General Instructions

“General Instructions,” Marriage and Family Relations Instructor’s Manual, iii

How should the Marriage and Family Relations course be used?

This course is designed to help Church members strengthen marriages and families and find joy in their family relationships. The bishopric or branch presidency is responsible to see that the course is implemented effectively.

Because Church members have different needs and come from different family situations, the course is divided into two parts. Part A, “Strengthening Marriages,” is particularly helpful for married couples and for members who are preparing to be married. Part B, “Parents’ Responsibilities to Strengthen Families,” assists parents and grandparents in their efforts to “bring [children] up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Members who participate in the course should understand that they have the option to attend according to their individual needs. For example, a married couple without children may want to participate in part A but not in part B. A single parent may decide to participate only in the lessons in part B.

Ward and branch leaders may be flexible in their use of the course, according to the promptings of the Spirit and the needs of individual members. They should consider the following ideas:

Who should receive the materials for the course?

Each of the ward or branch members listed below should receive one copy of the Marriage and Family Relations Instructor’s Manual and one copy of the Marriage and Family Relations Participant’s Study Guide:

Each participant in the course should receive a copy of the study guide.

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