PERAN KONSELING PASTORAL DALAM PEMULIHAN KOMUNIKASI SUAMI-ISTRI YANG MENGALAMI KONFLIK BERKEPANJANGAN DI JEMAAT GEREJA LOKAL

Abstract

This article develops a constructive theological-pastoral argument on the role of pastoral counseling in restoring husband-wife communication in long-term marital conflict within a local church congregation. Rather than treating pastoral counseling merely as moral advice, this study argues that effective pastoral counseling must function as an integrative process of relational diagnosis, emotional de-escalation, theological discernment, communication retraining, and ecclesial aftercare. The article uses a qualitative constructive design through literature study, thematic analysis of selected pastoral-counseling outputs, and pastoral theological reflection. The findings indicate that prolonged conflict is rarely caused by a single doctrinal or behavioral failure; it is usually sustained by recurring communicative patterns, unprocessed emotional injury, unequal power, spiritualized avoidance, and weak church-based support systems. The article proposes the RASA model: Ruang aman, Analisis pola relasional, Sintesis teologis, and Aksi komunikatif berkelanjutan. This model positions the local church as a disciplined ecosystem of reconciliation, not a pressure machine for superficial harmony. Its contribution lies in integrating pastoral theology, couple-communication theory, trauma awareness, and practical counseling protocols for local-church ministry.