MERGE – Marriage Prep class

What is MERGE?

This seven-session series is a fun class specifically designed to help couples lay a strong foundation in many aspects of merging two lives in marriage (traditions, expectations, gender differences, family of origin, goals for the marriage, and more!)  We invite all couples who are newlywed, engaged and seriously dating to join us.

MERGE 2026 will meet 6:30-7:45 on March 11, 25 and April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.  (No class March 19 during spring break – but we will have a bit of homework to take along!)

MERGE covers topics to help couples have tools to develop strong foundations for a marriage according to God’s plan.  We have fun while also covering topics that impact every single marriage.  The intent is to encourage meaningful conversation in class and on your own and to put helpful concepts an tools in your hands as you build a resource tool box to keep using in your relationship.  Participating couples leave MERGE with printed and digital resources to continue to refer to well after the class.

The MERGE series  meets Oklahoma’s premarital counseling requirement and has been accepted in other states as well.  Participants receive a completion certificate to present when applying for a marriage license.

One added value of the program is the SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts) assessment each couple participates in, supporting couples in identifying their relationships’ unique areas of strength and areas in which to intentionally work to grow.  Each couple will meet privately one time with one of our SYMBIS trained staff members to review their assessment and set goals for their next steps in the relationship.  The cost of this assessment is built into the class fee.  Many couples also choose to hold a few optional private premarital counseling sessions in addition to MERGE and their SYMBIS review meeting so that they continue to work on developing a strong launch into marriage.

MERGE is led by MRCC staff members and several mentor couples who enjoy being a resource to young couples. Couples leave this series with connection to several MRCC older couples for ongoing support and friendship.

 Topics we cover include:

• Spiritual basis for marriage.
• Marriage as a merging of cultures (how family of origin and other factors affect expectations and behaviors in marriage.)
• Marriage as a Complimentary/ Balancing Relationship
• Communication & Conflict Resolution
• Factors Affecting Intimacy (healthy and unhealthy)
• Best Practices for Financial Health in Marriage
• Relationships with In-Laws
• and MORE woven in each week!

The cost is only $50 per couple to cover the class costs of the discounted SYMBIS assessments, printed materials and more.  Couples who have already taken the SYMBIS assessment and provide their SYMBIS report to us will have a discounted class fee of $15.

Register by March 9 to be part of MERGE 2026

If any questions, please contact jenny.jones@mrcc.org or tasha.hodges@mrcc.org