Suggested Reading

All relationships take work to stay healthy and to grow. That “work” can come from intentional quality time together, sometimes focused on specific areas of the relationship that the couple agree on. With literally thousands of books available on the topic of relationships, we’ve tried to narrow the field to some that the leaders in the Marriage Ministry have found helpful over the years. The listings below are those that we believe address each subject best.

Before you Marry

Biehl, Bobb and Cheryl. Getting to “Really Know” Your Life-Mate-to Be.1996.
Cloud Dr. Henry & Dr. John Townsend. Boundaries in Dating. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.
Gudgel, David. Before You Get Engaged. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2007.
Gudgel, David. Before You Live Together. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 2003.

Before you Remarry

Deal, Ron and David Olson. The Remarriage Checkup: Tools to Help Your Marriage Last a Lifetime. Grand Rapids, MI: Bethany House, 2010.
Wright, H. Norman. Before You Remarry: A Guide to Successful Remarriage. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1999.

Establishing a Strong and Healthy Marriage

Establishing and Growing a Strong and Healthy Marriage Piper, Dr. John. This Momentary Marriage Wheaton, Il: Crossway Books 2009
Tripp, Paul David. What Did You Expect. Wheaton, Il: Crossway Books,2010
Lewis, Robert & William Hendricks. Rocking the Roles. Colorado Springs,CO: Navpress, 1998
Thomas, Gary L.. Sacred Marriage: What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy… Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.
Feldhahn, Shaunti & Jeff. For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women. Sisters, OR: Multnomah Press, 2006.
Feldhahn, Shaunti & Jeff. For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men. Sisters, OR: Multnomah Press, 2004
Farrel, Bill & Pam. Men are Like Waffles-Women are Like Spaghetti. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2001.
Smalley, Dr Greg & Dr. Robert Paul, The DNA of Relationships for Couples. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2006.
Ferguson, Dr. David and Teresa. Intimate Encounters. Austin, TX: Relationship Press, 2006.
Chapman, Dr. Gary. The Five Love Languages:The Secret to Love That Lasts. Chicago, IL: Northfield Publishing, 2010.
Eggerichs, Dr. Emerson. Love and Respect. Brentwood, TN: Integrity Publishers, 2004.

Sexual Intimacy

Lehman, Dr. Kevin. Sheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2003.
McCluskey, Christopher & Rachel. When Two Become One: Enchancing Sexual Intimacy in Marriage. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 2004.
Wheat, Dr. Ed. Intended for Pleasure: Sex Technique and Sexual Fulfillment in Christian Marriage(Third Edition.) Grand Rapids, MI: Revell; 1997.

DEALING WITH PAST ABUSE/ADDICTIONS/INFIDELITY

Dealing with Past Abuse, Additions and Infidelity

Allender, Dan . The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Sexual Abuse. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2008. This is an excellent resource for adult victims of sexual abuse. A companion workbook is available.
Carder, David. Torn Asunder: Recovering from an Extramarital Affair. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2008.
Schaumburg, Dr. Harry W. False Intimacy – Understanding the Struggle of Sexual Addiction Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1997.
Tracy, Steve. Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.

Spiritual Intimacy and Devotionals for Couples

Scazzaro, Peter, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: Unleash a Revolutionin your Life In Christ: Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2006
Ferguson, Dr. David and Teresa. Never Alone: Devotions for Couples. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2001.
Foster, Dr. Richard J., Celebration of Discipline, San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins, 1998
Nouwen, Dr. Henri, Bread for the Journey: Reflections for Every Day of the Year, San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins, 1997
Chambers, Oswald, My Utmost For His Highest, Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour Publishing, 1963

Finances

Burkett, Larry. The Complete Financial Guide for Young Couples: a Lifetime Approach to Spending, Saving and Investing. Colorado Springs, Co: David C. Cook, 2002
Ramsey, Dave. The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2nd Edition, 2007

A comprehensive list of recommended books is in the attached downloadable PDF file.

Marriage Ministry Events

Marriage Prep Class
February 12
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., E214 (map)
Our Marriage Preparation class is for couples with wedding plans or who are just contemplating marriage. The class offers tools to help lay the right foundation, launch a healthy marriage and grow progressively toward godly marital fitness. Marriage Prep classes meet for two Saturdays and four Sundays, with an additional Sunday for those blending families with children. Registration is required. Sign up on our website at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/marriage-preparation or by calling 480-824-7238 for an application. The fee is $100 if you attend SBC and $110 if you attend another church. If your wedding will be at SBC, the fee is included in your wedding package. Upcoming class dates are: Sat 2/4, 3/3 (room E-105), Sun 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/4 (room E-214) and Sat 4/14, 5/5 (room E-105), Sun 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6 (room E-214) (close)
Love & Respect
February 15
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., E105 (map)
This 10-week DVD study starting Weds. Feb. 15th is based on Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs’ book Love and Respect and teaches couples how to enhance their marriage by meeting other's deepest needs.Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for this study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Intimate Encounters
February 21
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., Chapel (map)
Build a more loving and intimate marriage as you and your spouse engage in this small group study beginning Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:15pm. Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for the study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Love & Respect
February 22
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., E105 (map)
This 10-week DVD study starting Weds. Feb. 15th is based on Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs’ book Love and Respect and teaches couples how to enhance their marriage by meeting other's deepest needs.Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for this study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Marriage Prep Class
February 26
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., E214 (map)
Our Marriage Preparation class is for couples with wedding plans or who are just contemplating marriage. The class offers tools to help lay the right foundation, launch a healthy marriage and grow progressively toward godly marital fitness. Marriage Prep classes meet for two Saturdays and four Sundays, with an additional Sunday for those blending families with children. Registration is required. Sign up on our website at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/marriage-preparation or by calling 480-824-7238 for an application. The fee is $100 if you attend SBC and $110 if you attend another church. If your wedding will be at SBC, the fee is included in your wedding package. Upcoming class dates are: Sat 2/4, 3/3 (room E-105), Sun 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/4 (room E-214) and Sat 4/14, 5/5 (room E-105), Sun 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6 (room E-214) (close)
Hearing the Heart of Your Spouse
February 26
5 p.m.–6:30 p.m., E113 (map)
A DVD study for couples that teaches how to live God's purpose for marriage and grow deeper together through talking and listening in new ways. Meets for six weeks beginning Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012. Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for the study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Intimate Encounters
February 28
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., Chapel (map)
Build a more loving and intimate marriage as you and your spouse engage in this small group study beginning Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:15pm. Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for the study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Love & Respect
February 29
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., E105 (map)
This 10-week DVD study starting Weds. Feb. 15th is based on Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs’ book Love and Respect and teaches couples how to enhance their marriage by meeting other's deepest needs.Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for this study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Marriage Prep Class
March 3
8:15 a.m.–1 p.m., E105 (map)
Our Marriage Preparation class is for couples with wedding plans or who are just contemplating marriage. The class offers tools to help lay the right foundation, launch a healthy marriage and grow progressively toward godly marital fitness. Marriage Prep classes meet for two Saturdays and four Sundays, with an additional Sunday for those blending families with children. Registration is required. Sign up on our website at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/marriage-preparation or by calling 480-824-7238 for an application. The fee is $100 if you attend SBC and $110 if you attend another church. If your wedding will be at SBC, the fee is included in your wedding package. Upcoming class dates are: Sat 2/4, 3/3 (room E-105), Sun 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/4 (room E-214) and Sat 4/14, 5/5 (room E-105), Sun 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6 (room E-214) (close)
Marriage Prep Class
March 4
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., E214 (map)
Our Marriage Preparation class is for couples with wedding plans or who are just contemplating marriage. The class offers tools to help lay the right foundation, launch a healthy marriage and grow progressively toward godly marital fitness. Marriage Prep classes meet for two Saturdays and four Sundays, with an additional Sunday for those blending families with children. Registration is required. Sign up on our website at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/marriage-preparation or by calling 480-824-7238 for an application. The fee is $100 if you attend SBC and $110 if you attend another church. If your wedding will be at SBC, the fee is included in your wedding package. Upcoming class dates are: Sat 2/4, 3/3 (room E-105), Sun 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/4 (room E-214) and Sat 4/14, 5/5 (room E-105), Sun 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6 (room E-214) (close)
Hearing the Heart of Your Spouse
March 4
5 p.m.–6:30 p.m., E113 (map)
A DVD study for couples that teaches how to live God's purpose for marriage and grow deeper together through talking and listening in new ways. Meets for six weeks beginning Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012. Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for the study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Intimate Encounters
March 6
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., Chapel (map)
Build a more loving and intimate marriage as you and your spouse engage in this small group study beginning Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:15pm. Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for the study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Love & Respect
March 7
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., E105 (map)
This 10-week DVD study starting Weds. Feb. 15th is based on Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs’ book Love and Respect and teaches couples how to enhance their marriage by meeting other's deepest needs.Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for this study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Marriage Prep - Blended Family Forum
March 11
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., E214 (map)
The Blended Family Forum is for couples who are preparing to marry into or are already in a blended family situation. It will include a panel discussion with five couples who have successfully blended families, open discussion, and Q & A regarding the challenges and surprises couples encounter when blending families with children. For more information or to sign up for this class, please call 480-824-7238. (close)
Hearing the Heart of Your Spouse
March 11
5 p.m.–6:30 p.m., E113 (map)
A DVD study for couples that teaches how to live God's purpose for marriage and grow deeper together through talking and listening in new ways. Meets for six weeks beginning Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012. Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for the study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Intimate Encounters
March 13
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., Chapel (map)
Build a more loving and intimate marriage as you and your spouse engage in this small group study beginning Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:15pm. Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for the study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Love & Respect
March 14
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., E105 (map)
This 10-week DVD study starting Weds. Feb. 15th is based on Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs’ book Love and Respect and teaches couples how to enhance their marriage by meeting other's deepest needs.Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for this study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Marriage Mysteries Unraveled
March 14
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., Chapel (map)
A 6-week DVD study exploring expectations in marriage based on the book "What Did You Expect" by Paul David Tripp. The class starts Weds., March 14, 2012 and childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for this study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Hearing the Heart of Your Spouse
March 18
5 p.m.–6:30 p.m., E113 (map)
A DVD study for couples that teaches how to live God's purpose for marriage and grow deeper together through talking and listening in new ways. Meets for six weeks beginning Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012. Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for the study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Intimate Encounters
March 20
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., Chapel (map)
Build a more loving and intimate marriage as you and your spouse engage in this small group study beginning Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:15pm. Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for the study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Love & Respect
March 21
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., E105 (map)
This 10-week DVD study starting Weds. Feb. 15th is based on Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs’ book Love and Respect and teaches couples how to enhance their marriage by meeting other's deepest needs.Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for this study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Marriage Mysteries Unraveled
March 21
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., Chapel (map)
A 6-week DVD study exploring expectations in marriage based on the book "What Did You Expect" by Paul David Tripp. The class starts Weds., March 14, 2012 and childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for this study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Hearing the Heart of Your Spouse
March 25
5 p.m.–6:30 p.m., E113 (map)
A DVD study for couples that teaches how to live God's purpose for marriage and grow deeper together through talking and listening in new ways. Meets for six weeks beginning Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012. Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for the study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Intimate Encounters
March 27
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., Chapel (map)
Build a more loving and intimate marriage as you and your spouse engage in this small group study beginning Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:15pm. Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for the study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)
Love & Respect
March 28
6:15 p.m.–8 p.m., E105 (map)
This 10-week DVD study starting Weds. Feb. 15th is based on Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs’ book Love and Respect and teaches couples how to enhance their marriage by meeting other's deepest needs.Childcare is provided. Register and pay $22 for this study at http://scottsdalebible.com/ministries/marriage/GYM or call 480-824-7238. (close)

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Ministry Contacts

Don Farr
Marriage Pastor
480.824.7289
dfarr@sbcaz.org

Jill Hoekstra
Marriage Administrative Coordinator
480.824.7238
jhoekstra@sbcaz.org