Christ and the Church as a Paradigm for Marriage: An Evaluation of Christian Pre-Marital Counselling Programmes in Kenya

Abstract

The thesis examined Christian Pre-marital counselling among evangelical churches in Kenya. The study set out to investigate the hypothesis that ―Churches fail to set a clear and firm biblical basis on the marriage relationship during Pre-marital counselling in Kenya” resulting in misconceptions about the marital relationship. The study examined the theological foundation of the biblical relationship between Christ and the church in order to understand the socio -cultural relationship between Christian marriage partners. It clarified the commitment, work and expectations involved to make both relationships work.The role, onset and content of Christian pre -marital counselling wasalso explored. This was done by tracing the roots of pre –marital counselling in the Old Testament and considering its implications to today‘s church. A clear distinction was made between secular and Christian counselling. The study population comprised of coordinators of pre –marital counselling and couples in troubled marriages. A review of pre –marital counselling handbooks was also undertaken. T his diverse population was a helpful representation in terms of weighing the topic at hand from a broader perspective. The study combined both qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative design permitted collection of rich data from study subjects‘ experiential and perceptual sets. This ensured that the study findings would be relevant and applicable to specific pre –marital counselling contexts. Three data collection instruments utilized were: Questionnaires, interview schedule and a checklist. The study‘s validity and reliability were ensured through the two sample populations and pre-test procedures for questionnaires and in-depth interviews.The thesis examined Christian Pre-marital counselling among evangelical churches in Kenya. The study set out to investigate the hypothesis that ―Churches fail to set a clear and firm biblical basis on the marriage relationship during Pre-marital counselling in Kenya” resulting in misconceptions about the marital relationship. The study examined the theological foundation of the biblical relationship between Christ and the church in order to understand the socio -cultural relationship between Christian marriage partners. It clarified the commitment, work and expectations involved to make both relationships work.The role, onset and content of Christian pre -marital counselling wasalso explored. This was done by tracing the roots of pre –marital counselling in the Old Testament and considering its implications to today‘s church. A clear distinction was made between secular and Christian counselling. The study population comprised of coordinators of pre –marital counselling and couples in troubled marriages. A review of pre –marital counselling handbooks was also undertaken. T his diverse population was a helpful representation in terms of weighing the topic at hand from a broader perspective. The study combined both qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative design permitted collection of rich data from study subjects‘ experiential and perceptual sets. This ensured that the study findings would be relevant and applicable to specific pre –marital counselling contexts. Three data collection instruments utilized were: Questionnaires, interview schedule and a checklist. The study‘s validity and reliability were ensured through the two sample populations and pre-test procedures for questionnaires and in-depth interviews.