—
Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, pp.
429, 430.
Families
are important
The family . . . is divinely-ordained. It was instituted at creation
with the union of Adam and Eve. It is as old as Eden and is lodged
firmly in the history of God's people through the ages. Scripture
abounds with teaching concerning the family.
Four
Reasons for Family Ministries
• Families are in Trouble—The family is being attacked
from within and from without. We must rush to its aid.
• The family needs nurture and instruction—The challenge
facing the church is to nurture its members, presenting biblical
concepts of marriage, parenting and family living.
• The family system requires a particular kind of ministry—Effective
discipling of the individual takes place in a primary way within
the context of his family. Special forms of ministry by the church
can enhance this process.
• Family Ministry is tangible evidence of a caring church—The
church that works personally with its members, touching individuals
where they live and helping them to find more fulfilled lives
as singles or marrieds, as parents or children, is a church that
creates strong bonds that are not easily broken.
Leadership
in Family Ministries
The home and family emphasis within the Department of Family Ministries
endeavors to make the home a discipling center where family members
by their relationships with each other are encouraged in their
relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. The focus is on
premarital guidance, strengthening marriage, and parent education
with attention given also to extended family relationships, single
parenting, step-family needs, and single living.
The
Special Needs of Families
Family Ministries in its widest context is not addressed to any
one segment of the church; it includes everyone, for it speaks
to universal needs. In a real sense, the church itself constitutes
a family. Because of this, family life ministry will be alert
to special needs in the while congregation that require consideration
as well.
Shaping
a Church's Family Ministries
The form that family ministry takes will be determined by the
overall goals of the church, the felt needs of the congregation
and the community, the prevailing attitudes toward such specific
ministry and the resources available.
Successful
Family Ministries Programs
The key to sucessful family ministry programs in the local church
includes the following:
- A definition
of needs
- A specific
target audience
- Adequate
planning
- Quality
communication with the target audience
- A small
team of church members who are willing to learn some essential
relational skills, and
- A keen
sense of how thisa ministry relates to the total church program.
More
Ideas for Family Ministries
Family strengthening emphasis can be given to existing church
services, programs and activities. A formal program is not necessary
for every family life need that surfaces in the congregation.
Meeting
Some Myths
A number of ideas flourish which tend to defeat family ministry
An
Affirmation of the Family
A biblical basis for Family Ministry is essential. Men and women
were created for relationships with God and with others. Both
creation and redemption declare His desire to be in relationship
with us.
A
Theological Rationale for Family Ministries
A ministry which effectively enables people to express qenuine
love must begin at the most basic levels of relationships—those
learned and acquired in the home and family environment.
Reprinted
Articles
The Adventist Advantage in Family
Living—Couched within our faith are truths that can
help us build stronger homes.
Building Solid Families—Churches
can be only as strong as their component families.
