Search Results

To Listen to Audio click the Play Button [beneath each segment] which varies based on the browser you are using.

November 10, 2015

Title: The Divorce No One Sees Coming
Topic: Divorce in the Church

Discussed by Dr. Greg Smalley
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org

Part 1 of 2

A recent study by LifeWay Research  reveals that many troubled marriages within the church go completely unnoticed. After all, we’re Christians and our lives are supposed to be perfect, right?

When Christian couples begin to experience a disconnected feeling with each other in their marriage, they oftentimes do not let anyone know – not even their close friends. They may feel embarrassed or think no one will understand. Further studies show that pastors believe their church is a safe place to get marital support and help. Married couples believe this to be true, as well. But factor in people who are divorced and this number decreases dramatically.

Dr. Greg Smalley is the Vice President of Family Ministries within Focus on the Family. “Many couples look happily married,” he says, Many not only attend church together regularly, but also served in various capacities throughout the church, as well. Even though the divorce rate within the church is nearly the same for couples with no religious affiliation, this revelation was very surprising to Dr. Smalley. He strongly urges couples to join a couple’s small group to strengthen your marriage. But, even Dr. Smalley agrees that sometimes that just isn’t enough.

More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

Title: Part 2 of 2 - The Divorce No One Sees Coming
Topic: Divorce in the Church

Discussed by Dr. Greg Smalley
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org

Research shows that many couples only talk to each other for four minutes every day. Four minutes. How much time do you spend looking on Facebook or watching the news at night? Wouldn’t spending that time actually talking to your spouse be better?

What is your church doing to reach out to couples? Do they offer counseling services? Do they offer marital classes or Bible study groups? Dr. Greg Smalley continues to discuss the recent survey results from LifeWay Research concerning marriage, divorce, and the church. Thirty-one percent of couples did not tell anyone in their church that they were experiencing marital problems. Everyone has problems. No marriage is perfect. In fact, most are far from perfect. The difference, however, between healthy marriages and the rocky marriages is communication.

Dr. Smalley says, “We need to let couples know that it’s okay to have a fight. It’s okay to let others know you’re hurting.” Don’t pretend. Don’t fake it. Be honest with each other. Don’t go through it alone. Most pastors believe their church has plenty of excellent resources, like counseling or marriage classes, to help couples regain control of the marriage. However, the majority of divorced couples were never aware their church even had those services! This needs to change – quickly.

On February 14, 2016, Dr. Greg Smalley and his wife will be hosting another “Honoring Marriage Event”.  It is a national event based on Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage should be honored by all.” Listen in as Dr. Smalley explains why they believe it is important to incorporate ALL members of a family in marriage, not just mom and dad.

More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization