Where to Find the Pre-Marital Counseling Manual “Counsel and Love”?

The best place to look for the manual “Counsel and Love” is through the Family Ministries structures of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As a practical resource for pre-marital counseling, it is often distributed not only through standard bookstores, but also directly through local churches, pastors, and regional church departments.

Preparing for marriage is about much more than organizing a wedding ceremony or filing paperwork. A Christian couple learns to speak openly about faith, character, finances, relationships with in-laws, raising children, resolving conflicts, and serving God together. The manual “Counsel and Love” was created specifically to help a mentor and the engaged couple navigate these vital topics systematically and responsibly.

Reach Out to Your Local Pastor

The simplest way to obtain the manual is to speak with the pastor of your local Adventist congregation. Pastors frequently conduct pre-marital counseling themselves or guide couples to certified family counselors, so they may have a printed copy, a digital version, or information on where to order it.

It is helpful to explain the purpose of your request: whether you are preparing for marriage yourself, seeking to counsel other couples, or looking for resources for family ministry. This will help the pastor recommend not only the manual itself, but also an appropriate mentoring format. Pre-marital preparation is especially fruitful when it is not treated as a mere questionnaire, but paired with prayer, sincere dialogue, and biblical instruction.

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Prov 24:3–4

Check with the Family Ministries Department

If your local congregation does not have this resource, contact the Family Ministries director at your local conference or union. These departments typically coordinate family life education, seminars for engaged couples, and the supply of methodological materials for ministers.

You can obtain contact details through your pastor, church clerk, or the official website of your Adventist conference. Formulate your inquiry clearly: “Is the manual ‘Counsel and Love’ available in print or as an electronic resource for pre-marital counseling?” If this specific edition is temporarily unavailable, the coordinator may suggest an updated reprint, a related curriculum, or a certified counselor.

It is important to remember that copyright laws and distribution guidelines apply. Therefore, avoid downloading unauthorized copies from unofficial websites. It is far better to obtain the material lawfully through church channels or the publisher to ensure you have a complete, verified edition.

Check the Publishing House and Adventist Book Centers

Another practical option is to reach out to the “Dzherelo Zhyttia” (Source of Life) Publishing House and Adventist Book Centers. Some family ministry manuals are published in limited print runs, so a book might not always appear in the regular online catalog. However, bookstore staff can often check inventory, take a backorder, or notify you of an upcoming printing.

When inquiring, it is helpful to provide the complete title and clarify whether you need a leader’s guide, a couple’s workbook, or a complete kit. Different editions may vary in title, format, or included appendixes. If you need materials for several couples, ask about ordering multiple copies or the recommended procedure for their use.

Why Pre-Marital Preparation Holds Spiritual Value

The biblical view of marriage does not begin with the idea of two flawless people, but with a covenant between two individuals before God. The bride and groom learn to lay aside selfishness, listen to one another, forgive, and build unity in Christ.

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Gen 2:24

A practical manual is no substitute for personal conversion, Bible study, or pastoral care. However, it ensures that difficult questions are not overlooked before marriage, when addressing them is both wise and timely. Ellen White repeatedly emphasized that marriage requires discretion, self-control, wholehearted dedication to God, and careful preparation, rather than fleeting emotions alone.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Jas 1:5

Practical Next Steps

Start by having a brief conversation with your pastor or local Family Ministries leader. If the manual “Counsel and Love” is not immediately available, ask for their help in locating it through the conference, the publishing house, or an Adventist Book Center. In the meantime, agree with your fiancé(e) to set aside regular time together: pray as a couple, read the Scriptures, and honestly discuss your spiritual priorities, expectations, and future responsibilities.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Col 3:14