The institution of marriage and the role of the local church: A study at Neel Road Baptist Church in Salisbury, North Carolina

It is widely recognized that marriage as an institution is in trouble in America. Research shows both that marriages -- defined for the purposes of this study as a legal and/or religiously binding lifelong, intentional, monogamous, relationship between one man and one woman --- are failing and the institution of marriage as a social institution is declining in North America. Similar research suggests that trends towards nonmarriage, cohabitation, and divorce are practically the same among Christians and non-Christians.;The role of the local church in this situation is not understood. This project explores what role the local church has played in relation to the trends and specific problems associated with the decline of marriage today.;This project surveys the congregation of Neel Road Baptist Church in Salisbury, North Carolina to determine the effectiveness of the church's ministries associated with marriage. Also, a sample of members are interviewed to help provide insights into how the church can improve the ministries related to marriage and address trends and negative influences impacting marriage today. The study provides numerous insights into the shortcomings of the ministries at Neel Road Baptist Church and other local churches previously attended by participants of the study. It also suggests concrete ministry applications to be implemented by the leadership of Neel Road Baptist Church to combat the trends of cohabitation and nonmarriage in America today.;The results of the study indicate that Neel Road Baptist Church, and most likely other local churches, have an opportunity today to make a positive impact on people who may consider marriage, married couples, and the institution of marriage in our communities. Several key findings of the study include: (1) That Neel Road Baptist Church and other churches previously attended by survey participants have not offered effective ministries related to marriage. (2) That while participants viewed their overall experience with church as helpful or beneficial for marriage, they did not receive preparation or support in key areas of marriage most closely associated with divorce today. (3) That couples who receive premarital counseling are more likely to stay in their first marriages and less likely to divorce.