We've all heard about dysfunctional families. Their struggles are the topic of TV shows, best-selling books, and popular magazines. Everyday something else that parents or children do is labeled 'dysfunctional.' Are the world's problems destined to become our own? How can we make sure we are part of the solution - not the problem? According to respected marriage counselor Gary Chapman, we can still make the dream of loving families come true. Just as bankers study authentic bills if they want to spot counterfeits, we can learn how to make our own families 'work' by studying successful ones. In Five Signs of a Loving Family, Dr. Chapman suggest that service, love, leadership, teaching and obedience are the hallmarks of lasting families. And he prescribes practical ways to help every family member nurture these traits. His words are powerful encouragement for parents and children alike. (Formerly titled Five Signs of a Functional Family.)
Married more than 45 years to Karolyn, Dr. Gary Chapman is just the man to turn to for help on improving or healing our most important relationships. His own life experiences, plus over thirty-five years of pastoring and marriage counseling, led him to publish his first book in the Love Language series, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate. Millions of readers credit this continual New York Times bestseller with saving their marriages by showing them simple and practical ways to communicate their love to their partner.
Since the success of his first book, Dr. Chapman has expanded his Five Love Languages series to specifically reach out to teens, singles, men, and children (co-authored with Dr. Ross Campbell).
He is the author of numerous other books published by Moody Publishers/Northfield Publishing, including The World's Easiest Guide to Family Relationships, Anger, The Family You've Always Wanted, The Marriage You've Always Wanted, Desperate Marriages, God Speaks Your Love Language (Jan 09), Parenting Your Adult Child, and Hope for the Separated. He co-authored The Five Languages of Apology with Dr. Jennifer Thomas.
Chapman speaks to thousands of couples nationwide through his weekend marriage conferences. He hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, Love Language Minute, and a Saturday morning program, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, that air on more than 100 stations. Dr. Chapman also serves as senior associate pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Dr. Chapman holds BA and MA degrees in anthropology from Wheaton College and Wake Forest University, respectively, MRE and PhD degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has completed postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina and Duke University.
Dr. Chapman and his wife have two adult children and two grandchildren, and currently live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
