Exploring the efficacy of premarital counselling in church settings: A qualitative study

Background: What a couple does in preparation for marriage is a critical determinant of the success of the marriage. It is believed that, that period helps sustain marriages because it gives couples knowledge and skills that can help them in the marriage as well as facilitate their decision-making process. Despite availability of premarital counselling (PMC) services worldwide, many marriages still end in divorce.Objectives: The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore pastors’ perceptions regarding premarital counselling in Pentecostal churches in Gaborone.Method: This research adopted a qualitative case study where four pastors from four Pentecostal churches in Gaborone were purposively selected to share their views of PMC in church. The findings were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The study’s findings established that there is a need for pastors to go through relevant training to be equipped with skills that can help give direction to their services and that congregants should be taught about the benefits of PMC.Conclusion: Based on the findings, it was concluded that although PMC is a powerful tool for a successful marriage and reduction of divorce rates, it needs to be strengthened.Contribution: The study will help to show the need for PMC in Pentecostal churches and also emphasise the most suitable time to commence PMC sessions before one gets married.