The Practice and Challenges of Counseling in Protestant Christian Marriage: The Case of Jimma jiren And Middle Town Kalehiwot Churches

Abstract

One of the main foundations of community is marital issue. Because marriage is the base for society. The main objective of the study is toexplore the practice and challenges of counseling in Protestant Christian marriage in Jimma town two Kalehiwot Churches, namelyJimmaJiren and Middle town KHC.For the study, qualitative research method was applied. In-depth interview with selected thirty individuals and focus group discussion with two groups (each had six participants) were conducted. Moreover, five key informants’ interviews were also carried out.This study used non probability sampling technique as a major sampling method and purposive sampling technique were employed to select participants.Data were collected by in depth interview and FGD. The qualitative data wasanalyzed by organizing data in some meaningful form. Ethically since the issue under the study was very critical necessary care was taken to protect confidentiality of the information. The findings of this research reveal that, the practice of marriage therapies were like guidance, advice, and Biblical teaching. The Biblical counseling is giving attention to marriages which are disadvantaged and to restore them for better and changed lives.The main finding of the study show that there was an absence of formal professional way of counseling, lack of skilled or educated counselor whom trained in theology and absence of secured office for marital counseling. Formal professional counseling, counselors whom trained marriage counseling course in theology and secured offices will be recommended