I. Introduction (6 Minutes)

1. Pray for each couple.

II. Sharing Session (85 Minutes)

1. Start the group sharing (80 minutes).
   1. You and your assistant go first—be open and answer each properly, not using notes.
   2. Fill your sharing chairs.
   3. Introduce the first sharer.
   4. Applaud after each sharer.
   5. Affirm each sharer in turn.
   6. Introduce each new sharer in turn.
   7. Do this until everyone has shared and been affirmed.
2. Recap and vote for the Couple who has demonstrated the most growth in their relationship over the last 8 weeks (3 minutes).
   1. No one votes until the recap concludes.
   2. Once the assistant collects the ballots, dismiss the group to the break.
   3. The assistant breaks any ties for first or third place and fills in the award.

III. IMPORTANT: COLLECT FROM EACH PERSON THE DOCUMENTS THEY COMPLETED AT HOME AND PLACED IN THEIR OWN ENVELOPES. (2 MINUTES)

1. Since some people may not have remembered to bring their return address envelopes, please have envelopes available for them.
2. Place all the collected envelopes into a large envelope and mail to FDI as described in the last section of this session’s outline.

IV. Break (15 Minutes)

V. Final Session (35 Minutes)

1. Present the award to the recipient COUPLE (2 minutes).
   1. Have the top three honored couples stand one at a time and applaud for each.
   2. Make sure all three couples sit down before presenting the award.
   3. Have award recipients thank the group and pass around the book.
2. Group affirmation (12 minutes)
   1. Give everyone 30 seconds to select one person who touched him or her, and thank the person for his or her message, attitude, example, or encouragement.
   2. Remind everyone to confer with his or her Prayer Notes.
   3. Keep time on each person to avoid going over time.
   4. If your time runs out before the entire group has an opportunity to affirm another, stop the activity anyway.
3. Closing Activity: Encouragement and Promises (15 minutes)
   1. Each couple comes to the front.
   2. The assistant keeps time—60 seconds per couple.
   3. People in the class offer positive affirmations to the couple or tell them what they will promise to do for them as a couple.
   4. The only responses allowed are “Thank you” and “I’ll hold you to your commitment.”
   5. Have someone write the affirmations or promises in the back of one of the affirmed couple’s handbook.
4. Briefly discuss meeting again soon for a follow-up class. Contact your Ministry Consultant for follow-up options and ideas.

V. Conclusion (9 Minutes)

1. Give a brief, encouraging pep talk (2 minutes).
2. Closing prayer (You or your assistant should pray for each couple by name while everyone is joined hand in hand in a circle.) – 2 minutes

Class Preparation Checklist:

1. Listen to “Facilitator Skills” and “Session 8” messages on the Facilitator audio message.
2. Pray for each couple by name; pray for God to use you.
3. Prepare the name tags.
4. Bring an award to class.
5. Bring extra pens.
6. Bring a box of facial tissue.
7. Bring ballots to class.
8. Make sure the refreshments are coming.
9. Bring large envelope to class.

Classroom Set-up Checklist

1. Arrange room furniture for classroom set-up.
2. Eliminate outside viewing of the classroom.
3. Put “Do Not Enter” signs on all doors to the classroom.
4. Write the sharing session questions on the board (see page 65 in the student handbook).