EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is part of a series of articles focusing on the worldly challenges Christian families face and how the church can help.
If you’re facing divorce or have already been through it, your children’s well-being likely is one of your biggest concerns. Studies show that children who live in intact families are 20–35% physically healthier than children who do not. Teenagers from divorced families living with a single parent or in a blended family showed a 300% greater likelihood of needing psychological help compared to those in intact families. Teens also are twice as likely to drop out of high school if their parents have divorced.
Divorce can destroy the family structure, and children of divorced parents often experience higher rates of delinquency, academic failure or incarceration compared to those from intact families, beliefnet.com reported.
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Instability
Social stigma and isolation often accompany divorce, affecting both parents and children, leading to decreased church participation or community involvement.
Divorce also can lead to financial instability, with changes in income, retirement accounts, IRAs, pensions, home ownership, etc. Single parents often struggle with lower income and increased financial pressures, affecting the overall quality of life and opportunities available to children.
An increased risk of health problems can come with divorce, with adults often facing higher rates of alcoholism and depression, while children experience physical issues or become injury prone.
How are Christian divorces different from non-Christian divorces?
— Lower divorce rates among committed Christians: Studies show that committed Christians who actively practice their faith by attending church regularly, praying and engaging with the faith community have lower divorce rates than nominal Christians and non-Christians.
— Higher marital satisfaction: Couples who practice their faith together — praying, reading Scripture, attending church — tend to have higher marital satisfaction and lower divorce rates. Evangelical Christians who actively engage their faith have a divorce rate of about 26% compared to the general rate of 33%.
— Strong support systems: Christian communities often provide a strong support system for married couples, offering pre-marital counseling, mentorship and communal activities that reinforce the marital bond.
— Sanctity and permanence of marriage: Christian teaching emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of marriage, and many denominations discourage divorce except in cases of adultery or abandonment. This belief can influence Christians to work harder to resolve marital differences rather than divorcing. A focus on biblical forgiveness and prayer can give couples tools to help manage conflict and keep their relationship intact.
— In many Christian communities there is a strong cultural and social expectation to keep marriages together, deterring divorce.
How the church can help to keep marriages strong, pastors and church leaders can:
— Provide sermons and teaching series focusing on the biblical view of marriage, addressing common challenges and giving practical advice.
— Encourage couples to join small groups and Bible studies that show them how to build a supportive marriage and grow together spiritually.
— Offer marriage counseling and pastoral care, recommending professional therapy to help couples considering divorce.
— Create a marriage mentoring program where more experienced couples support and guide younger couples.
— Offer church-sponsored retreats and workshops to help couples strengthen their marriages.
— Establish strong pre-marital counseling to prepare couples for marriage.
— Pray for and with married couples and families in the church, and host fun events where families can be together.
How the church can minister to families and children when divorce occurs in the church:
— Create support groups for children and parents, providing a safe space for sharing and healing.
— Offer professional Christian counseling to help both children and parents adjust and heal.
— Pair children and single parents with mentors who can provide ongoing support and guidance.
— Make sure church programs are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of children from divorced families.
— Host workshops like co-parenting, financial planning or legal advice to help equip parents.
— Establish a resource center with books, pamphlets and online options to offer advice and practical assistance.
— Tailor Sunday School and youth activities to address the unique challenges faced by children of divorce.
— Offer regular prayer sessions and one-on-one pastoral care. Encourage families to stay connected with their faith and attend church regularly.
— Organize churchwide family activities and encourage divorced parents and their children to get involved and build new relationships.
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