Ever wish you had a better understanding of what “headship” really means?  Would you like to understand the “mind” of a woman?  Why is there so much marital conflict when there are such clear distinctions in scripture on the role of husband and wife?  Exactly what is a “helpmate”?    

“My marriage is a wreck.”  “How can I recover the relationship?”  “Is there ever hope after the divorce is final?”  “Is it too late to start over with my wife?”  “What do I say if she is inconsolable?”  “What do I do to regain her trust?”  “How can I fix the relationship if I believe it is mostly her fault?”  “How does a troubled or wounded past in my wife’s life or mine impact our relationship?”  “What can be done to effect real healing?”  “What can I do to build a better foundation for our marriage?”  These and many other questions regularly surface in the minds of Christian husbands everywhere. 

For those, whose marriages are in trouble, we will encourage you to be a godly man and husband regardless of the outcome.  We cannot guarantee the total success and recovery of a broken marriage but we can encourage you to walk faithfully with Christ by applying yourself to His word and relying upon His promises.  Though restored marriages cannot be guaranteed, we do offer hope of restoration regardless of the brokenness of you marriage. 

The text of this study is the call to husbands “to love your wives as Christ loved the church.”  In order to love your wives as Christ loved the church, you obviously need to understand how Christ loved the church and how He loves you.  We will emphasize first and foremost the love of Christ for you so that you, as a husband, can imitate that love to your wife.  These characteristics include a love that is lavished in its expression; it is a love that takes the initiative; it is purposeful, practical, and self-denying; it is a love that is constant and understanding, realistic, sympathetic, exclusive and zealous.  It is only as you gain a greater appreciation of Christ’s love for you, that you will be able to imitate that love to your wife.

Questions commonly asked:

Does this course compliment classes for wives?
The course is a counterpart to any class offered to wives by the church.  It is complete
with a workbook and assignments that are easily managed within a busy life.  The subjects discussed are in-depth and issue specific.  All areas of relational conflict are scripturally addressed.  Communication skills are developed to address everyday life.  Accountability and support go hand in hand with this program as well.

How is this class different from other “marriage” classes?
While some of the topics are also found in other programs, the focus of this class is limited to the roleof the husband.  It is structured to address the nuances of relational dynamics with scripture.  Specific tools are given for daily growth and monitoring your progress.  Marriage is a relationship that you can understand rather than one of constant conflict and confusion.  The course is a safe environment for men who want to gain optimal success in their marriages.  It does not matter what sin is under the ‘rock of your character’, we will address it WITH you, not AT you. Other common questions:

Q: What if I need more help than the class can provide?
A: Any needs outside the scope of this class, such as addictions, professional counseling and shepherding, can be outsourced.  A care team could be formed for a more comprehensive program to suit your needs.

Q: Is the class limited to newly married, older married or troubled or special needs marriages?
A: Any stage or condition of your marital relationship qualifies you for the material found in this course.  The “Call of Husbands” program is available to men who are engaged to be married as well.

Q: Who produces this course?
A: The program is developed through AWAKE Inc.  It stands for "Acquiring Wisdom and Knowledge Excellently.”  Costs cover materials and are minimal.  Registration for the class is included in this brochure. 

Q: How long is the course?
A: Courses go for a minimum of 1O weeks and are open for continuing education and support for any who desire it. 

Q: Is this course taught by a man or a woman?

A: Both male and female trainers can teach this program together, if desired.  It provides husbands with an opportunity to learn more effective communication skills with their wives.  They also learn to understand how some of their responses or behavior can affect their wife.  Conflict resolution may be safely processed while interacting with a female trainer within a class setting.

Below are just a few of the many verses studied in the “Call of Husbands” course. 

Ephesians 5:25-33 

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his wife loves himself.  29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church– 30for we are members of his body.  31“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”  [b] 32This is a profound mystery–but I am talking about Christ and the church.  33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself,

Ephesians 4:31, 32
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:19, 21
19 Husbands love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Download Duty of Husbands Registration Form (pdf)