The very first programs I helped set up when I joined the staff of College Hill Presbyterian Church were all about family life. My job description said I was supposed to be Minister of Discipleship for all members. That meant I was supposed to help people grow no matter what their ages. My responsibility included everybody from the cradle to the grave.
We did a parenting class and a premarital preparation program. The best way possible to help children grow up in the discipline and the nurture of the Lord is to make sure they have wise Christian parents. Why do so few churches have anything for parents and couples? Are churches unaware of the devastation of divorce and its prevalence? Do Elders and Pastors not see how many people are splitting up?
I do not think that is the problem. I suspect, rather, that almost every pastor and elder in America wants to prevent divorce and would love to think they are healing hurting hearts. And, they are doing their best to accomplish those goals. The real problem is that so few know what to do.
Pastors preach against divorce and try their best to persuade people to stay together but those warnings are unheeded far too often. What we need are skill based classes that teach adults how to get along with each other. And, saddest of all, perhaps, we counselors know how to prevent many divorces and empower parents to rear their kids in the discipline and nurture of the Lord.
We would love to train more people in healthy relationship skills and before long will announce a plan to equip pastors and leaders. Stay tuned for more on how to get involved.
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