Evaluating the premarital counselling in uniting reformed church of Southern Africa (URCSA) churches in the northern suburbs of Cape Town in light of Christian theological principles

Abstract

This study evaluated Christian premarital counselling programmes within the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) in the northern suburbs of Cape Town in light of Christian theological principles. The study found that ministers valued premarital counselling in preparing couples spiritually, emotionally, and practically. However, the evaluation revealed inconsistencies in the structure and theological depth of premarital counselling within the URCSA churches, with content mainly shaped by individual ministers’ approaches or couples’ specific needs. The researcher employed a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design to guide the study. Osmer’s four core tasks served as a framework to address the practical and pastoral challenges through the lens of Christian theological principles. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with both ministers and married couples, which affirmed the significance and effectiveness of premarital counselling. The findings highlighted the need for a generic Christian premarital counselling programme, supported by theological principles and informed by literature.