One, Two...I Do - Instructor Guide

The One, Two…I Do program was written to provide an in-depth study of human relationships and marriage from a theological perspective. Chapter topics were selected based on real life issues that influence healthy stable Christian marriages. The underlying goal of this program is to present young people with insights based on the Biblical principles that serve as the foundation for the institution and blessing of marriage. The exercises are designed to help the participants learn more about themselves and the importance of choosing a life mate wisely with God’s help. Having an intimate knowledge of the guidelines for experiencing love and marriage and abiding by them dramatically increases one’s chances of a successful, fulfilling, fun, meaningful marriage.

Starter Activities, if needed, are provided for each lesson. The activities vary in level of interaction and will be useful for introducing the concepts of the lesson. Instructors may select the activity that is most appropriate for the group with whom they are working. The activities were designed to take from 5-20 minutes at the beginning of each lesson. These activities have been taught successfully for many years in high school classrooms and church youth groups. They can be used with confidence for either large or small groups. The authors are mindful of the often limited resources available to many instructors, so the materials needed for each activity require a minimum of time and cost.

Each of the sixteen lessons is divided into five sections: 1) Think About It briefly introduces the topic of the lesson and sets the direction of the discussion, 2) In Depth provides additional information that expands on the topic material and allows for personal reflection, 3) What does the Bible say? introduces Biblical principles that are foundational for understanding God’s will regarding the lesson topic, 4) Application Challenge asks the participant to identify behaviors or attitudes that actively apply the topic matter and theological perspectives to their own life, and 5) On Your Own is an independent activity to be completed at a later time when the young person is alone and away from the group.

Each lesson is divided into two parts. The beginning part of the lesson focuses on evaluating and improving one’s social and interpersonal interaction, the later part of the lesson provides the individual with an opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual growth.

The curriculum was designed to provide a flexible format for teaching. Instructors are encouraged to incorporate materials of their own that enhance the lessons as long as the materials are compatible with the overall goals and perspective of the One, Two…I Do program. Throughout the lessons, there are opportunities for the instructor to introduce specific theologies that support strong marriages. The program can be taught as a stand-alone curriculum that covers the teaching of Biblical principles that relate to current social thinking, or as a supplemental curriculum to an existing youth program. Many fine resources are available on the subject of marriage, some of which are listed at the conclusion of each lesson.

The lesson concepts were chosen to inspire both deductive and inductive reasoning in young people as they explore their spiritual and personal beliefs regarding relationships and marriage. It is hoped that the material presented in the program will be thought provoking and inspirational to those who complete it. Because this curriculum can be taught in either the traditional school classroom or in a less formal group setting (a club or organization, summer camp, or church youth group) the teaching strategies introduced are varied. Leaders can select the most useful methodology for the size and demographic of their participant group.