Comments on: Why Family Ministry?

By: Dean

Dean — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 03:04:02 +0000

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

By: Joe Puentes

Joe Puentes — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:52:42 +0000

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.

By: Family Ministry Model « Toomer’s Corner

Family Ministry Model « Toomer’s Corner — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:48:56 +0000

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By: gina

gina — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:13:49 +0000

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.

By: Patricia Janssen

Patricia Janssen — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:00:49 +0000

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.

By: Kenny Conley

Kenny Conley — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:18:47 +0000

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.

By: Paul Dietzel

Paul Dietzel — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:28:11 +0000

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.

By: phil h

phil h — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:42:09 +0000

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.

By: Matt McKee

Matt McKee — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:26:57 +0000

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.

By: Betsy

Betsy — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:15:10 +0000

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!