Transforming Age-Organized Ministries to Family Equipping Model
The church has been called to be a lighthouse, the source of solutions for what ails a lost and dying society. Developing a comprehensive family ministry is one of the most effective means of helping our people learn what it means to “become conformed to the image of his son” (Romans 8:29) and of outreach into our communities. A strong marriage and family ministry serve as salt and light in a world characterized by confused, disoriented, and disintegrating families. It says that truth works, truth makes a difference. By offering tools, resources, support groups, and programs it also means that we care about our community. The church has a unique opportunity to impact the entire family as it moves through the various stages of life. People turn to the church during significant life events such as baby dedications, baptisms, marriages, and death. Ministers perform approximately 75 percent of marriages in the U.S., and over 60 percent of Americans prefer to see clergy about personal problems. Given the importance of the family for personal growth and development; and the significant opportunity family ministry provides us to communicate help and hope to a hurting world, where can you begin? Here are a few simple steps that will get you going in the right direction.
Developing a Family Ministry for Your Church Website
http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/200002/030_develop_family.cfm
http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/200002/030_develop_family.cfm
Where do I Start:
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Realignment of Congregation's Ministries
For parents to become the primary catalyst in their children's lives, a restructure of the congregation's ministry would need to take place. The realignment of the congregation’s approach to ministry is necessary to ensure that parents are acknowledged, trained, and held accountable. Partnering for Growth The development of spiritual maturity in children requires a carefully planned partnership between the family and the church. Therefore, churches should champion the institution of family and church in every ministry regardless the cost as the priority Set Goals (Planning to reach the right goal) The ultimate goal for the church is to bring the home together in biblical partnership. To achieve this goal, the church will need to redirect the ministries time and energy towards equipping parents to impress truth in their children's lives daily. This involves communicating expectations and plans to parents. |
Six Biblical Characteristics Traits Necessary for Children
Perspective on Families Ministry: Three Views, Paul Renfro, Brandon Shields, Jay Strother, B&H Publishing, 2009
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Develop Resource Guides
Churches should develop resource guides to recommend for family devotions and family issues. These resources should become vital tool to link what it taught at church with in-home spiritual conversations. Also, connect the church's Bible Study or small group ministry to the home. Provide Catalytic Venues Provide catalytic venues on a regular basis to introduce parents to the church's expectations of parenting. The purpose of this event is to focus on a specific topic that equips the parents to become better disciple-makers in their children's lives. Provide Mission Opportunities The church should provide ministry opportunities for parents to serve together inside and outside the church walls. For example partner with the worship team to develop intergenerational and family worship gatherings. |
How to Become a Family Equipping Church
By Keith Tusing - June 27, 2012
A Family-Equipping church begins with the mind-set that we will be intentional about making it a priority to champion the concept of parents as the primary disciple-makers in their children’s lives. Here are what could be considered the Primary Principles that will Build a Strong Family Equipping Ministry:
Parent with an Eternal Goal in Mind
Today’s culture places great pressure on parenting “successful” children. This “success” is typically measured by money – getting a good job, getting in the best schools, focusing on education. Sometimes “success” is determined by popularity – success in sports, or beauty, or the arts. A Family Equipping Ministry will focus on equipping parents to see eternal goals as the priority in parenting. This includes accepting Christ as Savior; following Christ; Loving God; glorifying God in everything; and living out Christ’s Great Commission.
Parenting with an Intentional Plan. (Deut. 6:7)
Someone once said, “If you fail to plan you’re planning to fail.” This is certainly true with parenting. Without a plan parents will soon find their kids grown and leaving home wondering – what happened? We must equip parents with a biblical plan for raising their children – how to evangelize and disciple, how to lead a family worship, how to live a life that honors God.
Intergenerational Interaction and Appreciation. (Psalm 48:13, 71:18; Titus 2)
One consequence of age segregated ministry has been the loss of intergenerational interaction. Creating intentional opportunities for all the generations to be together, to experience life together, and to interact together will significantly strengthen the faith community.
Biblical Faith is Best Taught in the Home. (Deut. 6:7, Prov. 22:6, Eph. 6)
The church is ordained by God and plays a significant role in the spiritual development of all its members. However, the first directive is to the parents for the training up of their children in the way of the Lord. We must uphold parents as the first and best disciple-makers of their own kids. We must create venues and resources to train and encourage our homes to be the place where biblical faith is taught first and best.
High Expectations for Husbands and Fathers. (Eph. 5)
We must encourage high expectations for all our parents – however in today’s culture the biblical role given to men has largely been lost. Husbands and fathers have a unique biblical role to lead their families. The Bible clearly calls men to be the spiritual leaders in their home (Gen 3; 1 Cor 11). Men are charged with the spiritual care of their wives (Eph 5; 1 Peter 3) and the primary responsibility for training and instructing their children in the Lord (Deut 6; Eph 6). We must train men in a biblical understanding of servant leadership and equip them to be true spiritual leaders in their homes.
Passion for the Orphan and the Widow. (James 1:27)
As hard as we work to strengthen the family we must be equally diligent to build a faith community that “adopts” those in our congregation without families, physical or spiritual. We must be intentional about providing unique opportunities for single parents and also for children who are spiritual orphans.
The scriptures are clear that the family is intended to be the primary Spiritual Influence in the life of a child. We as churches should recognize that change is required to encourage and equip parents for their God ordained role a Spiritual Leaders. We can successfully make this paradigm shift if we are willing to be intentional and strategic.
*Creative Ministry for Today's Children, Youth and Family Ministry Leaders Website
http://cmbuzz.com/2012/06/how-to-become-a-family-equipping-church/
By Keith Tusing - June 27, 2012
A Family-Equipping church begins with the mind-set that we will be intentional about making it a priority to champion the concept of parents as the primary disciple-makers in their children’s lives. Here are what could be considered the Primary Principles that will Build a Strong Family Equipping Ministry:
Parent with an Eternal Goal in Mind
Today’s culture places great pressure on parenting “successful” children. This “success” is typically measured by money – getting a good job, getting in the best schools, focusing on education. Sometimes “success” is determined by popularity – success in sports, or beauty, or the arts. A Family Equipping Ministry will focus on equipping parents to see eternal goals as the priority in parenting. This includes accepting Christ as Savior; following Christ; Loving God; glorifying God in everything; and living out Christ’s Great Commission.
Parenting with an Intentional Plan. (Deut. 6:7)
Someone once said, “If you fail to plan you’re planning to fail.” This is certainly true with parenting. Without a plan parents will soon find their kids grown and leaving home wondering – what happened? We must equip parents with a biblical plan for raising their children – how to evangelize and disciple, how to lead a family worship, how to live a life that honors God.
Intergenerational Interaction and Appreciation. (Psalm 48:13, 71:18; Titus 2)
One consequence of age segregated ministry has been the loss of intergenerational interaction. Creating intentional opportunities for all the generations to be together, to experience life together, and to interact together will significantly strengthen the faith community.
Biblical Faith is Best Taught in the Home. (Deut. 6:7, Prov. 22:6, Eph. 6)
The church is ordained by God and plays a significant role in the spiritual development of all its members. However, the first directive is to the parents for the training up of their children in the way of the Lord. We must uphold parents as the first and best disciple-makers of their own kids. We must create venues and resources to train and encourage our homes to be the place where biblical faith is taught first and best.
High Expectations for Husbands and Fathers. (Eph. 5)
We must encourage high expectations for all our parents – however in today’s culture the biblical role given to men has largely been lost. Husbands and fathers have a unique biblical role to lead their families. The Bible clearly calls men to be the spiritual leaders in their home (Gen 3; 1 Cor 11). Men are charged with the spiritual care of their wives (Eph 5; 1 Peter 3) and the primary responsibility for training and instructing their children in the Lord (Deut 6; Eph 6). We must train men in a biblical understanding of servant leadership and equip them to be true spiritual leaders in their homes.
Passion for the Orphan and the Widow. (James 1:27)
As hard as we work to strengthen the family we must be equally diligent to build a faith community that “adopts” those in our congregation without families, physical or spiritual. We must be intentional about providing unique opportunities for single parents and also for children who are spiritual orphans.
The scriptures are clear that the family is intended to be the primary Spiritual Influence in the life of a child. We as churches should recognize that change is required to encourage and equip parents for their God ordained role a Spiritual Leaders. We can successfully make this paradigm shift if we are willing to be intentional and strategic.
*Creative Ministry for Today's Children, Youth and Family Ministry Leaders Website
http://cmbuzz.com/2012/06/how-to-become-a-family-equipping-church/
Practitioners of The Family Equipping Model
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