Stewards of Nations conducted a Marriage Preparation Seminar on the 26th and 27th of August 2025, at Ashirwad Global Centre, Ghatkesar. Out of 40 registrations, 32 participants attended the seminar. The purpose of this seminar was to equip them to prepare for holistic marital lives. Participants gained biblical, emotional, relational, and practical insights before stepping into the lifelong commitment of marriage. The seminar aimed to guide participants to view marriage not merely as a personal milestone but as a covenant that requires faith, maturity, and responsibility.
For the follow-up, we have planned to form small groups where participants can engage in deeper discussions using the Prepare Before You Promise (PBYP) workbook. At present, 9 participants have registered, and we are expecting more to join soon. This follow-up program will run for the next 6 months, during which the participants will be mentored and guided consistently.
Day 1
Marriage Preparation seminar started with orientation, followed by worship. Then, we had an icebreaker session where participants shared their expectations, such as understanding God’s purpose for marriage, choosing the right partner, and knowing what marriage looks like as God intended. This helped prepare them for the sessions.
Marriage as God Intended
Dr. Samson Gandhi
In this session the speaker focused on key points to help participants understand marriage according to the Bible. Hebrews 13:4 shows that marriage is a holy covenant built on love and faithfulness. Husbands and wives are equal in value but have different roles. The key principles focused were leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh. The purpose of marriage was shared as upholding the dignity of each other, enjoying companionship, sexual integrity, and building a home. The session went well, and many participants shared that it gave them a clearer understanding of how husbands and wives are equal yet have different roles in marriage.
Subhadra Sasi shared:
“This session helped me understand marriage as God designed it, rather than what I had assumed from culture or personal opinions. It challenged my thinking and gave me a new perspective on building a Christ-centered relationship”.
Premarital Expectations
Dr. Samson Gandhi
In Session 2, the speaker covered ten key areas that participants should express before marriage. These included love expectations, personal strengths and weaknesses, relationships with in-laws and extended family, money and finances, sex and sexual adjustment, children, communication, spiritual growth, role expectations, and emotional expectations. Additionally, participants were encouraged to consider their life purpose, medical history, and any addictions to gain a wholesome understanding of themselves and their future partners. The session gave practical ideas to help participants examine these areas and prepare thoroughly for marriage.
Sudheer shared:
“I realized many of my expectations about marriage were either unrealistic or unspoken. This session helped me see the importance of aligning expectations with God’s Word and communicating them clearly.”
Roles & Responsibilities
Mrs. Christine Gandhi
In session 3, speaker stressed these points to help participants understand how separate roles of husband and wife and shared responsibilities create a balanced, God-centered marriage. She pointed out both the duties of husbands and wives, discussed common responsibilities like spiritual growth, finances, parenting, and household tasks. Participants were also guided on avoiding harmful habits such as dishonesty, destructive criticism, and rebellion. The session aimed to give participants practical understanding, so that they can use it in their preparation for marriage.
Pradeethi shared:
“Understanding the unique roles of husband and wife was eye-opening. I learned that these roles are not about superiority or control, but about serving and supporting each other in love.”
Male and Female Differences
Dr. Samson Gandhi
In session 4, speaker focused on these teachings to help participants understand the natural differences between men and women in thinking, communication, emotions, and stress. This understanding helps couples appreciate each other and build a healthy, balanced, God-centered marriage. By understanding these differences, participants can learn to work with each other rather than against each other and grow personally to become better partners.
Vignan shared:
“Learning about the differences between men and women helped me appreciate how God intentionally designed us. It showed me that these differences are strengths when understood, not obstacles.”
Day 2
The second day of the seminar began with worship led by Dr. Abilash, followed by a devotion from Dr. Samson Gandhi, using John 2:1–11, which taught that having Christ in marriage brings joy and change. He showed that praying and obeying God helps couples trust Him and experience a happy, transformed marriage, and setting a spiritual tone for the day.
Importance of Communication
Dr. Antony David
In Session 5, the speaker stressed the importance of communication in marriage, explaining that it is the foundation of a healthy and strong relationship and He explained the stages of perception to help couples understand how they see and respond to situations: WIGO (What’s Going On), WIS (What Is Selected), and WIMTU (What Is Most Important To You). Effective communication helps couples understand each other, resolve conflicts, express their needs and feelings, and build emotional connection. Participants were encouraged to practice open, honest, and respectful talk with their partners.
Haripriya shared:
“This session made me realize how crucial communication is in marriage. I understood that true communication is not just about speaking, but also about listening with love and patience.”
Understanding God’s Will in Marriage
Dr. Samson Gandhi
In Session 6, speaker explained that marriage is not just about feelings but also about a spiritual calling and practical responsibility. He wanted us to learn how to get ready emotionally, practically, and spiritually so we can make wise, prayerful choices when picking a spouse. From this session, participants understood how to follow God’s guidance and make good, faith-based decisions for marriage.
Shravan shared:
“I often wondered how to know God’s will in choosing a life partner. This session gave me clarity on seeking Him first, trusting His timing, and making decisions prayerfully.”
Sex and Sexuality
Dr. Antony David
In session 7, speaker emphasized that sex is a God-given gift meant for marriage, fostering intimacy, unity, and mutual joy. He explained biological differences between men (XY) and women (XX) and gave guidance on ethical family planning and honoring God’s design within marriage. Participants learned that sex is a God-given gift for marriage, meant to be experienced responsibly and to strengthen intimacy and unity.
Deepika shared:
“I learned that sex within marriage is a beautiful gift from God, and not something to be ashamed of. This session helped me see it as a way to build intimacy and oneness.”
Bride-Groom Hunting
Dr. Samson Gandhi
In Session 8, speaker discussed different ways to find a life partner, including arranged marriages, love marriages, cross-cultural marriages, matrimonial websites, dating, and online chat rooms. He explained the advantages and disadvantages of each and advised participants to proceed carefully, with maturity and responsibility. Participants were encouraged to focus on character, compatibility, and spiritual maturity rather than just salary or education.
Rihaika shared:
“Being in the process of looking for a life partner, this session was very practical. I learned how to approach this journey with faith, wisdom, and clear priorities rather than pressure.”
Q&A and Closing
In the Q&A, Dr. Samson Gandhi answered participants’ questions and reminded them to make decisions following Christ-like values. The seminar ended with a vote of thanks, participants’ testimonies, and feedback. Participants reported that the seminar made them understand biblical marriage more clearly and gave them practical steps to prepare for it.
Acknowledgements
Thank you for your support and prayers that made the seminar happen. The participants learned how to build Christ-centered marriages, and we pray they put these lessons into practice and grow in their faith.
Testimonies
“It was wonderful to come back to PBYP after a year. This time I could see how much my perspective on marriage has matured. I realized that communication in marriage is not just about learning techniques, but about showing Christ-like love through our words, even during conflicts.”
Deekshitha Das