Shepherding Marriages: A Practical Pastoral Guide to Ethical, Courageous, and Effective Marriage

SHEPHERDING MARRIAGES A Pastoral Guide to Marriage Counselling in African Churches

This book equips pastors, church leaders, and Christian counsellors to effectively respond to the increasing complexity of modern marriages. In many African contexts, couples first turn to their pastors during crises; however, many pastors have received little structured training to address the UNDERLYING issues related to presenting problems such as infidelity, financial stress, sexual conflict, extended family pressure, emotional abuse, or violence.

This book fills that gap. Rooted in Scripture and informed by contemporary family systems theory, it provides ethical frameworks, practical counselling tools, structured conversation guides, and clear referral protocols to protect marriages and individuals. It moves beyond spiritual clichés toward responsible, life-protecting pastoral care.

Written by Dr Christian Matthew Adetunji, PhD (Marriage & Family Therapy)—a therapist, trainer, and founder of CMAT Family Therapy Services Ltd—the book reflects decades of clinical and pastoral experience across Africa. As the developer of GAP Marriage Counselling Theory (GAP-MCT), Dr. Adetunji integrates academic rigour with cultural insight to strengthen marriages, equip leaders, and safeguard dignity in pastoral practice.