Marriage Coaching is on the move, again, but in a different way. The last time I wrote, in August 2011 we'd just returned from India. Since then, a lot has happened.
The August 4, 2011 entry under Great Relationships told the miraculous story about the birth of this not for profit organization. Well, this 'baby' has grown! Five directors and some advisory board members have embraced the vision and mission, and continue to meet regularly to shape it for others!
We've been training in Mission Increase philosophy which favors Caver policy-governance and teaches that the most important thing the founders can do for strategic multiplication so that the ministry becomes a movement, is to 'create a platform for champions of the ministry to participate and eventually 'own' the ministry by getting on the stage to share the ministry with others themselves. That is what is happening!
GR's first Level III trained couple is hosting a Level II class that begins March 22! Training materials are being refreshed with updates and edits to enhance the quality of the training experience.
Does this interest you? A great way to explore the opportunity is to take a Level I class. Write to Jeff or Jill @greatrelationships.org for more information.
Marriage Coaching is on the move into the hands and lives of more couple's everyday. Just this past week we provided a 75 minute Continuing Ed. class for coaches and trainers from CMI, Coaching Mission International on "How to Coach Couples Through Difficult and Emotional Conversations" using principles and skills from Marriage Coaching. Feedback from coaches was encouraging, "This was very practical and gives me some ways to help couples that I didn't have before."
Marriage Coaching in Pune is a facebook page that you could look at to see pictures of couples gatherings to learn marriage coaching as well as upcoming training opportunities provided by a Level III trained couple that resides there!
As our counseling practice, Grace & Truth Counseling and Coaching grows, and couples have to wait for appointments, we urge them to read sections of our book to be encouraged (the crisis chapter), and to begin to familiarize themselves with the core concepts and methods that we will use with them when we meet for appointments. "We will likely have fewer total appointments and get more done in sessions if you will read, reflect and discuss how to apply this method in your marriage outside of sessions."
Recently it was gratifying to hear a wife say that she hadn't been able to read what she needed to because, "My mother stole my copy to read for herself!"
Just yesterday we receive a note from a trained couple that what they'd learned would soon be helpful to couples in N. Africa, where they are moving so serve as cross-cultural workers!
And a month ago, a major mission organization ordered 50 copies to give as gifts to leadership couples coming to their spring marriage and family ministry conference in Europe!
So, Marriage Coaching is on the move organizationally through Great Relationships as the foundation is solidified with an invested board of directors, through training of couples invested in marriage ministry, and couples who receive 'as needed, direct service' marriage coaching that they use to heal, strengthen and protect their marriage and also use the skills in parenting and extended family relationships.
Just wanted you to be updated, encouraged, and to know how to connect to participate and to become engaged in this life-giving, marriage saving ministry.
Many blessings! Jeff, Jill, GR Board and Advisors, Trained couples
