In the last twenty years the number of divorce cases has increased almost 3 times and that of remarriage cases about 2 times. While our society has not been prepared yet for these familial crises, many families confront confusion and dissociation with least support. Though the Christian churches have the resources of community and religious tradition to sustain and support those families in crisis, they have been unconcerned for the divorcing or remarrying families in general and even critical against them in many cases. This study proposes that the Christian churches in this day have the responsibility to care for those families, suggesting some caring methods to help them. Some theological guidelines to understand divorce and remarriage in the biblical context are delineated. The existing studies on counseling and education programs regarding divorce and remarriage are summarized. This study proposes a lay counseling team in the church for the families in divorce crisis. It further suggests how to organize and educate a lay counseling team. A detailed guideline for divorce counseling is attached as an appendix. Another proposition of this study is the education program for the remarried families. The 4-session and 1-session education programs are presented.

In the last twenty years the number of divorce cases has increased almost 3 times and that of remarriage cases about 2 times. While our society has not been prepared yet for these familial crises, many families confront confusion and dissociation with least support. Though the Christian churches have the resources of community and religious tradition to sustain and support those families in crisis, they have been unconcerned for the divorcing or remarrying families in general and even critical against them in many cases. This study proposes that the Christian churches in this day have the responsibility to care for those families, suggesting some caring methods to help them. Some theological guidelines to understand divorce and remarriage in the biblical context are delineated. The existing studies on counseling and education programs regarding divorce and remarriage are summarized. This study proposes a lay counseling team in the church for the families in divorce crisis. It further suggests how to organize and educate a lay counseling team. A detailed guideline for divorce counseling is attached as an appendix. Another proposition of this study is the education program for the remarried families. The 4-session and 1-session education programs are presented.

Remarriage, divorce, pastoral care