Relationship Road Map: Step-by-Step Directions to Finding Your Spouse

by Stephen Chandler

Practical, biblical guidance for every step of your relationship journey—from single to dating to engaged to married from the bestselling author of Stop Waiting for Permission.If you are single and desire to be married, you’re on a journey. And like any journey worth taking, this journey is challenging, exhilarating, and discouraging all at once.Navigating the modern dating scene of apps and social media can feel overwhelming and disorienting—like trying to get directions without knowing your current location. Despite these challenges, there is a way to get your bearings, to date thoughtfully and intentionally, with your character and integrity intact. Stephen Chandler, pastor of one of America's fastest growing churches can show you how.

Genres: Christian, Marriage

240 pages, Hardcover

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[Shakevia Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally leave reviews but this book was so so good! Definitely a good jump on my journey.

[Ruztique Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job PS, very well written & practical ✨🫶🏽

[Jakaya Mccambry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for singles and those in relationship to really navigate relationships and dating. It’s great read for Christians and non religious in general !

[Shanae · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a really long time to listen to "Relationship Road Map: Step-by-Step Directions to Finding Your Spouse," despite its fairly short length. I don't typically read relationship books, so it was a bit of a challenge for me. I had to step out of my comfort zone. As a member of Pastor Stephen Chandler's church, Union Church, I find his preaching solid and sound, so I was willing to take a chance and read his book. "Relationship Road Map" is insightful, easy to follow and full of practical advice for any Christian single. I also really appreciate that the book isn't geared to women only, which is how many relationship books go. This book, however, has information that is useful to men and women and there are even chapters specifically for men. Now that I've finished the book, am I going to put all of Pastor Chandler's advice into practice? Ummm...baby steps? But I do believe that if I took his advice seriously, got super involved in church, and put myself out on the dating scene, I could be married in 18 to 24 months. If that's a goal of yours and you're a Christian, I highly recommend the book. The audiobooks is really good, too, as it is read by Pastor Chandler and has great production quality.

[Eddie Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relationship Road Map was really good in my opinion because it gave a clear cut “road map” to building a relationship with your significant other. Pastor Chandler’s life examples with his wife made the points he made easy to understand as relationships can be complicated to understand but when both people are rooted in the foundation of Christ the relationship will flourish. It was great for me because I am currently in a season of desiring a relationship and knowing how to handle it the right way is a welcomed experience.

[Christine Baptiste · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers solid, actionable advice that truly resonated with me. The book had me re-analyzing my current personal relationships, giving me a fresh perspective on how to navigate them more effectively. His insights are practical and thought-provoking, making this a must-read for singles looking to build meaningful connections or better understand their own relationship patterns. Highly recommend!

[Vic Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

super interesting! very different from every relationship book I've read. I don't agree with it more than I agree with the others - I think they all round each other out :D but I loved the relaxed language he used that focuses on the experience of young people.
finally, the checklists he used could have been much detailed. i would have loved some questions we've not seen from every other relationship book. in fact that was the only thing that was cliche

[Stephan Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book right here is a must read. The journey to dating and marriage can be ambiguous and a little intimidating. Pastor Stephen does a great job at providing practical wisdom for the search, dating and pre engagement.

Love this book!

[Madison Kuledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing, very eye opening and makes you think about past relationships a lot so be prepared for that. But it’s very hopeful and gives you the courage, strength, and knowledge to continue on the journey of dating.

[Emily Bader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m 28F and this would have been a great read for my younger self. I’ve learned a lot of these lessons (some the hard way) already. Some good reminders, but seems more geared towards late teens and early twenties.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this, most relationship books are complicated but this was not only practical but also easy to read and follow.

[bryanna ♡]

Dnf'd because it started to become more of his opinion without biblical context. Most of his points were great tho!! Just not what I'm looking for at the moment

[Madison Bookheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would give it 6 stars if I could!! I read it in 3 days flat this book is a must read, couldn’t put it down!

[Anne Wen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christian and fun! A bit conservative but made me laugh out loud at times and felt like I was listening to a pastor preach in real time. Easy digestible read in one go!

[Joa · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the book, Stephen Chandler was talking about meeting potential spouses in unexpected places or something related to that, and he said that Joel Osteen met his wife in a jewelry shop. Red flag. The mention of Joel Osteen immediately made me to take everything he said with a grain of salt, because why is he mentioning a prosperity gospel charlatan as a positive example?

I started reading this book because he was on Lecrae's podcast and he seemed legit. But after his Joel Osteen shoutout, I did some googling. According to a Washington Post article, Stephen Chandler gave away five cars to lucky church members. He admitted it was a marketing ploy, but also rationalized it by saying it's theology, because it demonstrates God's grace and Jesus also gave free bread and fish.

This is murky territory, and I'm wary. The Bible says "but test everything; hold fast what is good" - 1 Thessalonians 5:21. I would recommend Tim Keller's and John Piper's books on marriage.