tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291591634697141288.post8311760292481546420..comments2023-04-26T10:22:33.141+01:00Comments on The Road to "Elder" ado: The Marriage Course: a reviewUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291591634697141288.post-21774740204690947652011-06-01T22:43:57.261+01:002011-06-01T22:43:57.261+01:00We found TMC very helpful indeed, and have since r...We found TMC very helpful indeed, and have since run the course at our church. A couple of comments on your points, above:<br /><br />- the updated materials (2010+)are far more culturally and ethnically diverse than the original course. they have sought to address this criticism.<br /><br />- the 'length of time' of discussions is a tricky one. When doing the course ourselves we felt the same as you - however hosting the course we have realised that the same exercise is too short for some and too long for others! we reckon that where it's too short - the discussion can continue at home, and where too long then waiting a few minutes to facilitate what might be a critical part of the course for another couple is OK.<br /><br />- Yes it's Marmite... and the attitude that couples bring the course is a key element. <br /><br />-The feedback we have received from couples has been very positive (sometimes several years after doing the course). This has come from newlyweds to folks 4/5 decades into marriage.<br /><br />- No some people don't 'get it', so a taster session/marriage course party is a good way of letting people decide if it something they would benefit from.That Hideous Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12076125326851070568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291591634697141288.post-48197389369604766002009-04-14T08:55:00.000+01:002009-04-14T08:55:00.000+01:00there was a dearth of really experienced married c...<I>there was a dearth of really experienced married couples (who have struggled and so are prepared to listen rather than speak!) to help those who wanted to go further</I>I think that is the nature of the course: as in it is an enrichment course and therefore it is down to the couple to use the resources, rather than there being intervention and counselling unless the host Church specifically offers this as a follow up, which we did.<br /><br />But I wonder, on the flip side, I just don't think it would attract as many people if they thought it went any deeper too soon, because then going on it would have a bit of stigma.<br /><br />As it is it raises the issues and points you int he direction to get help, which is probably the right balance.Blue, with a hint of amberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689914726284208496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291591634697141288.post-30945789712559792962009-04-13T15:46:00.000+01:002009-04-13T15:46:00.000+01:00I did this course a few years ago (2005 I think) a...I did this course a few years ago (2005 I think) and found it one of the less helpful courses we attended. The organisation was good, the ambiance and meal were lovely, but we found it all a bit too perfect and middle class for us. Also, there was a dearth of really experienced married couples (who have struggled and so are prepared to listen rather than speak!) to help those who wanted to go further.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05992178381852763865noreply@blogger.com