A Program for Minimizing Divorce Rate among Seventh-day Adventist Church Members in Central Zimbabwe Conference

Abstract

As a response to the alarming upward trend of the divorce rate in Central Zimbabwe Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the researcher developed and implemented a comprehensive intervention strategy as a way of minimizing the divorce rate among couples in cognizance of the contributory factors. It was observed that divorce hinders the well-being of families and the missionary work of the church. Divorce was found to be a real problem—one that God did not command, but only permitted as a concession. The intervention strategy was developed based on the survey involving 178 participants, who were both males and females. The quantitative methodology of research was used and questionnaires were administered. A total number of 80 people participated in the implementation of the program of which 70 were couples and 10 were female spouses. The study involved males and females aged eighteen years and above. The marriage institution and the development of divorce were thoroughly investigated with reference to cultural diversity and significance. Data was collected using questionnaires, analysed and interpreted accordingly. The program was then evaluated in line with the responses. The major findings revealed that unfaithfulness among couples was the chief cause of divorce which represents 67%. The other contributory factors were money issues and sexual deprivation among couples which represents 10% and 8%, respectively. A comprehensive curriculum was designed in response to the findings and three seminars with 18 sessions were conducted. Five facilitators, including the researcher, took part in the program from start to finish. Almost all of the participants indicated that the intervention program benefited them and minimized divorce. The whole program culminated with a couples outing held at a local primary school. During this time all couples who participated were certificated in marriage vows renewal. Finally, it was found that marriage is a God-oriented institution and divorce was born through the hard heartedness of the human race. The initial purpose of the research was to develop and implement a strategy aimed at minimizing divorce through seminars. The goal was realised, but there remains a lot to be researched in this area. Based on the findings, recommendations are made to pastors that they be skilled in topics relating to sexuality in order to assist congregations in this area. It is recommended that educational institutions that offer church growth studies make family matters part of the curriculum since it has proved to be fruitful in terms of evangelism. Further research on the subject is recommended since culture is dynamic and impacting factors may change.