Goal: Start the evening with joy and laughter.
Step by step
- Ask each couple to prepare a one-minute story of how they met, in 3 minutes.
- In groups of 3 couples, each couple tells the story. One partner starts and the other adds one detail.
- Ask the group to vote for the funniest and the sweetest, for fun only.
- Read Genesis 2:18 and thank God for marriage.
Key verse: Genesis 2:18 — it is not good that the man should be alone
Variation: For couples married 30 or more years, ask: what is one thing that has not changed?
Goal: Practice careful listening and clear speaking.
Step by step
- Pair partners back to back, one with a simple drawing and the other with blank paper and a pen.
- The speaker describes the drawing using only words, not naming the object. The partner draws, with no questions, for 4 minutes.
- Switch roles with a new drawing. Compare the results and laugh.
- Read James 1:19 and ask each couple: what helped us understand each other?
Key verse: James 1:19 — let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger
Variation: For a harder version, let the listener ask one question.
Goal: Build the habit of gratitude in marriage.
Step by step
- Give each person a card and ask them to write 5 specific things they appreciate about their spouse, in 5 minutes.
- Husbands and wives read the card to each other privately at their tables, 2 minutes each.
- Ask the group if anyone would like to share one thing they heard that touched them. Anyone may pass.
- Read Philippians 1:3 and pray together as a couple.
Key verse: Philippians 1:3 — I thank my God in all my remembrance of you
Variation: Encourage couples to send one thank-you text a day for a week.
Goal: Learn about each other in a game.
Step by step
- Give each person a sheet with 10 simple questions about their spouse: favorite food, best childhood memory, a hope for the year.
- Each spouse answers about the other first, then they compare answers in 8 minutes.
- Count the correct answers and congratulate everyone.
- Read Proverbs 24:3 and ask: what will we learn about each other this month?
Key verse: Proverbs 24:3 — by wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established
Variation: Mix couples and have each couple guess about another couple's story, with permission.
Goal: Offer a private time for couples to ask forgiveness and bless each other.
Step by step
- Explain that this activity is entirely private between husband and wife. Nothing will be shared with the group.
- Give each couple a sheet with a prayer to read together and space to write one sentence of forgiveness each.
- Allow 10 minutes in separate corners, with soft music. Provide a pastor or counselor for any couple who wants prayer.
- Close with the group reading Ephesians 4:32 aloud together.
Key verse: Ephesians 4:32 — be kind to one another, forgiving each other as God in Christ forgave you
Variation: Couples who prefer may write the sentence at home and share it later.
Goal: Plan small acts of service for the week.
Step by step
- Give each person a card and ask them to write one small act of service they will do for their spouse this week, such as washing the car or making coffee.
- Each person keeps the card secret, folded, until the next meeting.
- In the next meeting, ask each couple to share: what did your spouse do for you?
- Read Philippians 2:4 and pray together.
Key verse: Philippians 2:4 — let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others
Variation: Add a second card for acts of service for children or parents.
Goal: Make praying as a couple a normal, simple habit.
Step by step
- Explain that many couples have never prayed aloud together. Offer a three-part pattern: thank, ask, bless.
- Give each couple 5 minutes to pray using the pattern, each saying one sentence for each part.
- Invite a short debrief: what felt easy or hard? Share only if you wish.
- Read Matthew 18:19 and suggest a five-minute prayer after dinner this week.
Key verse: Matthew 18:19 — if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them
Variation: For couples who find praying aloud hard, let them read a psalm together instead.
Goal: Write a short covenant of love from a Bible chapter.
Step by step
- Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 aloud and ask each person to underline the phrase that is most meaningful.
- Each couple writes a short promise using that phrase, such as 'I will be patient when ...'
- They sign it and put it in an envelope to open in a year.
- Close with the leader praying a blessing over each couple.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 13:7 — love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things
Variation: Widowed and single guests can write a letter to a friend or to God.
