With heartfelt conviction and biblical grounding, Apostle Dr. Paul Danso, Head of Counselling Ministry of The Church of Pentecost (HQ), has urged ministers and their spouses to intentionally strengthen their marriage and family bonds as they prepare for retirement. Speaking on the topic “Strengthening Marriage and Family Bond During Retirement” at the ongoing Seminar for Ministers and Their Wives Who Will Retire by 2035, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, Apostle Danso drew his message from Genesis 2:18–25, reminding participants that “family life is part of God’s ultimate plan; since it comes from God, it must be seen as sacred and treated as such.”
He noted that the aim of marriage is companionship and procreation, adding that retirement offers the perfect opportunity to nurture both nuclear and extended family relationships. “Retirement gives you time – use that time to cultivate family life and enrich your emotional life with your family,” he encouraged.
Outlining practical ways to foster marriage and family bonds, Apostle Danso stressed the importance of open communication to avoid ambiguity and assumptions. “We must learn to enjoy our differences as couples,” he said, noting that a happy home is a deliberate creation. He advised couples to share the same room to build intimacy, set shared goals, express appreciation regularly, and manage conflicts amicably without involving third parties unless necessary. He further urged couples to be intentional about intimacy, nurture friendship, and practice active listening to truly understand one another. “Look your spouse in the face to understand their intentions. Avoid keeping scores and prioritise quality time with your family,” he advised.
Apostle Danso also encouraged couples to share family stories and traditions, especially with children and grandchildren, and to engage in activities that bridge generational gaps. He urged the use of technology to maintain close ties with family members abroad and to address conflicts constructively.
Highlighting the importance of strengthening marriage and family bonds, he said doing so brings emotional stability, reduces loneliness, and promotes better mental health. “People with strong social connections tend to live longer and enjoy better physical health,” he remarked. He added that united families are better positioned to share responsibilities, caregiving duties, and financial burdens.
In closing, Apostle Dr. Danso reminded ministers that a strong family foundation in retirement is both a spiritual responsibility and a source of lasting joy, saying, “When love, understanding, and unity flourish at home, retirement becomes not a withdrawal, but a new season of peace and fulfilment.”
PENT NEWS
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