We use the SYMBIS curriculum created by Doctors Les and Leslie Parrot. The SYMBIS program serves couples who are engaged as well as those who want to enrich their marriage or navigate a difficult season.

The course is designed to last 3-7 weeks. During this time you will navigate and intentionally pursue health in the areas of communication, finances, child-raising, family and in-laws, and other areas that can be a challenge to every marriage.

The fee is $150 for stakeholders, $175 for regular attenders and $200 for those who do not attend COTC. This covers books and materials, and the cost of the initial assessment which helps us to navigate the areas in which you may have challenges. Scholarships are available for those who may experience financial difficulties. You may request financial help by emailing us.

Our mentors are trained to know when our program may not be sufficient for couples with deep troubles, or problems with substance, physical, or sexual abuse, or additional deep complications in life. However, for the majority of couples, this program can make a huge difference in the life of your marriage. Resources for clinical counseling are also available upon request.

Mentors must be a Stakeholder at Church of the City. This entails attending Intro to COTC, agreeing to our statement of faith and our approach to ministry, as well as a commitment to join our community.

In addition to being a Stakeholder with a commitment to Christ, we provide video training, as well as guidance for potential mentors through the first session of the program. We then decide together if they are ready to mentor others. In some cases, they may desire to go through the entire program first as a mentee couple.

No! The weight of helping a couple is on the course itself, which trains you to listen to one another and negotiate solutions that will work specifically for them. You will feel confident that the program helps them even when you don’t know everything. That’s the beauty of it!