Testimonials

'When we met Chris and Sophie, we were actually leading a small group in our area, and they showed up on our doorstep to join our group.  We were only "strangers" for about five minutes! Chris and Sophie walked into our lives with an open heart and transparent lives.  They demonstrated what it means to be vulnerable and the ability to separate the "what" from the "who".  Their lives displayed a miraculous gift of restoration and grace, as well as the ability to find confidence in who they are in Christ.  Since then, we have witnessed their testimony and their teachings be a part of transformation in lives and marriages, including ours.  Chris and Sophie have become our dearest friends and trusted confidants.  We also had the privilege of introducing Chris and Sophie to our ministry staff.  The entire staff was impacted and totally engaged in their teaching, with a desire to gain more from Designed For Unity.  After 30+ years of ministry, we have never seen anyone with a deeper understanding of how the design difference in people impacts the unity of marriages, families, friendship, and co-workers." They are profoundly gifted and anointed for leading people to build healthier, richer relationships.

"We are lucky enough to be family with Chris and Sophie.  They reached out to us one day after we got engaged to let us know that they would be happy to walk us through our pre-marital counseling leading up to our wedding.  We couldn't have been more excited to learn and grow through them and what they had to offer us, especially because they are family!  The counseling really opened our eyes to so much!  Now we have been married for over a year and still love to bring things that we learned from them into our marriage.  We believe that the counseling started our marriage off very strong with God in the center our relationship.  They were able to take all of the ups, downs, and everything in between from their marriage and put it into lessons that would stick with us forever.  The most important thing we learned is how marriages can fail or prosper.  They gave us the tools we needed to kickstart our marriage in the right direction.  They also gave us the knowledge on how to identify the design qualities we each have as individuals and how to complement each other (even though our personalities are polar opposites)!  Their story is so inspiring and we were and still are so blessed to have learned from them."

"A desire to go deeper in our marriage left us desperate for resources that didn't have a "one size fits all" feel.  Our differences were a source of frustration that we knew needed specific attention.  Through Chris and Sophie's small group ministry, we were able to gain a better understanding of our DISC profiles, which helped us to see how God wired us as individuals.  After this realization, our marriage began moving to the next level as we implemented the life-changing concepts that Chris and Sophie taught us about conflict resolution, specific to our individual personality traits.  We are forever grateful for the much needed breakthrough in our marriage as a result of Designed For Unity."

"In 2021, we faced one of the most difficult times of our marriage.  We were faced with something that we knew we couldn't handle on our own, but didn't want to go to our inner circle of friends or family.  After praying for some time, Chris and Sophie's ministry came up in my mind.  Out of desperation, we reached out to them and asked for their help.  From there, they met with us several times for hours just guiding and coaching us on how to overcome this difficult situation that we were facing.  They provided stories, testimonies and action steps to help us overcome this obstacle.  With much prayer and their support, we were able to start a fresh journey in our marriage.  Chris and Sophie have such a big heart to see marriages healed and restored.  We are grateful for them."

"We are so thankful for joining a "Designed for Unity" small group in the fall of 2022.  We have a similar story to Chris and Sophie's...at least in part....so it was so helpful to see what healthy looks like when we move past our past and let God redeem and restore us.  We learned that we're different by design and it is those differences that point to God's unique likeness in each of us.  It is so amazing to learn how to love someone that isn't exactly like us.  Especially helpful was talking about the "me-monster" in all of us and beginning to live to serve another as a way of life.  Learning that having Jesus be the fulfillment of our needs instead of our spouse was so freeing.   It is so cool to think about laying down our lives to love another is actually loving God!  We are so thankful that Chris and Sophie went on their own journey of surrender and restoration so that they could help us learn how to have a thriving, purpose-filled relationship and life.  Thank you for showing us showing us how much life has to offer on the other side of dying to ourselves.  This was more than a curriculum to us....it is a new way to live."

 "After 25 years of marriage, we still find ourselves amusingly entangled in each other's idiosyncrasies. And why not? After all, we're simply two unique individuals navigating life together. With distinct perspectives, diverse problem-solving approaches, and contrasting personalities, it's only natural to encounter occasional quirks in our journey. But beneath it all lies an unshakable foundation of profound love and mutual admiration.

Our transformative experience with Chris and Sophie through the Designed For Unity small group has been extraordinary. They've helped us not only strengthen our bond but also celebrate our individuality without reservation. Instead of apologizing for our differences, we've learned to wholeheartedly embrace each other for the invaluable qualities we bring to our partnership.

Our marriage is firmly rooted in a faithful, God-centered love—a love that runs deep and unwavering. Thanks to our time with The Corders, we've come to appreciate and cherish the unique individuals God intended us to be. Our journey has been enriched, our love deepened, and our gratitude immeasurable, all because of the wisdom and guidance imparted by Chris and Sophie."

Denise and I had the opportunity to attend Chris and Sophie's small group through Church of The Highlands' Small Groups.  I have known Chris for several years and attended and graduated from Highlands College with him.  It's through that connection that it was quickly evident that Chris was passionate about the covenant of marriage and how God has uniquely designed each person.  Knowing that we have similar stories of God's redemptive grace, I asked Denise to join their marriage small group, which was the first couples group we had ever attended.  The group was very impactful in our marriage.  It has helped strengthen it in ways we never thought would happen.  We have been able to identify what drives each of us and how to actually discuss differences whereas before we practiced "radio slience" for all disagreements.  The information we learned has helped us navigate the relationships with our children as well.  We even had the honor of co-leading the small group WITH Chris and Sophie the very next semester.  It is a must attend kind of group.  You may not think you need a marriage small group, but trust me, you need THIS one!

 Chris and Sophie have been an incredible blessing to our marriage, guiding us through trials and trauma with their personal experience and unwavering authenticity. Their willingness to vulnerably share their own journey has created a safe haven for us to open up and heal. Their empathy and understanding have been instrumental in helping us navigate the challenges we face, providing invaluable insight and practical advice. Their commitment to walking alongside us, without judgment, has fostered an environment of trust and growth. Chris and Sophie's genuine authenticity has ignited hope in our hearts and inspired us to persevere through the darkest times, knowing that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

In our marriage of 28 years, we have finally come to understand that trials and suffering are not our enemies, but are God’s tools for sanctification. In our relationship with each other and with our kids, God has patiently, persistently, and powerfully proven His sufficiency through each situation we’ve encountered, including hard ones such as mental illness (depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, etc.), doubt, rebellion, financial struggles, and disappointment. 

In some seasons, we walked through the difficulties alone. But life is so much better in community with other believers!! Chris and Sophie’s friendship with both of us came at just the right time and has been a God-send, because their transparency, insight, and dependency on Jesus for hope and strength sharpens our own faith and helps us see God in our life situations where we might miss Him on our own. We have also seen them pour into our daughter and her fiance through premarital counseling during a time of great anxiety, which paved the way for hope and trust within their marriage (which Chris officiated, even after a terrible wreck the night before!). 

Chris and Sophie’s insight into personality types and how they interact in marriage is truly invaluable. We are looking forward to future marriage intensives with them to further enhance our communication and strengthen our marriage for the years to come.

Everyone's life has distinct before and afters.  One big "before and after" in our life and marriage is before Chris and Sophie's marriage small group and after.

Before, we loved each other, but lacked understanding on how to truly support and care for one another. This led to distance, sadness, and bitterness in our relationship. Desperate for help, we sought out Chris and Sophie's marriage small group, hoping for guidance.

Joining this ministry and marriage small group turned out to be the turning point that saved our marriage. We acquired valuable insights into each other's needs and recognized the unintentional harm we had been causing while trying to love one another. The experience brought us closer not only to each other but also to our faith in God.

We remain forever grateful for this ministry and pray that it continues to illuminate minds, mend hearts, and rescue marriages.

 About a decade ago, Chris and I crossed paths for the first time. It was during a time when we were in search of someone to oversee team-building exercises for the then-modest Sales and Marketing team at a small beverage company. Unexpectedly, the initial trainer we were considering wasn't available, and this "twist of fate" led us to enlist Chris as the leader for our team-building efforts. It's amusing how such serendipitous occurrences can shape our journeys.

Remarkably, that initially petite sales and marketing team progressed to elevate the status of the local brand, propelling it to become the premier brand nationally within its category, boasting an impressive annual revenue of over $400 million.

On a personal note, I was profoundly impressed by Chris's adept utilization of the DISC methodology. So much so, that I extended an invitation for him to join us in my home, embarking on a comprehensive four-week training session for my entire family. Over the years, Chris has consistently and patiently provided guidance and mentorship to me. Admittedly, I tend to be a deliberate learner, and I am genuinely grateful for his unwavering patience.

I have now reached a point where I comprehend and apply the invaluable principles of self-awareness that Chris has imparted, drawing from our innate design. These principles have not only facilitated the cultivation of authentic relationships among colleagues, family, and friends but have also enabled me to recognize and cherish the distinctive variations in others' designs. This newfound understanding has been instrumental in fostering numerous enhanced connections.
 

We absolutely loved the Designed for Unity marriage small group that incorporated the DISC assessment based on God's design. 

Here's why:

• Self-awareness and Understanding: The personal design assessment provides valuable insights into our individual personalities and behavioral tendencies. By understanding ourselves and our spouse through the lens of God's design, we gain a deeper appreciation for each other's strengths, weaknesses, and unique traits. This awareness fosters empathy, compassion, and better communication within the marriage.
• Enhancing Communication: The DISC assessment equips couples with a common language to communicate more effectively. It helps us recognize and adapt to each other's communication styles, ensuring that our messages are received and understood in the way they were intended. This leads to fewer misunderstandings, improved conflict resolution, and greater harmony in our marriage.
• Complementary Dynamics: God created us uniquely, and the DISC assessment highlights the diverse ways in which we complement each other. By understanding our different strengths and areas for growth, we can collaborate more effectively, leveraging our individual talents to build a strong and balanced partnership. This leads to greater synergy and mutual support within the marriage.
• Growth and Transformation: The DISC assessment within a marriage small group setting provides a platform for personal and relational growth. We can identify areas where we may need to mature or develop new skills, and with the support and encouragement of the group, we can embark on a journey of transformation. This intentional growth helps us become better spouses and cultivates a thriving, Christ-centered marriage.
• God's Design at the Center: Incorporating the DISC assessment within a marriage small group that is grounded in God's design ensures that our personal growth and marital dynamics are aligned with His purpose. It allows us to navigate our relationship with the guidance of biblical principles, seeking God's wisdom in understanding ourselves and our spouse.

In summary, the Designed for Unity marriage small group based on God's design provided us with invaluable tools for self-discovery, communication, and personal growth. It deepened our understanding of each other, strengthened our marriage, and helped us live out God's design for our relationship. I highly recommend this approach to any couple seeking to enrich their marriage and honor God in their union.

 Chris and Sophie create such a comfortable environment with their warm and welcoming personalities. We truly appreciated their vulnerability and learned so much from their wisdom. The DISC assessment and curriculum helped us identify and begin the journey of overcoming insecurities we had individually been struggling with for years, and find comfort, rest, and confidence in how God has intentionally designed us. It taught us how to better understand each other, a healthy approach to overcoming conflict, and how to use our individual strengths to work our best together in our marriage. We’re very grateful that God placed us in this group and highly recommend it to other married couples no matter where you are in your journey.  

COMING SOON!!

We both feel like out of all the meetings we have had with counselors, therapists and the works, our time together was hands down the most beneficial meeting for our marriage.  We both definately want to attend your small group this semester and my husband said he is really looking forward to it!

 Over the course of many years, Mike and I have had the privilege of cultivating a profound friendship with Chris and Sophie, individuals whom we hold in the highest regard as some of our most cherished companions. Their enduring love for each other, coupled with their unwavering grace, has undeniably left an indelible mark on a multitude of lives.

It was during a significant juncture when Chris approached us with the idea of co-leading a "Designed for Unity" marriage small group, a proposal that resonated deeply with us. At that time, we were already at the helm of the Marriage Hub, overseeing various small groups within our church. Always in pursuit of ways to positively influence and enhance marriages, we enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to join forces with Chris and Sophie, welcoming them into our home with open arms.

Mike and I, having shared the journey of matrimony for 39 years, have been fortunate to offer guidance and support to struggling marriages over time. The prospect of adding another invaluable tool to our arsenal filled us with genuine excitement. Needless to say, the impact of our collaboration transcended those who attended our gatherings. In fact, it afforded us a profound insight into our own unique dynamics as a couple and illuminated the path to a deeper, more enriching marital bond.

For me, the most profound impact wasn't confined to understanding the intricacies of my own temperament and behavior, but rather, it encompassed a newfound comprehension of how others perceive and respond to my personality. It became abundantly clear that to make a meaningful difference in someone else's life, one must first endeavor to fathom their perspective and motivations.

With heartfelt gratitude, we extend our sincerest thanks to Chris and Sophie for equipping us with invaluable tools for our future ministry endeavors. Their unwavering passion for fortifying lives and marriages, fostering healing, and restoring wholeness in accordance with God's divine plan is nothing short of inspiring.

 Designed for Unity's DISC marriage small group provided my husband and me with the tools and language we had lacked for 14 years. We were stuck in a cycle, unable to break through the strongholds in our marriage. With Chris and Sophie’s guidance and the power of the Holy Spirit, we finally understood and addressed our issues.

Their insights transformed our relationship from mediocre to exceptional. We learned to celebrate our personality differences rather than condemn them. Now, for the first time in 14 years, we laugh about our differences and enjoy each other's quirks.

Designed for Unity is essential for couples seeking more than just a "good marriage." If you desire a God-transformed relationship, their small group is the next step for you. This ministry has not only impacted our marriage but also brought unity to our entire family.

We are profoundly grateful for the Corders and Designed for Unity. It has given us the tools to truly love each other and transformed our home. I eagerly anticipate what God will continue to do through our partnership with Chris and Sophie. Thank God for the prayers answered through this ministry.