Relationship Goals by Michael Todd Summary

Relationship Goals is a faith-based guide to building purposeful relationships, offering biblical principles for dating, marriage, and sexuality. Pastor Michael Todd combines personal anecdotes, scriptural insights, and practical steps to help readers navigate relational pitfalls. The book emphasizes intentionality, emotional preparation, and spiritual alignment, structured around nine chapters that outline a "relationship progression" from singleness to marriage.

This book is ideal for singles seeking purpose in dating, couples aiming to strengthen their relationships, and Christians looking for biblically grounded advice. It’s also relevant for those navigating breakup decisions, setting sexual boundaries, or pursuing marital unity. Michael Todd’s candid style appeals to readers valuing transparency and faith-driven solutions.

Yes, particularly for its actionable framework on relationship stages and emphasis on spiritual growth. A New York Times bestseller, it blends humor, vulnerability, and scriptural wisdom. However, some critics note a lack of direct biblical citations for claims like labeling relationships as "assets" or "liabilities".

Key ideas include:

• Intentional dating: Avoid recreational dating; pursue purpose-driven connections.
• Surrendering sexuality: Set boundaries to honor God before marriage.
• The Relationship Triangle: Prioritize God as the foundation, with partners growing closer to Him and each other.
• Six relationship stages: Singleness, dating, engagement, marriage, love, and children.

Todd frames singleness as a season to "invest, imagine, and inspire"—focusing on personal growth, envisioning future goals, and impacting others. He argues strength in singleness lays the groundwork for healthy future relationships, advising readers to avoid seeking validation through romance.

The book urges readers to "surrender" their sexuality to God, advocating for premarital abstinence and post-marital fidelity. Todd and his wife Natalie stress open communication about desires and boundaries, framing sexual purity as an act of faith rather than mere rule-following.

Some readers critique Todd’s analogy of relationships as "assets/liabilities," arguing it risks reducing people to transactional value. Others note limited scriptural backing for claims like "God sends people to bless or distract you." The tone is occasionally labeled narcissistic, though many praise its practicality.

Michael Todd is lead pastor of Oklahoma’s Transformation Church, known for viral sermons on faith and relationships. A New York Times bestselling author, he co-leads the church with his wife Natalie and has grown its global audience to over 20,000 weekly viewers.

Yes, the final chapter (co-authored by Natalie Todd) provides "major keys" for marriage, including maintaining intentional dating habits and fostering spiritual unity. The companion Relationship Goals Challenge expands this with 30 days of scripture-based couple activities.

Todd’s approach balances humor and raw honesty—discussing topics like breakup recovery and sexual temptation without shaming. Unlike some theological texts, it uses modern examples (e.g., social media comparisons) and avoids overly prescriptive formulas.

This framework visualizes a triangle with God at the top and partners at the base corners. As both individuals grow closer to God, they naturally grow closer to each other, ensuring alignment with divine purpose.

Yes, Todd provides practical tools like:

• The "No Test": Assessing a partner’s integrity through small scenarios.
• Boundary-setting strategies: For physical and emotional health.
• Daily scripture challenges: To reinforce spiritual foundations in relationships.