Individualized marriage and family disruption ministries in congregations: How culture matters

Abstract

U.S. churches continue to support families in a society where many previous supports have weakened. But there is a gap in this support: although almost half of congregations in a recent study report offering marriage counseling and postdivorce ministries, only 25 percent of divorced families report experiencing clergy help or congregational outreach while divorcing or postdivorce. This study analyzes data from 26 Northern Indiana Congregations Study Christian churches of different traditions in order to identify the characteristics of congregations that successfully offer outreach to families in crisis. A comparative analysis of congregational cultures finds that congregations with successfully offered outreach exhibit three bundled cultural characteristics not found in those without: realistic confidence among pastors regarding solving marital problems, lay empowerment, and discourses transforming individualized marriage religiously. These findings contribute to our understanding of religion and family life and to practical knowledge of religious supports for vulnerable families.