FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does the Premarital Counseling (Mentoring) work?
The Premarital Mentoring program consist of a minimum of five (5) sessions. The first session is with one of our Pastors to discuss the wedding plans and the details of the questionnaires. Details of the premarriage mentoring program will also be discussed. This session last about 60 to 75 minutes. Following the first session, the couple will be assigned to a Mentor Couple, who will continue the program, for a minimum of four (4) sessions. These sessions usually last about 2 hours each. Based upon the mentoring or engaged couple’s desire, additional sessions can be scheduled. Our marriage mentors will always be available after the wedding to answer questions and be a source of support. The mentor couple will contact the newlyweds several times throughout the first year of marriage to offer support and encouragement.

Who does the Premarital  Counseling (Mentoring)?
The premarital mentoring will be done with a married couple that has years of experience in marriage. These couples don’t necessarily have the perfect marriage, but they do exemplify a Christ-centered marriage. They’ll be open and honest about sharing experiences and hardships in their own marriage. The husband of each couple is an Elder at Bellevue Community Church and will be the one to contact the groom to set up the sessions.

What is discussed during the Premarital  Counseling (Mentoring) sessions?
Many times the first session with the Mentor Couple will be scheduled at a restaurant. This allows for a great time for the couples to get to know each other. Based on the agreement between the two couples, the meal is usually Dutch treat. A variety of subjects will be discussed throughout the time together. These subjects will include marital roles and responsibilities; skills for communication and resolving conflicts, realistic management of finances, sexual relationship, a personal journey in faith, family of origin and much more! Relationship strengths and weaknesses will be discussed, as well as areas that may need growth. Subsequent meetings are held at the home of the Mentor Couple.

When are topics of concern discussed?
Although the program is designed to cover certain topics, the Mentor Couple will allow time to discuss individual needs. Details of the sessions will be discussed during the interview. Homework assignments are given prior to each session to enhance the involvement in the process.

Are there additional activities or groups recommended for engaged couples?
Bellevue Community Church provides Conexus Groups on a semester basis that meets the needs of some couples on a more detailed level. Couples entering the marriage with any debt should enroll in one of The Financial Peace University Conexus Groups to gain details of how to manage their finances for a successful marriage.

What is the expectation after completing the Premarital Counseling (Mentoring) sessions?
The engaged couple should expect to be challenged, strengthened, educated, and better prepared for their upcoming marriage. They will experience some laughs, some tears, and some pleasant surprises. They’ll leave the sessions with some problem areas identified, some new marital skills learned, and most importantly, a realistic expectation of what marriage will be like. They’ll leave with two new friends who will feel like family, a more solid foundation in which to build their Christian marriage and a stronger connection to Bellevue Community Church.

What is the cost of the Premarital  Counseling (Mentoring)?
There is no cost for the Premarital Counseling (Mentoring). BCC offers this service to engaged couples who are members or attenders of our church.