Our GREAT START marriage preparation workshop  teaches couples skills to help develop a lasting, more satisfying marriage. The Great Start leadership team does this through lectures, skits and demonstrations.

The "Great Start " program is facilitated by both TPCC leaders (and long term members), as well as, our ministers. The workshop focuses on developing skills in couple communications and conflict resolution, using tools developed by professionals in those fields.  Using these tools as a basis we, the Great Start Team, guide you through a series of discussions on life issues related to marriage such as : marriage expectations, family and friends, children and parenting, finances, and several more.  Although we meet as a group you will spend most of the time that weekend working as a couple, with one of our team coaching you.

Couples benefit most if they participate on a weekend at least 6 months in advance of their wedding.  Although you will be attending the weekend with other couples you will be working only with each other.

Great start is offered 3-4 times per year on Friday evenings (from 6:30p.m. to 9p.m) Saturdays (from 9a.m. to 5p.m.) and Sunday mornings (from 9a.m. to 12 noon). Attendance is required in order to be married at Torrey Pines Christian Church and the cost is already included in your wedding package.  You will also get to know your TPCC ministers while attending great start.

You will sign up for Great Start immediately following your wedding reservation and begin your online questionnaire/inventory right away.  The Great Start Seminar is open to any couples outside of TPCC for a $250.00 fee.  Just contact lead wedding coordinator Kim Bird at pqbirdfamily@hotmail.com to begin this process.

The relationship seminar is offered 4 times a year.

2008 dates are:

• January 25, 26 & 27           Group #42
• April 18, 19 & 20                 Group #43
• June 20, 21 &22                 Group #44
• October 10, 11 & 12           Group #45

Hosea 2:19: And I will take you for my wife forever; I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy.

Romans 12:10: love one another with mutual affection; out do one another in showing honor.

Hebrews 10:24: And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.

Rev. Dr. Michael Spitters favorite verses on marriage