Clergy Workshop on Pre-marital Counseling
On 22nd November 2023, the Diocese of Delhi organised a Clergy Retreat on pre-marital counselling. The purpose was to empower clergy members with essential skills and knowledge, enabling them to provide effective counselling for couples preparing for marriage. Bishop invited members of the Urban Indian Ministries(UIM) to train the clergy with godly wisdom and to help the congregation build lighthouse marriages that impact Churches and transform the nation one home at a time. The retreat gathered a fostering and a collaborative environment for learning and sharing insights.
Commencing with a session of praise and worship, the retreat unfolded with an insightful exhortation delivered by the Bishop. The subsequent sessions were conducted by Dr. P.C. Mathew, Mrs. Ciby Mathew, and Mrs. Olive Nagarajan. The retreat focused on the themes of Return, Restore, and Rebuild. Returning involved a deliberate realignment with biblical values, emphasising a conscious reorientation towards the fundamental principles outlined in scriptures, particularly within the context of family. The emphasis on Restoring families underscored the importance of prioritising love, mutual respect, and understanding within households, embodying the teachings of compassion, forgiveness, and empathy found in the Bible. This approach addresses current challenges and establishes a solid foundation for future generations. Rebuilding future generations requires the cultivation of these values, nurturing a generation characterised by integrity, kindness, and a profound sense of responsibility toward one another and the world. It signifies a commitment to raising individuals who embody the teachings of the Bible, contributing to the formation of a society grounded in grace, solidarity, and moral strength.
The retreat successfully met its primary goal of improving the clergy's analytical approach to counselling skills tailored for pre-marital guidance. The emphasis was on enhancing proficiency in communication, conflict resolution, and understanding relationship dynamics. The sessions provided a platform for clergy members to engage in discussions about the contemporary challenges confronted by couples within the current societal landscape. Throughout, presenters underscored the ethical and spiritual dimensions of counselling, ensuring that the guidance offered aligned with Christian values and principles.
Upon the conclusion of the workshop, clergy members from the Diocese of Delhi were provided with handouts and additional resources designed to augment their abilities in effective pre-marital counselling.
