One of the most important social institutions in our society is that of the family and specifically the union of marriage. Marriage is one of God's central institutions as it depicts His relationship to his body of believers just as Christ is the groom and his body the bride.
Full-time ministry couples experience certain pressures, which impact the health and union of the marriage in a variety of ways - yet these "pressures" are not always understood in society or by the church.
This study undertakes to understand what the influence of full-time ministry has on the health of a marriage for couples who are engaged in full-time ministry.
Through a qualitative empirical research based on the model of Zerfass, the researcher will gain understanding into the various aspects underlying the ministry environment that influences the health of a marriage. The researcher establishes that three main areas must be formulated for future ministry couples in order to function at an optimal level. These areas include the establishment of proper ministerial and marriage guidelines. It also includes that married couples should gain proper equilibrium and consciousness towards their ministry and marriage health.
It is evident that the body of Christ doesn't fully grasp the influence of full-time ministry on the health of a marriage. An overall uncertainty exists of what constitutes a healthy marriage and therefore a lack of understanding on the various pressures exerted on full-time ministry is prevalent.
Ultimately couples should realise that today's changing times and uncertain job roles necessitate flexibility to adapt to new environments while still holding on to a healthy marriage union / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/4961 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Scheffer, Susara Elizabeth |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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