Description
Receive a FREE copy of the Leader's Guide when you purchase five or more copies of Marriage ROCKS for Christian Couples. You must place one copy of the Leader's Guide in your shopping cart, and enter ROCKSLEADER in the discount box at checkout in order to receive your free guide.
Available on Kindle!
SNEAK PEEK: Download Chapter 1
With the Marriage ROCKS method, Arnold challenges couples to establish and strengthen their relationship on a rock-solid foundation of:
• Redemption — the rock of grace
• Offering — the rock of sacrifice
• Covenant — the rock of boundaries
• Knowledge — the rock of power
• Sacred space — the rock of worship
The book offers a twelve-step model for couples at all levels of relational intimacy, leading them on a journey to discover how marriage (1) develops the human capacity to experience the fullness of God's love and (2) becomes a ministry through which to share God's love with others. Designed for use by individual couples, with small groups, or in counseling contexts, this practical book includes:
• Biblical study
• Discussion questions
• Action steps
Excerpt from Chapter 1:
"If you are reading this book it is because you desire the best for your marriage. You can rest assured that God desires the best for your marriage as well.... In fact, God plans to use your marriage as a bridge to a more rewarding relationship with him and with everyone within your sphere of influence."
Reviews
"Practical, Powerful and Purposeful!" —BlackandChristian.com
"Author Harold L. Arnold places forth a fine assortment of thoughts and ideas to keeping a marriage strong and keeping the enemies away while keeping that new car smell strong. Marriage ROCKS is a top pick for any who want to keep the marriage strong for countless years to come."—Library Bookwatch: March 2010
"Harold's combination of boldness and passion makes this a stand-out read....Through interactive, application-driven exercises at the end of each chapter; he effectively moves the ROCKS principles from head knowledge to a life and relationship changing opportunity. Although written for the African American community, its principles apply to all couples and individuals." —Eric and Jennifer Garcia, cofounders of the Association of Marriage and Family Ministries (AMFM)
"The illusions created by Hollywood and the booming romance industry are destroying today's marriages, causing divorce rates to climb higher than they have in years. Marriage ROCKS has all of the tools we need to start picking up the pieces and getting our relationships back in line with those values that are important to all Christians. The thing I like most about Marriage ROCKS is that it provides practical, reader-friendly tools and lessons not only on what to do, but how to do it." —Elder Rob Harrison, MA, Founder/President, 4EverMarriages & Families
"AMEN! Harold Arnold boldly imparts the ageless principles, fresh insights and practical skills that can and will revitalize African American marriages in the home ... and the black community. While aimed at African American relationships, Marriage ROCKS has something for all couples, 'red, brown, yellow, black or white'. This white guy from the Northwest is standing up from the pew shouting, 'Preach It!'"—K. Jason Krafsky, author of Before "I Do"-Preparing for the Full Marriage Experience
"What a tribute Marriage ROCKS for Christian Couples is to the field of marriage enrichment. This resource is a real gem for couples and leaders who care about strengthening and deepening marriage vows. Grounded in biblical truths and psychological sensitivity, this book offers a treasure trove of ways to build on God as the Rock, the faithful One who provides shelter and hope in the storms and serenities of marital life."—Judith Balwick, EdD, Senior Professor of Marital and Family Therapy, Department of Marriage and Family, Fuller Theological Seminary
"At a time when the institution of marriage seems under attack, Marriage ROCKS provide a refreshing and affirming view of marriage. Dr. Arnold keeps it real, while providing hope for couples. His five components of "ROCKS" are grounded in sound Biblical principles and relational integrity. The book is honest, thoughtful, and presents some critical insights to the issues in the African American community. A great resource for both those in marriage and seeking marriage." —Dr. Randolph Walters, marriage therapist and Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology, Eastern University, St. Davids, Pennsylvania
"I strongly recommend Marriage Rocks to couples who want both clear statements on the major issues in marriage today and helpful guidance on how to strengthen their own marriages." —Dr. Jack Balswick, PhD, Senior Professor of Sociology and Family Development, Fuller Theological Seminary
"Married couples are on the endangered species list. Dr. Harold Arnold's expertise and passion are focused on preserving and strengthening African American marriages. His curriculum gives couples more than just another 'content dump' of marriage information. His years of helping couples is reflected in this powerful Marriage ROCKS "journey" which has couples interacting and praying about topics that will enrich their personal and intimate lives together. But it's not just about you! He goes on to teach and challenge couples how to use their marriages as a powerful tool for sharing Christ with all who live their communities. Every couple who wants to grow their relationship with their spouse and with Christ will benefit from this interactive marriage experience." —Bruce R. McCracken, Ph.D., founder and president, House on the Rock Family Ministries, Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania
"Marriage ROCKS for Christian Couples is an extraordinary resource. If implemented by couples and leaders, Arnold's biblically sound method and strategy for married couples could revolutionize the way we approach ministry to couples and families. All Christian couples who work through this book will be blessed tremendously by his meticulous biblical reflections and insightful wisdom on married life, from sexuality to finances and parenting." —Dr. Johnny B. Hill, Assistant Professor of Theology, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and author of Multidimensional Ministry for Today's Black Families
"Written for the couple themselves, this book and its companion leader's guide are also practical tools for clinicians, pastors, and lay leaders who work with African American couples for whom biblical concepts are important components for conceptualization of self and other. Dr. Arnold draws on his personal and professional expertise to develop a biblical and theoretical twelve-step counseling model." —Elizabeth Johnson Walker, ThD, LMFT, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
"Marriage ROCKS brings a much needed, relaxed, hopeful, encouraging, and transformative teaching style addressing central issues impacting African Americans. Christian women and men in dating, engaged, or marital relationships will find sensitive, open guidance through the mystery of the concepts of partnership and covenant taking them into the joy that God has in store for each of them, their marriages, and their communities."—Dr. Lorraine Blackman, Associate Professor, Indiana University, School of Social Work
"This wonderful book serves a need in the African American community for help in strengthening and healing our marriages and relationships. The author provides honest examples that will be a blessing to those who are considering marriage and those who are already on the journey. The message is clear—whether your marriage is strong already or deeply troubled, God can make it better and can help to deepen your spiritual and emotional intimacy." —Nancy Boyd-Franklin, PhD, author of Black Families in Therapy: Understanding the African American Experience
"Harold L. Arnold Jr., PhD, has written a book for African American couples rooted thoroughly in a faith orientation, and it draws on a biblical and theological tradition of gender mutuality and equality that is embraced by many African American couples...I commend this book because it delivers what it set out to deliver. It provides what it promises it will from the outset, and those who use this book as a resource for marital enrichment will never regret their choice." —Edward P. Wimberly, PhD, Jarena Lee Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost, Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia
Author Bio
Harold L. Arnold Jr. holds a PhD in social and organizational psychology from Temple University and a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is president and founder of Discovering Family International (DFI), an organization that promotes the virtues and values of family life. Dr. Arnold is also creator of the Marriage ROCKS program and cocreator of the Managing the Marriage-Money-Me$$ workshop.
He is the point person for the Black Marriage and Family Task Force of the national Association of Marriage and Family Ministries.
Visit Harold's website: www.haroldarnold.com.