Improving Your Teamwork
Doug Britton, M.Ed., MFT
$14.99
Discover how to make decisions as a team, understand what “submission” means—and doesn’t mean, overcome problems in your teamwork, and make God the leader in your home.
Expect to change and grow. The practical, cross-cultural truths in these easy-to-read pages will make a big difference in your marriage—whether it is young-to-old, great to not-so-great.
This book is the sixth in Doug’s Britton’s eight-book “Marriage by the Book” series. These books help couples apply the Bible’s truths in every aspect of marriage. Although Improving Your Teamwork is part of a series, it stands by itself as a complete book.
Paperback: Wire “spiral” binding. 202 pages.
Published by LifeTree Books
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Get the Bundle
Save time — Order all eight books in the “Marriage by the Book” series as a bundle!
Improving Your Teamwork is:
Three-in-one
There’s no need to buy a separate marriage book, workbook, and leader’s guide for small groups—this book includes all three. You have the flexibility to use it however you want.
Bible-based
You won’t read secular advice with a sprinkling of verses. Instead, you will be transformed as you learn how to turn to God and apply his Word.
Cross-cultural
Since Laying a Solid Foundation is based on the Bible, its truths apply to every racial and ethnic group. When purchasing this book, you can choose a multicultural cover or an African-American cover.
“I have known Doug and his wife for many years. Many relationships in our church have been strengthened and enriched through the use of his ‘Marriage by the Book’ series.” Ephraim Williams, Pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church (Sacramento, CA)
Practical
This book doesn’t just tell you what to do—it shows you how to do it with easy-to-follow steps. Real-life stories and examples illustrate key points.
“Practical Practical Practical! ‘Marriage by the Book’ is for couples who really want a strong marriage. Doug Britton puts the cookies on a shelf where it’s easy to reach them, using the Bible plus simple exercises to do it! I recommend every couple go through this series in a date night or in a small group with other couples.” Tom Tunnicliff, Ed.D., Pastor of Chaplaincy, Elmbrook Church (Brookfield, WI)
Easy-to-read
Text is broken into small, easily-digested portions. Points are clearly identified with headings, bullets, and check boxes.
Interactive
“Make it personal” questions, quizzes, and exercises help you apply the lessons in your own marriage.
“‘Marriage by the Book’ is a life-changing series that will bring Christ into your marriage. The series will guide you step-by-step as you wrestle with the right questions, so you can see Christ-centered results. Whether your marriage is healthy and thriving or needing an overhaul…this series will help you. I know this because it’s helped my marriage.” Craig Sweeney, Lead Pastor, Heights Church (Citrus Heights, CA)
About the Author
Author and Bible-based Marriage and Family Therapist Doug Britton has helped hundreds of thousands of people as a therapist, clinical director of a treatment center, seminar speaker, radio co-host, and author of over twenty books. In each book of the “Marriage by the Book” series, Doug draws upon his extensive experience counseling married couples. More importantly, he goes directly to the Bible and applies its truth and wisdom to problems couples face today.
Chapter 1:
See Yourselves as a Team
(Sample)
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)
Imagine a man and woman competing for the Olympic Gold Medal in ice dancing. Chances are good that you have watched many such couples and have been enthralled by the beauty of their performance, the seemingly effortless athleticism of both, the strength of the man as he lifted his partner high above his head, and the graceful movements of the woman.
As you imagine these two skaters, think about God’s intentions for marriage, for in many ways he wants us to be like them.
Neither skater shows off. Rather, each portrays the other in the best possible light. They are a team. The way they work together determines whether or not they win a medal. Each is responsive to the other’s movements, automatically adjusting speed and technique.
If one stumbles, the other one doesn’t stop to give an angry lecture. Instead, he or she keeps skating while helping the fallen partner recover quickly and gracefully.
The man takes the lead, yet he is highly sensitive to his partner’s strengths and weaknesses. Neither he nor his partner is the big shot, for both follow the coach’s instructions, not their own spur-of-the-moment ideas. Each has willingly worked to be a better partner, devoting countless hours to study and practice. They have a shared goal and work together to achieve it.
This couple is a team, two people seeking to give birth to something both lovely and magnificent, something that inspires and brings joy to others. They have created a partnership that brings beauty into the world.
Make it personal
Describe a situation in which you and your mate worked well as a team:
You Are More than a Team
In this book you will read about teamwork, for you and your spouse are a team, united in marriage. However, although you are a team, you also are much more than that.
You are “one flesh.”
Marriage can be described as a contract, a partnership, or a covenant. There’s truth in these descriptions. Yet the deeper truth is that you are “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. (Genesis 2:23-24)
Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. (Malachi 2:15)
Jesus, talking about the oneness he shared with God, prayed that all Christians “may be one as we are one” (John 17:11). This remarkable prayer takes on special meaning for husband and wife since they are “one flesh.”
But at the beginning of creation God “made them male and female.” “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” So they are no longer two, but one. (Mark 10:6-8)
Think again of the Olympic ice dancers. They have a goal—to skate as one. Each develops his or her own individual talents, then they meld their abilities to create something of beauty.
Marriage is not a boss-employee relationship.
Some people think the Bible portrays marriage as a boss-employee or general-private relationship, but that is not the picture God paints. Read the breathtaking description of marriage found in the Song of Songs. In this book about the marriage of a Shulamite woman and the king, each tries to outdo the other in love, growing in a relationship that celebrates their love and harmony.
Make it personal
Read John 17:20-26 to see the oneness you and your spouse can share with each other and with God. How does this picture compare to what you normally experience?
Talk to God:
Lord, I want to catch your vision of marriage. Please help me, every day, experience the wonderful, intimate sense of unity you intend between my spouse and myself. May I always remember that we are one.
After you pray, check here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do so many marriages have problems?
Most marriages start out with two people who are certain they can craft a wonderful union. Yet as the years go by, many never experience the passionate, joyful life they expected. Author Doug Britton says a key reason is that most people do not know how to create a great marriage God’s way.
Is my marriage hopeless?
Regardless of your situation, there is hope—the sure hope that comes from God and the truth of his word, the Bible.
What if my spouse won’t read with me?
It’s ideal if you both read this book. However, if your spouse doesn’t want to join you, read it on your own. Learn how to be the best husband or wife possible. God can perform miracles in your personal life—and in your marriage—even if you study on your own.
Can I use this book for pre-marriage mentoring?
Yes. It covers the most important truths couples need to know at the beginning of their journey together.
Learn More
What are some topics covered in “Improving Your Teamwork”?
In these pages you will discover many Bible-based insights and practical tools. A few examples:
- God’s role in your marriage
- The importance of mutual submission
- What “submission” means—and what it doesn’t mean
- Understanding the Bible’s roles of husband and wife
- The difference between dictatorship and servant leadership
- How to practice teamwork and make decisions in your daily lives
- How to troubleshoot glitches in your teamwork
Digging deeper
God designed marriage to be a partnership. God’s goal is for married Christian couples to enjoy an intimate unity. Although there are differences in the roles of husband and wife, neither is the “boss” in the way many think. Rather, each seeks to please the other, while gladly acknowledging the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible defines different roles for husband and wife. Some Christians say, “The husband is the leader, and he makes the decisions. His wife must submit to what he says.” This simplistic idea of headship does not capture God’s big picture.
Other Christians go the opposite direction, looking for ways to discount Scriptures that define the husband’s and wife’s roles. They too miss God’s plan.
The cross-cultural truths in these pages will challenge you. Whether you already have a grasp of basic biblical principles, don’t know what God’s word says about this subject, or are struggling to break free from misinformation, you will discover the freedom that comes from knowing and applying the wisdom in the Bible.
Marriage by the Book — 8-Book Series
Multicultural Covers
African-American Covers
Marriage by the Book — 8-Book Series
Reviews
“Practical! Practical! Practical! ‘Marriage by the Book’ is for couples who really want a strong marriage. Doug Britton puts the cookies on a shelf where it’s easy to reach them, using the Bible plus simple exercises to do it! I recommend every couple go through this series in a ‘date night’ or in a small group with other couples.”
Tom Tunnicliff
Ed.D., Pastor of Chaplaincy, Elmbrook Church (Brookfield, WI)
“My pastor asked me to find the best marriage material for our small group marriage ministry. I liked ‘Marriage by the Book’ the most of every resource I reviewed. It is biblically based and practical, reminding you of the simple things you don’t think of every day (such as praying together daily as a couple). Our group has seen really positive results from applying these biblical truths.”
Jeremy and Danielle Milligan
Small Group Leaders, Baptist Temple Church (Reidsville, NC)
“I have known Doug and his wife for many years. Many relationships in our church have been strengthened and enriched through the use of his ‘Marriage by the Book’ series.”
Ephraim Williams
Pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church (Sacramento, CA)
“‘Marriage by the Book’ is a life-changing series that will bring Christ into your marriage. The series will guide you step by step as you wrestle with the right questions, so you can see Christ-centered results. Whether your marriage is healthy and thriving or needing an overhaul…this series will help you. I know this because it’s helped my marriage.”
Craig Sweeney
Lead Pastor, Bayside Church (Citrus Heights, CA)
What is “Marriage by the Book?”
Improving Your Teamwork is book 6 of the eight-book “Marriage by the Book” series.
Each book is written by author, speaker, and Bible-based Marriage and Family Therapist Doug Britton.
This book works as three-in-one:
- Book — with practical, Bible-based real-life information.
- Workbook — with quizzes and “Make it personal” questions scattered throughout each chapter.
- Small group leader’s guide — with guidelines for small group leaders and chapter-by-chapter discussion questions at the back of each book.
FAQ
How will reading “Improving Your Teamwork” help us change?
This book doesn’t just tell you what to do. It shows you how to do it, with:
- Self-assessment quizzes to identify reasons for problems
- “Make it personal” questions throughout the book (with space to write your answers) that help you apply the lessons
- Exercises you and your spouse can do together
- Personal plans to help you grow in six key areas of your marriage
Is “Improving Your Teamwork” only for troubled marriages?
Nope. It is for every kind of marriage, great to not-so-great. Whatever your situation, you will find practical insights and tools that will help your marriage flourish and grow.
Is this book for new marriages or long-time marriages?
Its practical, Bible-based advice will strengthen and bless your marriage, whether you are newlyweds or you have been married for decades.
Is this book cross-cultural?
Yes. Since it is based on the Bible, its truths apply to every racial and ethnic group. When you place your order, you can choose a multicultural cover or an African-American cover.
Can we use this marriage book for a small group study?
Yes. Improving Your Teamwork includes a small group leader’s guide with:
- Tips for leaders
- Step-by-step meeting plan
- Discussion questions for each chapter
What are some topics covered in “Improving Your Teamwork”?
In these pages you will discover many Bible-based insights and practical tools. A few examples:
- God’s role in your marriage
- The importance of mutual submission
- What “submission” means—and what it doesn’t mean
- Understanding the Bible’s roles of husband and wife
- The difference between dictatorship and servant leadership
- How to practice teamwork and make decisions in your daily lives
- How to troubleshoot glitches in your teamwork
What if my spouse won’t read this book with me?
It’s ideal if you both read this book. However, if your spouse doesn’t want to join you, don’t say, “I’ll read it, but only if you will.” Instead, learn how to be the best husband or wife possible. God can perform miracles in your personal life—and in your marriage—even if you study on your own.
Why do so many marriages have problems?
That’s a great question. After all, most marriages start out with two people who are certain they can craft a wonderful union. Yet as the years go by, many never experience the passionate, joyful life they expected. After helping approximately 1,000 marriages, Bible-based Marriage and Family Therapist Doug Britton says a key reason is that most people do not know the Bible’s instructions about how to create a great Christian marriage—or they don’t know how to apply the instructions.
Why do readers say they like “Improving Your Teamwork”?
- It is practical, cross-cultural, and Bible-based.
- Text is broken into small, easily-digested portions.
- Points are clearly identified with headings, bullets, and check boxes.
- The writing style is direct and straight-forward.
- Real-life stories and examples illustrate key points.
- “Make it personal” questions help couples apply the lessons.
- Each chapter is summarized at the end of the chapter.
- Wire binding makes it easy to write in the book.
Digging deeper
God designed marriage to be a partnership. God’s goal is for married Christian couples to enjoy an intimate unity. Although there are differences in the roles of husband and wife, neither is the “boss” in the way many think. Rather, each seeks to please the other, while gladly acknowledging the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible defines different roles for husband and wife. Some Christians say, “The husband is the leader, and he makes the decisions. His wife must submit to what he says.” This simplistic idea of headship does not capture God’s big picture.
Other Christians go the opposite direction, looking for ways to discount Scriptures that define the husband’s and wife’s roles. They too miss God’s plan.
The cross-cultural truths in these pages will challenge you. Whether you already have a grasp of basic biblical principles, don’t know what God’s word says about this subject, or are struggling to break free from misinformation, you will discover the freedom that comes from knowing and applying the wisdom in the Bible.