Family Ministries - FOCCUS Community of Christ, We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.

A growing number of congregations and ministers have become more intentional about providing marriage preparation through FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study) materials and training. Since 2003, more than 120 individuals across the United States have participated in the FOCCUS inventory training.

Who needs FOCCUS? The answer is twofold: anyone who believes that covenantal relationships are important; and any community who proclaims Jesus Christ and promotes communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.

Call Peace and Justice Ministries at 1-800-825-2806, for more about FOCCUS or to find a facilitator.

FOCCUS gives couples the opportunity to discover strengths and areas for growth in their relationships by looking at issues including but not limited to finances, parenting, religion and values, personality match, and extended family. Couples complete a one-hour inventory, which results in a report detailing couples’ strengths and growth areas. Follow-up sessions are used to review the report.

FOCCUS is not a test, nor is it a predictor of whether or not a marriage will succeed. Instead, it creates awareness of issues to help couples make decisions about their relationship. Ideally, the FOCCUS inventory would be administered before a couple becomes engaged. Engaged couples who are six months or more from a wedding date will also gain valuable insight in this process. The inventory may be used up to three years into a marriage.

Outreach to Couples
The most exciting thing about FOCCUS is couples’ reactions. In the years I have been using it, every couple has been enthusiastic about the process and results. This ministry is an outreach to communities and is highly specific, though not exclusive, to young adults.

One of my most memorable experiences was with a young Catholic woman and her boyfriend, who had been raised Methodist. They were aware marriage preparation typically cost $150 to $300 and were ready to pay. I assured them the $25 processing fee was the only cost. I shared about my call to ministry and assured them my work with them was part of it.

Our Wednesday evening sessions at the congregation coincided once a month with our congregational meal. The couple enjoyed fellowshipping with the congregation and not having to plan a meal at home. At the close of our sessions, we exchanged hugs and thanks.

The couple expressed that if they decided to marry, our church would be an ideal place for the ceremony and their relationship. The pastor received a donation from them in gratitude for the ministry of marriage preparation.

Who Needs FOCCUS?