Manhood, Womanhood, Marriage,

and God’s Design

A 10-Week Christian Journey for Young Adults

A whole-church course for young adult men and women

Rooted in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, open to all Christians

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)

Welcome to the course.

This course is an invitation. It is for young Christian men and women who want to think seriously, prayerfully, and honestly about who God created them to be and about the path He is preparing for their lives.

Over ten weeks we will explore God’s design for man and woman, the beauty and the cost of marriage, the holiness of celibacy when it is truly a calling, and the quiet danger of simply drifting through life without direction.

Some weeks we meet all together. Some weeks the men and women separate for honest discussion, then come back together for prayer. Every session is meant to be warm, respectful, and free of shame.

What this course believes

• Marriage is holy. It is a blessed and normal path of life for most people, and in our Church it is a sacrament.
• Celibacy is holy too, when it is chosen for God with maturity, purity, guidance, and spiritual purpose.
• Drifting is not holy. If a person has no real calling to celibacy, life should not be lived in avoidance, fear, or endless delay.
• Men and women are equal in dignity, because both are created in the image of God.
• Men and women may carry different gifts and responsibilities, but neither is superior to the other.
• A Christian marriage is meant to reflect the love of Christ for His Church.

So God created mankind in his own image.

in the image of God he created them.

Male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27, NIV

How each week is built

Most weeks follow the same shape, so the group quickly feels at home. Each session is designed for 60–90 minutes and includes:

• A clear aim and a key Bible passage.
• An opening question to warm up the conversation.
• Main teaching points, explained simply.
• Discussion — sometimes all together, sometimes men and women apart.
• A short Coptic Orthodox reflection where it fits.
• Practical application, discussion and personal-reflection questions, and a group activity.
• Homework for the week, a short prayer, and a single key takeaway.

A Leader’s Guide, a Personal Assessment Tool, a Six-Month Action Plan, and a list of parish activities are gathered at the end.