“always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15
Family and children ministries offer great opportunities for congregations to jump on board the Ablaze movement of our synod. Parents and children connect with a wide variety of people within their life’s circle. Daily, they experience significant exchanges, or dialogue with these individuals. Opportunities abound daily for every believer to do random acts of kindness or intentional acts of grace for these individuals within the people circles of their lives. Congregations need to mobilize their members to proclaim the Gospel in word and action. Consider this strategy. Challenge children and parents to;
1. Identify 1 individual who does not know Jesus as their Savior and /or has no church home.
2. Write this name on a 3x5 card.
3. Return these cards.
4. Pray for this individuals identified in worship, Bible class and Sunday School for a period of time. ( 2 months for example)
5. Engage in random acts of kindness in this period of time for the individual.
6. Seek out opportunity for a spiritual discussion with them.
7. Attend witnessing or evangelism training during this time.
8. Invite individual to church fellowship opportunities, like picnic, concert during this period.
9. Invite the individual to a special Friendship Sunday worship and Sunday School.
There are so many natural church events and experiences that are ripe opportunities to which members can invite their unchurched or non-believer friends and family. The event provides the occasion for a dialogue concerning spiritual matters. Initiating the spiritual conversation is the vital challenge. Enabling children and parents to create or discover the opportunity to enter into a conversation over spiritual matters is what needs to happen. These occasions often occur naturally in the life of a congregation.
Footprints for Families is a workshop/seminar that teaches Christian parent’s life-strategies and skills that nurture the faith within family life. Topics include; Pursuing a Vision, Managing Chaos and Breathing Faith into Daily Life.
Faith and Family is a Christian parenting seminar that strengthens the partnership between the congregation and home. Topics include; Faith Formation, Church and Family Partnership, and Faith Milestones.
Connections is a workshop/seminar that equips church staffs and congregational leaders for the development of family ministry. Planning activities include; Vision to Action Planning, Ministry Survey and Analysis, and Structuring for Success.
Contact the district office for additional information.