MARRIAGE IN THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION – Project topics materials

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INTRODUCTION

The author was born on a farm, 20km from Oudtshoorn, on the route to the world renowned Cango Caves found in the Southern Cape, South Africa. In this area, farming communities are closely knit. The author was raised within a family which believed that married life is sacred and ordained by God. The author was also taught that whoever is married in our community should be highly respected because he/she is regarded as the custodians of marriage life.

RESEARCH GAP

The author has established that this research on traumatic experience of divorce in the denomination of the Volkskerk van Afrika (People’s Church of Africa) is necessary because church pastoral family marriages, in our post-modern age are breaking down at an alarming rate; and that they are likely to increase in South Africa and other parts of the globe. More and more churchpastoral families are traumatized by the devastating effects of divorce. Families as well as congregations are torn apart by this phenomenon. Literature on church pastoral family divorce is actually non-existent. Inquiries by the author, which pertain to this topic have failed to locate any meaning full information.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

The aim of this research was to help the denomination of the V.V.A (P.C.A) to deal more effectively, sensitively and honestly with divorce among the church’s pastoral families. This issue is problematic; and thus researching on the subject is important. The intention of the author was to help the denomination deal with this trauma long before it happens, and to afford pastoral care to the minister and the family involved. Thus, the author sought to develop a pastoral care method that will empower the denomination of the V.V.A (P.C.A) in order to offer care to the pastoral family, therapeutically.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH

This research focused on the traumatic experience of divorce by a pastoral family within the denomination of the V.V.A (P.C.A) because this phenomenon is not only a South African problem, which challenges the Christian community, but is also a global problem. Divorce within a pastoral family is traumatic because it traumatizes not only the pastor involved, but also the family, and the congregation and community at large. This research study sought to create awareness on the tragedy that is caused by divorce within a pastoral family; especially in the denomination of the V.V.A (P.C.A).

Declaration
Acknowledgment
CHAPTER ONE: BACKGROWN TO STUDY
1.1 Background to study
1.2 Problem statement
1.3 Research gap
1.4 Aims and objections
1.5 Significance of research
1.6 Preliminary conclusion
CHAPTER TWO: METHODOLOGY
2.1 Methodology
2.2 Preliminary conclusion
CHAPTER THREE: MARRIAGE IN THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION
3.1 Understanding marriage
3.2 Marriage: some definitions
3.3 Different marriage customs
3.4 Marriage in the Christian tradition
3.5 Sociological ideas about marriage and family life
3.6 Marriage: some critical opinions
3.7 The impact of partiarchalism on marriage
3.7.1 Male and female created in the image of God
3.8 Factors which give rise to conflict in the minister’s family
3.9 How can pastoral families strengthen their marriage
3.10 Preliminary conclusion
CHAPTER FOUR: UNDERSTANDING DIVORCE
4.1 Divorce: the process
4.2 Divorce: some definitions
4.3 Common causes which lead to divorce in marriage
4.4 Divorce: a comprehensive loss
4.4.1 Stages in the divorce process
4.5 The effect of divorce on pastoral families
4.5.1 The impact of divorce on children
4.5.2 Psychological effect of divorce on children
4.6 The stance of the Bible on divorce
4.7 Trauma
4.7.1 Some definitions of trauma
4.7.2 Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder
4.7.3 Traumatic events calls into question human relationships
4.7.4 Traumatic events violates the autonomy of the self
4.7.5 Social support influence the outcome of the traumatic moment
4.7.6 The role of the community
4.8 Preliminary conclusion
CHAPTER FIVE: CASE STUDY – BENFRED FAMILY
5.1 Case study of VVA (PCA) clergy divorce
5.1.1 The story of the Benfred family
5.1.2 Author’s reflection on the above story
5.2 Proposed model on how to handle the pastoral family when they are confronted with divorce in VVA (PCA)
5.3 Preliminary conclusion
CHAPTER SIX: CREATING A PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE
6.1 Integrating of creating a pastoral care committee: drawing from other church manuals
6.2 The Uniting Presbyterian Church of South Africa
6.3 The Apostolic Faith Mission in South Africa
6.4 Comparison: manuals of UPCSA and AFM
6.4.1 A pastoral care model for the VVA (PCA)
6.5 Pastoral divorce: the responsibility of the denomination
6.6 Recruitment and training of clergy
6.7 The journey forward: a matter of time
6.8 How to keep love alive
6.9 Direct services to clergy marriages
6.10 Clergy congregational issues
CHAPTER SEVEN: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1 Conclusion to study
7.2. Recommendations
8. Bibliography