Curriculum Addresses the State of African American Marriages

Posted on April 27, 2009
Filed Under Relationships

Drs. Clarence and Ja’Ola Walker work to bring hope and systematic practices to promote strong and healthy relationships within the African American community.

Chicago, IL (BlackNews.com) – As the country embarks on a mandate of relevant change, it is essential to look at the state of the "traditional" family structure within our communities. It is estimated that only 46% of African American families are likely to contain a married couple, making African Americans far more likely than Whites and Hispanics to be divorced.

While this information is not new (sources date back to the 2000 Census), the government has increasingly turned to faith-based solutions to identify principles that can impede and amend the grave state of relationships within the African American community. "The primary place in the Black community where relationships are forged and cultivated is the Black church," states Dr. Ja’Ola Walker. "Marriage and the family are institutions set up by God. Who better to teach that than the man of God or other leaders in the church?" adds Dr. Clarence Walker.

Drs. Clarence and Ja’Ola Walker understand firsthand the direct correlation between the church and successful marriages. For more than 30 years, the couple has ministered to African American families, sharing biblical principles for successful family life, single enrichment, and spiritual growth. Additionally, Dr. Clarence is a certified marriage and family therapist with a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling and Dr. Ja’Ola has earned degrees in Counselor Education and Psychology.

The husband and wife duo are co-creators of the Circle of Contentment method, a system emphasizing healthy communication between married partners. This method is a component of their forthcoming marriage curriculum, For Christian Lovers Only, to be released by Chicago publisher UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.) in June 2009.

For Christian Lovers Only is a research and faith-based curriculum that uses the Walker’s refreshing contemporary approach to ministry, solid preaching, and quality Bible teaching. Its goal is to engage and empower couples to discover God’s plan for their relationship.

The Walkers have appeared nationally on radio and television programs and have been featured speakers at conferences and seminars throughout the United States and the world. They live in Greater Philadelphia area where they are respected pastors. Visit them online at www.urbanministries.com/marriage.

For an interview with Drs. Clarence and Ja’Ola Walker, please contact Trudi Gentry at 708-868-7100 ext. 356 or marketing@urbanministries.com.

About UMI
For nearly 40 years, UMI has been the trusted source for teaching materials and inspirational book titles in the African American Christian church and consumer market and is the exclusive or semi-exclusive publisher for several different denominations. Our innovative approach has enabled us to serve over 41,000 churches across the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa. Learn more at www.urbanministries.com