Comprehensive Covenant Marriage Model (CCMM)

Scott I.
Jul 21
4 min read

A framework that navigates couples the complexity of marriage through God’s design—so they can experience covenant love, Christlike character, deep intimacy, and lasting fulfillment.

Introduction to the Model

The Comprehensive Covenant Marriage Model (CCMM) was developed by Dr. Scott Inman, Ph.D., a Christian psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist. This model was not merely constructed from research—it was called into being through years of prayer, Scripture study, and walking with real couples through seasons of pain and healing.

The CCMM reflects God’s original design for marriage: to thrive through covenant, character, and connection. The goal is simple—but profound:

To make sense of marriage by unveiling its God-designed complexity—grounded in covenant commitment, shaped by Christlike character, and sustained through altruistic reciprocity. Through this lens, couples can experience deeper intimacy, greater purpose, and lasting connection.

In a culture flooded with shallow relationship advice and quick-fix communication tips, the CCMM offers something deeper—a biblically grounded, psychologically sound, and spiritually guided path to marital wholeness.

The Happy Marriage, Happy Life resources are all built upon the foundation of the CCMM. In this context, “happy” doesn’t just mean momentary pleasure—it reflects a meaningful life shaped by purpose, mutual giving, and a connection to something greater than yourself. It's the kind of happiness that grows out of intimacy, sacrifice, and Christlike love.

Understanding the Framework

The Comprehensive Covenant Marriage Model (CCMM) is the overarching framework that integrates biblical theology with psychological science. It equips couples with a clear roadmap for building a Christ-centered marriage—one rooted in:

Covenant commitment
Christlike character
Altruistic reciprocity
Purposeful intimacy

At the heart of the CCMM is a bold question:

What does marriage look like when it reflects both Scripture and the realities of human relationship?

What Is the CCMM?

The Comprehensive Covenant Marriage Model is a biblically informed, psychologically supported marriage framework that helps couples build marriages grounded in:

Covenant over contract
Christlike character over self-interest
Intimacy through reciprocity—not just needs met

It’s more than a theory—it’s a relational roadmap designed to help you experience joy, purpose, and deep connection with your spouse.

Core Foundations of the CCMM

A Biblically Informed, Psychologically Grounded Framework for Lasting Intimacy

1. God’s Design for Marriage

Marriage isn’t just a contract—it’s a reflection of divine intimacy. God created marriage as a sacred union rooted in connection with Him and one another (Genesis 2:24). Psychology affirms this with our innate longing for secure attachment. In the CCMM, intimacy isn’t a bonus—it’s the goal.Intimacy = Happy Marriage.

2. Covenant Mindset

Covenant is the biblical foundation of marriage—an unbreakable promise anchored in grace, not performance. Unlike consumer relationships, covenant creates emotional safety, which fuels secure attachment and space for mutual growth.

3. Christlike Character

Love is not just an emotion—it’s a behavior rooted in Christlike character. CCMM applies 1 Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5:22–23 to marriage: love is patient, kind, self-controlled, and forgiving. These traits are essential for trust and long-term fulfillment.

4. Altruistic Reciprocity

Healthy marriages are built on mutual giving, not keeping score. Research shows that selfless, responsive care leads to deeper satisfaction, while Scripture calls us to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).

5. Integrated Intimacy

Intimacy isn’t one-dimensional. The CCMM identifies twelve types of intimacy—each one vital to whole-person connection. From spiritual and sexual to creative and shared purpose, true connection happens when couples grow in all areas, not just one.

The Pillars of the CCMM

A Practical, Relational Guide for Real-Life Couples

1. Covenant Over Contract

Marriage is not a transaction—it’s a sacred promise. This pillar reminds couples they’re on the same team, bound not by conditions but by grace, forgiveness, and enduring love.

2. Christlike Love in Action

Forget romantic clichés. Real love shows up in the daily mess—when you're tired, triggered, or tense. Love is a choice. And it’s that choice, made consistently, that holds a marriage together.

3. The Three Core Dynamics

Every couple navigates these three relational forces:

Power & Control – How influence and decision-making are shared.
Compassion & Care – Whether each person feels emotionally safe and understood.
Respect & Recognition – Whether each spouse feels valued and seen.Great marriages don’t eliminate tension—they learn how to navigate it with grace.

4. The 12 Types of Intimacy

A great marriage feels whole because it’s connected on many levels. Think of your marriage like a home—each type of intimacy is a room. If one is neglected, the home feels off. When each is nurtured, the marriage becomes a joyful, purpose-filled space.

5. Intentional Growth

You don’t drift into a great marriage. This pillar is a call to intentionality—weekly check-ins, shared values, seasonal goal-setting, and a commitment to keep growing together. Growth doesn’t require perfection—just consistency and humility.

A Model Within the Model: CIFM

Covenant Intimacy Fulfillment Model (CIFM)

One of the most powerful tools within CCMM is the Covenant Intimacy Fulfillment Model (CIFM). While CCMM provides the architectural blueprint, CIFM is the interior design—focusing on how couples build connection inside the home.

CIFM teaches couples how to develop, restore, and protect twelve types of intimacy:

The Core Intimacies	Relational Intimacies	Partnership Intimacies	Physical Intimacies
Spiritual	Intellectual	Partnership	Physical
Emotional	Affable	Financial	Sexual
Commitment	Conflict	Creative
	Recreational

Neglect in any area weakens the whole. But when these types are nurtured intentionally, the marriage becomes a sanctuary filled with joy, security, and mutual fulfillment.

CCMM Process Flow:

A Flow of Formation for Marriage According to God’s Design

Understand God’s Design – Begin with Scripture as the blueprint.
Identity in Christ – Build your marriage as secure individuals.
Christlike Character – Cultivate traits that sustain love and respect.
Love in Action – Turn belief into behavior—daily and intentionally.
Communication & Conflict – Speak your kind. Fight for connection.
Reciprocity – Serve without resentment. Give with purpose.
12 Types of Intimacy – Strengthen every room in the house.
Roles, Rhythm, & Respect – Build shared responsibility and priorities.
Connection – Reach the goal: a deeply bonded, joyful, God-honoring marriage.