Training Descriptions

Content: A general overview of Marriage Savers is presented on video, followed by a description of couple mentoring. Then each of the 4 mentor areas are presented. At the end of the presentation, couples are asked to decide if they would like to mentor, and if so, in what area, or areas.

Length of Session: Usually takes about 2½ hours.

Cost: This course is presented once to each new Marriage Savers church. They may bring as many "potential" mentor couples as they wish. They will receive a copy of the Marriage Saves Manual, a set of FOCCUS Pre-marital Inventory manuals, and a REFOCCUS inventory. The cost for all this is $200 per church.

Note: Additional "Potential" mentor couples from that congregation may attend any future Overview session for no additional charge.

Content: The FOCCUS premarital inventory is described in detail, covering how to give, submit for evaluation, interpret the results, and prepare for the discussion of the results with the couple. The mentor couple will also learn how to assist the couple being mentored in ways to enhance those areas in which they show agreement, and greatly improve their relationship practices to build consensus in areas of disagreement.

Length of Session: 4½ hours.

Materials Required: The mentor couple should have their own copy of the FOCCUS Facilitator Notebook.

Cost: The cost of the training itself is $80/couple. If the materials need to be purchased, they are an additional $60.

Content: The training of couples to mentor to Step Families, or Blended Families is accomplished by actually attending a series of small group meetings for approximately 10 weeks. The group will be led by a Marriage Saves Trainer couple, or a couple approved by Marriage Savers of Frederick County. If the lead couple is aware of your desire to eventually lead your own group, they will spend additional time instructing you how to lead, and then allow you to lead a group session for the group you are attending.

Materials Required: We presently recommend materials from 2 different sources. These materials will be revised and upgraded as necessary as we gain further experience.

Cost: $60/couple for each complete set of materials.

The training of mentor couples to assist couples in crisis is a very important ministry to our society. Couples desiring to minister in this area should have a good, but not necessarily a perfect marriage, and ideally, have had some difficulty or difficulties over the years, that they were able to overcome. Their ability to restore their own marriage from the brink of destruction, will give them both an ability to give good practical help to another couple, but will also give them the hope of success that all couples in crisis need.

Training in this area will consist of at least 10 hours of class time with additional sessions scheduled as needed to build the skills and self-confidence required for this type of mentoring.

Because of the extensive time required, training will be conducted when at least 5 couples are available for training. Contact our office for more information.