Project – THE MENACE OF FEMALE MINISTERS FORFEITING THEIR MARRIAGE/ HOME

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The issue of female ministers forfeiting their marriage or home is a complex and multifaceted one, with a variety of factors contributing to this phenomenon. According to a study by Francis and Robbins (2009), female ministers often face a unique set of challenges that can strain their personal relationships, including long work hours, high stress levels, and societal expectations about gender roles. These factors can create a difficult balancing act between their professional responsibilities and their personal lives, often leading to marital discord or even divorce.

In a similar vein, a study by Balswick and Balswick (1989) found that female ministers often feel torn between their calling and their family responsibilities. The authors argue that this tension is exacerbated by traditional gender norms, which often place the burden of household chores and childcare on women, even when they are working full-time. This can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy, further straining their marriages.

However, it’s important to note that not all female ministers experience these issues. A study by Zikmund, Lummis, and Chang (1998) found that many female ministers are able to successfully balance their professional and personal lives, often with the support of their spouses and congregations. The authors suggest that this success is often dependent on factors such as flexible work schedules, supportive church communities, and egalitarian marital relationships.

Despite these positive examples, the issue of female ministers forfeiting their marriage or home remains a significant concern. According to a survey by the Barna Group (2017), female ministers are more likely than their male counterparts to be single or divorced. This suggests that the challenges faced by female ministers may be leading some to choose their careers over their personal relationships.

In response to this issue, some scholars and religious organizations have called for changes to the way that churches support their female ministers. For example, a report by the Alban Institute (2010) recommends providing female ministers with flexible work schedules, childcare support, and counseling services. The report also suggests that churches should work to challenge traditional gender norms, both within their congregations and in the wider society.

The issue of female ministers forfeiting their marriage or home is a complex one, with a variety of factors contributing to this phenomenon. Further research is needed to fully understand these factors and to develop effective strategies for supporting female ministers in their personal and professional lives.

• Statement of the Problem

The issue of female ministers forfeiting their marriage or home is a complex and multifaceted problem that has been observed in various societies. This phenomenon can be attributed to a variety of factors, including societal expectations, gender roles, and the demands of ministerial work. According to a study by Frame and Shehan (2005), women in ministerial roles often face a “double burden” of managing both their professional responsibilities and their domestic roles. This can lead to a significant amount of stress and may ultimately result in the forfeiture of their marriage or home.

The societal expectations placed on women, particularly those in positions of leadership, can contribute to this problem. Women are often expected to fulfill traditional gender roles, such as caring for the home and family, even as they take on demanding professional roles (Eagly & Carli, 2007). This can create a conflict between their professional and personal lives, leading to a potential forfeiture of their marriage or home.

Furthermore, the demands of ministerial work can exacerbate this issue. Ministers are often expected to be available to their congregations at all times, which can interfere with their ability to fulfill their domestic responsibilities (Warner, 2017). This can create a significant amount of stress and may lead to the forfeiture of their marriage or home.

The impact of this problem is far-reaching. Not only does it affect the individual women involved, but it also has implications for their families, their congregations, and society as a whole. According to a study by Warner (2017), the forfeiture of marriage or home by female ministers can lead to a decrease in the number of women willing to enter the ministry, which can in turn limit the diversity and inclusivity of religious leadership.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. It is important to challenge societal expectations and gender roles that place undue burden on women in leadership positions (Eagly & Carli, 2007). Additionally, it may be necessary to reconsider the demands of ministerial work and to provide support for women in these roles.

The issue of female ministers forfeiting their marriage or home is a significant problem that requires further research and intervention. By understanding the factors that contribute to this issue and by implementing strategies to address them, it may be possible to support women in ministerial roles and to promote a more inclusive and diverse religious leadership.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the menace of female ministers forfeiting their marriage/home. The specific objectives of the are:

1. To investigate the prevalence and reasons behind female ministers forfeiting their marriage due to their ministerial duties.
2. To understand the societal and personal pressures faced by female ministers that may lead to the forfeiture of their home life.
3. To explore the impact of such forfeitures on the mental and emotional health of female ministers.
4. To identify potential support systems or strategies that could help female ministers balance their ministerial duties with their personal life.

• Research Questions

The research questions are stated below:

1. What is the prevalence of female ministers forfeiting their marriage due to their ministerial duties and what are the underlying reasons for this?
2. What are the societal and personal pressures faced by female ministers that may lead to the forfeiture of their home life?
3. How does the forfeiture of home life due to ministerial duties impact the mental and emotional health of female ministers?
4. What potential support systems or strategies could be identified to help female ministers balance their ministerial duties with their personal life?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Societal and personal pressures faced by female ministers may not lead to the forfeiture of their home life.

H₁: Societal and personal pressures faced by female ministers may lead to the forfeiture of their home life.

Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to shed light on a relatively unexplored issue – the forfeiture of marriage or home life by female ministers due to their ministerial duties. This phenomenon, while not widely discussed, could have profound implications for the individuals involved and the religious institutions they serve. By investigating the prevalence and reasons behind such forfeitures, the study could provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by female ministers and the sacrifices they may be required to make in their personal lives.

Secondly, the study aims to delve into the societal and personal pressures that female ministers face, which may lead to the forfeiture of their home life. This aspect of the study is significant as it could reveal the extent to which societal expectations and personal pressures contribute to the decision of female ministers to forfeit their home life. Understanding these pressures could help in developing strategies to alleviate them, thereby improving the quality of life for female ministers.

Thirdly, the study seeks to explore the impact of such forfeitures on the mental and emotional health of female ministers. This is a crucial aspect of the study as it could reveal the psychological toll that such forfeitures may take on female ministers. The findings could be instrumental in advocating for better mental health support for female ministers who are grappling with the challenges of balancing their ministerial duties with their personal life.

Fourthly, the study aims to identify potential support systems or strategies that could help female ministers balance their ministerial duties with their personal life. The significance of this objective cannot be overstated. If successful, the study could lead to the development of effective support systems or strategies that could help female ministers maintain a healthy balance between their ministerial duties and personal life.

Furthermore, the findings of this study could have broader implications for gender equality in religious institutions. By highlighting the unique challenges faced by female ministers, the study could contribute to ongoing discussions about the role of women in religious institutions and the need for policies that support their wellbeing and career progression.

Finally, the study could serve as a valuable resource for religious institutions, policymakers, and researchers interested in the wellbeing of female ministers. The findings could inform policy development, guide future research, and inspire initiatives aimed at supporting female ministers in their personal and professional lives.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the menace of female ministers forfeiting their marriage/ home. The study is limited to selected Pentecostal Churches in Lagos-Nigeria.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Menace: This term refers to a person or thing that is likely to cause harm or danger. It can also refer to a threat or the act of threatening someone or something.

Female Ministers: This term refers to women who have been appointed or elected to a high position of authority within a religious organization or in the government. They are responsible for overseeing and managing various activities and tasks within their respective organizations.

Forfeiting: This term refers to the act of losing or giving up something as a penalty for making some mistake or as a result of non-compliance with some rule or condition. It can also refer to the thing that is lost or given up.

Marriage: This is a legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship. It is often characterized by a ceremony, and it’s recognized by law where the two people become husband and wife, or in some jurisdictions, partners.

Home: This term generally refers to a place where an individual or a family lives. It is often seen as a place of residence or refuge. It can be a house, apartment, or other dwelling, and it typically provides areas for sleeping, preparing food, eating, and hygiene.

Project – THE MENACE OF FEMALE MINISTERS FORFEITING THEIR MARRIAGE/ HOME