A Biblical Based Ministry to Seventh-day Adventist Members in Mixed Marriages within Bulawayo Churches of the South Zimbabwe Conference

Abstract

This study sought to trace what the Bible, Ellen White and contemporary writers have said about mixed marriages. Using the mixed methods research approach the study further investigated the prevalence of such marriages amongst Adventists, and the nature of challenges they experienced. Employing the use of questionnaires and purposive focus group interviews and discussion, the researcher identified the predominant challenges that beset Adventists in unequally yoked marriages. This included intolerance of their faith by their spouses and extended families, being coaxed to participate in spiritualistic rituals, raising Godly children, how to win their spouses to their faith and spiritual compromise. Having identified that a significant number of Adventists in mixed marriages experienced myriad challenges, which negatively affected their spiritual, social and marital lives, the researcher designed an intervention strategy to minister to members in such marriages. An implementation of the intervention ministry strategy was implemented and evaluated.