Stages of Marriage
Creative Ministry Consultants

Place appropriate letter beside the number of the stage you feel identifies your marriage.
U = Our usual Stage
C = Our current Stage
G = Our goal 1Yr. from now

1. Enchantment
2. Disenchantment
3. Disappointment
4. Auto-Pilot
5. Irritation
6. Anger
7. Hurt
8. Numbness
9. Hopelessness
10. Giving Up
11. Turning to God
12. Glimmer of Hope
13. One Partner Deciding to try
14. Both Partners Deciding to try
15. Initial Healing and Slow Progress
16. Mutual Respect and Support
17. Flowing in Individual and Mutual Submission
18. Agape Love freely exchanged
19. Advanced Marriage Maturity, Mission and Oneness
20. Leaving a Spiritual Marital Legacy

Helpful scriptures regarding marriage
Colossians 2:12-19 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindles, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which bind them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them."

Other Helpful Scripture and Websites:
Genesis 2:22-25 (origin of marriage)
1 Corinthians 6:12-7:16; 7:26-40 (issues of sexuality and divorce)
1 Peter 3:1-7 (roles and responsibilities of wives and husbands)

Websites:
www.completemarriages.com/page8.html
http://smalley.gospelcom.net/