In my assignment at Lawrenceville Church of God, we’re taking a new approach (for us) to children and youth ministry. In the past, we’ve had a children’s pastor and youth pastor, and recently I’ve come on staff as the Family Ministries Pastor. In this new role I’m providing leadership for nursery, children, and youth ministries. During this transition I’m certain there will be challenges, but in my opinion this model provides many more benefits. Some of which are:
- Strengthens partnership with families by providing comprehensive ministry with the entire family in mind.
- Fortifies staff relationships and helps eliminate ‘independent contractor’ mentality.
- Provides strategic alignment in philosophy of ministry and programing.
- Allows development of a scope and sequence for ministry from birth to college.
- Assists in creating a smooth transition from one ministry to the next for children and students.
- Eliminates scheduling conflicts by operating off of one calendar.
- Offers more opportunities for volunteers to find their sweet spot in the broader model.
- Streamlines the volunteer process by having one application and process for all family ministry volunteers to go through.
I’m sure they’re are other benefits and would love to hear from my ministry pals out there as to what they are. I’d also like to hear some of the challenges we might face while transitioning to the family ministry model. Holler!
We we’re set up like this for a while… it was a fun experiment. However, it neutered the youth director and myself (children’s director).
I’d imagine that, with a united front, this structure could be an AWESOME thing… but, that was not our experience.
Matt McKee (www.mckeelive.com) in Cinci, OH might have some words to throw your way – I believe they made this move not too long ago.
Good points. The church I grew up in didn’t have “pastors” for everything. we had directors. It was a small church and the youth directors kids were in the really young classes where the youth’s parents were the teachers. The whole pastoring for each department is new to me. The youth group had three families that were our directors and we were able to form really close relationships to them, which has it’s ups and downs…
By the way…. I love how you closed…”Holler!” lol…. mad me smile b/c it is difficult for me to picture you, mellow you, saying something like that….
First and foremost let me say BRAVO to you. My belief is that this establishes the church, the body of Christ the way God intended it to be all generations together not living in isolation of one another. Please keep us updated on how things go.
Secondly, I think one of the greatest challenges you will face is that of resistance. Resistance to change, resistance to structure and resistance to this mindset because it is counter-cultural. I think overcoming the resistance will lead to the effectiveness of this transition.
Blessings to all of you,
Tom
Hey Phil….you’re dead on about the benefits of family ministry. There are some great resources out there to help you figure out how to avoid the pitfalls that Anthony mentioned. One of the best out there is “The Essence of Orange” DVD. Enjoy!
Phil,
Great post. I am the Matt McKee that Anthony is speaking of. We made this transition about a year ago. There have been some challenges of course but overall it is well worth it. I am taking to the team to the Orange Conference this year and would also recommend the Essence of Orange DVD that Betsy is speaking of. We should connect and sharpen each other. I am now following you on twitter as well. If there is anything I could do for you let me know.
Thanks to everyone for the input.
I certainly need to check out the “Essence of Orange” DVD.
Matt, I’ll DM you on twitter. Look forward to picking your brain.
Phil,
I have been encouraging others who share this same vision. As a Children’s Evangelist for the past 10 years I have seen the separation of families at our events. This has bothered me and has left me with only one conclusion, ‘Family Ministry’. I have thrown the title ‘Family Pastor’ out to some pastors recently that were looking for a Children’s Pastor. They were reluctant to say the least. As early as this past Tuesday in a meeting with a local church I shared this idea to them. The six men on the board had a hard time comprehending this new thought. Since the inception of Children’s Church we have seen the decline of the family alter. It is my prayer that we, as a church, can bring the family back together again. As a Family Pastor you will be able to plan events and services that can do just that. This position will bring a new respect to this emerging ministry. I’ll be praying for you and look forward to hearing of your successes.
I look forward to connecting with you as well. I’m right int he same boat as you, I’m the Next Gen Pastor at Gateway Church in Austin, TX. I’m really looking to continue to connect with others in this same role… they’re aren’t many of us.
For me, this is a no-brainer. But it also occurs to me that a church staff, connected and consecrated to work together for the spiritual growth of the whole congregation [and beyond!], would be doing this anyway. Why hasn’t this been happening? Territorial grips? I hope that this idea takes hold—segregating by generations has fostered a disconnected church.
These are all great thoughts. I love that there are so many like-minded people out there to connect with.
The next major benefit to a family focus is leveraging what is happening within the 4 walls of your church to impact the conversations and activities taking place outside of the church. In everyday activities of your families. Just getting all your ministries on the same page positions you to make greater impact within the homes of your families.
Great stuff.
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Hey Phil, We are in the beginning stages of transitioning to a family ministry model as well. I have been the middle school pastor at our church, but have recently been asked to lead our children’s ministry, as well as be the director of family ministries (Long story). As a matter of fact, I am being asked to create this role and the family ministry emphasis for all our age level ministries… Should be fun
I have a lot of questions and ideas and would love to have someone I can bounce these questions and ideas off of… especially with someone has gone before me – thanks for your blog.
WTG Lawrenceville COG! I one day hope to bring this paradigm to my church or find a place where I can. There is TONS of stuff out there on Family Ministry (www.visionaryparenting.com, Orange Conference and the ReThink Group, D6 Conference in Texas, etc.).
Anthony – perhaps the reason it did not work is because your church was trying to bridge both philosophies at the same time. They can’t coexist in the same church.
Paul – keep plugging away, the tide is changing slowly. We can get Michigan to change! LOL
Dean