Pastor A. from Indonesia met yesterday with our staff to field questions we had about him or Indonesia. I told him that the divorce rate in America is at about 50% of marriages, and asked him to tell us about the marriage success rate in Indonesia.

He mentioned that there is an area in northern Indonesia that has a strong Christian presence. He said it is also well known to have the highest divorce rate in the populous nation. It was obvious that he was tying the Christian influence with the divorce rate. That’s troublesome.

We asked what his church was doing to address the ongoing problem. The answer: Every couple seeking marriage must meet for 15 pre-marital counseling sessions with an older couple in the church. These sessions cover every aspect of marriage from communication and finances to family planning. And it doesn’t come from pastors, but from experienced lay people who are open to discuss their own mistakes and failings. Because of a strong family culture, both sets of parents are pulled into the counseling, as well. And this older couple has the power to say no to the marriage if they feel it is not a good fit. And the divorce rate is very low.

Seeing things from another culture can be eye-opening and challenge us to do things the biblical way.