The Bible is full of pictures of families; parents and children, brothers and sisters, and as we read these stories we see ourselves in the characters- warts and all. But we also see God's grace at work in families and relationships. Susan Martins Miller, in her book 'Family Ministry Events- Building faith and community in the families of your church' says, "Caring for families is crucial. The church has a unique opportunity to walk alongside families through every stage and phase of life. The same kinds of skills that healthy families use for living together at home, for creating positive, secure relationships are the skills the church needs to use to make the congregation a vibrant faith family. A church that is committed to family ministry understands this and looks at its entire ministry through the family lens."
So.. how do you make family a priority in your ministry? Start in small ways..meeting them where they are rather than where we think they should be... highlighting the phases of life for children and families.
Here's a simple suggestion: Whenever a family brings along their new baby for the first time to church, highlight that milestone. Introduce the family and the new little one to the entire church family, pray for them and highlight the importance of families in the lives and faith development of children. Personalise and present this certificate to the family and, if possible, include a Bible story book. We also attach a silk rose to the certificate and present the family with a family manual with growth milestones and suggestions for impacting this young life placed in their hands. You can download the certificate below...
So.. how do you make family a priority in your ministry? Start in small ways..meeting them where they are rather than where we think they should be... highlighting the phases of life for children and families.
Here's a simple suggestion: Whenever a family brings along their new baby for the first time to church, highlight that milestone. Introduce the family and the new little one to the entire church family, pray for them and highlight the importance of families in the lives and faith development of children. Personalise and present this certificate to the family and, if possible, include a Bible story book. We also attach a silk rose to the certificate and present the family with a family manual with growth milestones and suggestions for impacting this young life placed in their hands. You can download the certificate below...
| baby_welcome_certificate-_cm.pdf |
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