: A successful marriage is built on a strong foundation of trust, commitment, and shared values.
Week 11: The purpose of marriage in God’s plan Theme: Understanding God’s Purpose for Marriage Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-33 Main Point: Marriage is a covenant relationship designed to reflect Christ’s love for the church, provide companionship, and create a partnership for spiritual growth and service. Activity: Participants will discuss the biblical purpose of marriage and share their thoughts on how this understanding can shape a godly marriage.
Week 12: God’s design for marital roles Theme: Embracing God’s Design for Marital Roles Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-33 Main Point: God designed marriage with complementary roles for husbands and wives to support and serve one another. Activity: Participants will discuss the roles of husbands and wives and explore how these roles can be applied in their own marriages or future marriages.
Week 13: The power of covenant in marriage Theme: The Covenant of Marriage Scripture: Malachi 2:14-16 Main Point: Marriage is a sacred covenant that reflects God’s unchanging love and commitment. Activity: Participants will discuss the meaning of covenant in marriage and share their thoughts on how this concept can strengthen their marriages.
Week 14: Developing intimacy and trust in marriage Theme: Cultivating Intimacy and Trust in Marriage Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-12 Main Point: A strong marriage is built on a foundation of deep intimacy, trust, and vulnerability. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of intimacy and trust in marriage and explore practical ways to foster these qualities in their relationships.
Week 15: Communication and conflict resolution in marriage Theme: Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution in Marriage Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32 Main Point: Open and honest communication, along with effective conflict resolution, are crucial for a successful marriage. Activity: Participants will engage in role-play scenarios to practice communication and conflict resolution skills in a marital context.
Week 16: Financial management and stewardship in marriage Theme: Stewardship and Financial Management in Marriage Scripture: Proverbs 3:9-10 Main Point: Wise financial management and stewardship are essential for a healthy and thriving marriage. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of financial stewardship in marriage and share practical tips for managing finances as a couple.
Week 17: The importance of prayer and spiritual growth in marriage Theme: Prayer and Spiritual Growth in Marriage Scripture: Matthew 18:19-20 Main Point: Prayer and spiritual growth are essential for a strong and healthy marriage. Activity: Participants will discuss the role of prayer in their marriages and share their experiences with spiritual growth as a couple.
Week 18: Nurturing and protecting your marriage Theme: Nurturing and Protecting Your Marriage Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7 Main Point: Intentional effort is required to nurture and protect the marriage relationship. Activity: Participants will share strategies for nurturing and protecting their marriages and discuss how these efforts contribute to the health and longevity of their relationships.
Week 19: Parenting from a biblical perspective Theme: Biblical Principles for Parenting Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 Main Point: God’s Word provides guidance for raising children in wisdom, love, and discipline. Activity: Participants will discuss biblical principles for parenting and share practical applications for raising godly children.
Week 20: The role of fathers in the family Theme: The Role of Fathers in the Family Scripture: Ephesians 6:4 Main Point: Fathers are called to be spiritual leaders, providers, and protectors for their families. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of a father’s role in the family and share personal experiences of fatherhood or the impact of their own fathers.
Week 21: The role of mothers in the family Theme: The Role of Mothers in the Family Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31 Main Point: Mothers are called to be nurturers, teachers, and encouragers for their families. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of a mother’s role in the family and share personal experiences of motherhood or the impact of their own mothers.
Week 22: Balancing family, work, and ministry Theme: Balancing Family, Work, and Ministry Scripture: Colossians 3:23-24 Main Point: It is essential to prioritize and maintain balance between family life, work, and service to God. Activity: Participants will discuss the challenges of balancing family, work, and ministry and share strategies for maintaining a healthy balance.
Week 23: Raising children with godly character Theme: Cultivating Godly Character in Children Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 Main Point: Parents are called to nurture and model godly character in their children. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of raising children with godly character and share practical tips for instilling these values in their children.
Week 24: Discipline and guidance in child-rearing Theme: Discipline and Guidance in Child-Rearing Scripture: Hebrews 12:5-11 Main Point: Discipline and guidance are essential components of effective parenting. Activity: Participants will discuss the role of discipline in parenting and share personal experiences and strategies for providing loving guidance to their children.
Week 25: Teaching children about relationships and marriage Theme: Teaching Children about Relationships and Marriage Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Main Point: Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about godly relationships and marriage. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of teaching children about relationships and marriage and share practical tips for doing so.
Week 26: The importance of family traditions and rituals Theme: The Value of Family Traditions and Rituals Scripture: Joshua 4:6-7 Main Point: Family traditions and rituals help create strong family bonds and pass on faith to future generations. Activity: Participants will share their own family traditions and discuss the impact of these traditions on their families and faith.
Week 27: Strengthening your family through worship and devotion Theme: Family Worship and Devotion Scripture: Psalm 78:4-7 Main Point: Regular family worship and devotion is essential for spiritual growth and unity within the family. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of family worship and devotion and share practical tips for implementing these practices in their families.
Week 28: The role of grandparents and extended family Theme: The Role of Grandparents and Extended Family Scripture: Proverbs 17:6 Main Point: Grandparents and extended family members play a significant role in the spiritual development and support of the family. Activity: Participants will share personal experiences with the impact of grandparents and extended family and discuss the importance of their roles in the family.
Week 29: Navigating family conflicts and forgiveness Theme: Family Conflicts and Forgiveness Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32 Main Point: Conflict is a natural part of family life, but forgiveness and reconciliation are essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Activity: Participants will discuss their experiences with family conflicts and share strategies for resolving disputes and promoting forgiveness.
Week 30: Dealing with loss and grief in the family Theme: Coping with Loss and Grief in the Family Scripture: Psalm 34:18 Main Point: God provides comfort and strength to families experiencing loss and grief. Activity: Participants will share personal experiences of loss and grief in their families and discuss the ways in which God has provided comfort and strength during those times.
Week 31: Supporting a spouse through illness or disability Theme: Supporting a Spouse through Illness or Disability Scripture: Romans 12:10 Main Point: Spouses are called to love and support each other through the challenges of illness or disability. Activity: Participants will discuss the challenges of supporting a spouse through illness or disability and share practical tips for providing love and care during difficult times.
Week 32: Navigating career and life transitions in marriage Theme: Navigating Career and Life Transitions in Marriage Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Main Point: Marriage requires flexibility and adaptability as couples navigate various life and career transitions. Activity: Participants will share their experiences with career and life transitions and discuss the impact of these changes on their marriages.
Week 33: Preparing for and embracing the empty nest Theme: The Empty Nest: Preparing and Embracing Change Scripture: Isaiah 43:19 Main Point: The empty nest phase of life presents new opportunities for growth and connection in marriage. Activity: Participants will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the empty nest phase and share strategies for embracing this stage of life.
Week 34: Maintaining intimacy and connection in later years Theme: Intimacy and Connection in Later Years Scripture: Song of Solomon 8:6-7 Main Point: Intimacy and connection can continue to thrive in the later years of marriage. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of maintaining intimacy and connection in later years and share practical tips for doing so.
Week 35: Leaving a legacy of faith for future generations Theme: Leaving a Legacy of Faith Scripture: Psalm 145:4 Main Point: The choices we make today impact the faith and values of future generations. Activity: Participants will discuss the concept of leaving a legacy of faith and share their hopes and plans for passing on their faith to future generations.
Week 36: The importance of community and fellowship in family life Theme: Community and Fellowship in Family Life Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25 Main Point: Engaging in community and fellowship is essential for the spiritual growth and support of families. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of community and fellowship for their families and share personal experiences of the impact of these relationships.
Week 37: Serving and ministering as a family Theme: Serving and Ministering as a Family Scripture: Galatians 5:13-14 Main Point: Families can serve God together by engaging in ministry and acts of service. Activity: Participants will discuss the benefits of serving as a family and share their experiences with family ministry and service projects.
Week 38: Cultivating a Heart for Missions Theme: Developing a Missions Mindset in the Family Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 Main Point: God calls families to share His love and spread the gospel both locally and globally. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of missions and share ideas for cultivating a heart for missions in their families.
Week 39: Caring for aging parents and relatives Theme: Honoring and Caring for Aging Parents and Relatives Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:8 Main Point: God calls us to honor and care for our aging parents and relatives with love and respect. Activity: Participants will share personal experiences and discuss the challenges and blessings of caring for aging parents and relatives.
Week 40: Nurturing and supporting adult children Theme: Nurturing and Supporting Adult Children Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 Main Point: Parental support and guidance remain important even as children grow into adulthood. Activity: Participants will discuss the challenges and joys of parenting adult children and share strategies for maintaining healthy relationships with grown children.
Week 41: Supporting and encouraging married adult children Theme: Supporting Married Adult Children Scripture: Genesis 2:24 Main Point: Parents can provide valuable support and encouragement to their married adult children while respecting their independence. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of supporting and encouraging married adult children and share practical tips for doing so.
Week 42: Welcoming and loving in-laws and grandchildren Theme: Embracing In-laws and Grandchildren Scripture: Ruth 1:16-17 Main Point: Families are called to love and embrace in-laws and grandchildren as an extension of their own family. Activity: Participants will share personal experiences and discuss the importance of building loving relationships with in-laws and grandchildren.
Week 43: Dealing with family estrangement and broken relationships Theme: Healing Family Estrangement and Broken Relationships Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24 Main Point: God desires reconciliation and healing in broken family relationships. Activity: Participants will discuss their experiences with family estrangement and share strategies for pursuing reconciliation and healing.
Week 44: Navigating widowhood and loss of a spouse Theme: Navigating Widowhood and Loss of a Spouse Scripture: Psalm 147:3 Main Point: God provides comfort and strength during the difficult season of widowhood and loss of a spouse. Activity: Participants will share personal experiences of loss and discuss the ways in which God has provided comfort and strength during those times.
Week 45: Facing the end of life with faith and hope Theme: Facing the End of Life with Faith and Hope Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Main Point: Believers can face the end of life with faith and hope, knowing that eternal life awaits in the presence of God. Activity: Participants will discuss their thoughts and feelings about the end of life and explore ways to find hope and peace during this season.
Week 46: Preparing for a Christ-centered funeral Theme: Preparing for a Christ-Centered Funeral Scripture: John 11:25-26 Main Point: A Christ-centered funeral provides an opportunity to celebrate the life of a loved one and share the hope of eternal life in Christ. Activity: Participants will discuss the elements of a Christ-centered funeral and share ideas for planning a service that honors the deceased and points others to Christ.
Week 47: Grieving with hope and healing Theme: Grieving with Hope and Healing Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 Main Point: The grieving process is a natural and necessary part of healing from loss, but believers can grieve with hope, knowing that we will be reunited with our loved ones in Christ. Activity: Participants will share their experiences with grief and discuss how their faith has provided hope and healing during the grieving process.
Week 48: Remembering and celebrating the lives of loved ones Theme: Remembering and Celebrating the Lives of Loved Ones Scripture: Psalm 116:15 Main Point: Honoring and celebrating the lives of our loved ones can help us find comfort and healing in the midst of grief. Activity: Participants will share stories and memories of their loved ones who have passed away and discuss how remembering and celebrating their lives has brought comfort and healing.
Week 49: Supporting others through grief and loss Theme: Supporting Others through Grief and Loss Scripture: Romans 12:15 Main Point: Believers are called to support and comfort others who are grieving and experiencing loss. Activity: Participants will discuss the importance of providing support to others during times of grief and share practical tips for offering comfort and encouragement.
Week 50: Finding new purpose and meaning after loss Theme: Finding New Purpose and Meaning after Loss Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 Main Point: God can bring new purpose and meaning to our lives after experiencing significant loss. Activity: Participants will share their experiences of finding new purpose after loss and discuss how their faith has played a role in this process.
Week 51: The hope of heaven and eternal life Theme: The Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life Scripture: Revelation 21:1-4 Main Point: Believers can find hope in the promise of eternal life in heaven, where there will be no more pain, suffering, or death. Activity: Participants will discuss their thoughts and feelings about heaven and explore the biblical descriptions of eternal life.
Week 52: Reflecting on the journey and looking forward Theme: Reflecting on the Journey and Looking Forward Scripture: Philippians 1:6 Main Point: As we reflect on the past year and the lessons learned, we can look forward to the continued work of God in our lives and relationships. Activity: Participants will share their insights and growth from the year’s lessons and discuss how they plan to apply these lessons to their lives moving forward.
