HEALTHY FAMILIES FOR ETERNITY

HEALTHY FAMILIES FOR ETERNITY REACH THE WORLD
98
The family ministries leader designs a ministry
to families that will meet the specific needs of
the congregation and community. This section
provides planning support for family ministries
leaders. Planning is critical for ministering to
the individuals and families in the congregation.
Family ministries is also an excellent way to reach
out to families in the community. The family
ministries leader is a member of the local church
board and integrates family ministries activities
to the whole church program. Listed below are
responsibilities and activities.
1. Develop and chair a small family ministries
committee that reflects the distinctiveness
of the congregation. It may include a
single parent, young married persons,
mid-life families, retired, widowed or
divorced persons. People who serve on
this committee should be carefully chosen
as visionary people reflecting the grace of
God.
2. Be a family advocate. Family ministries is
not merely program-oriented, but must
look at the whole church program with
sensitivity to its impact on families. In
some situations the family ministries leader
may need to advocate for family time.
In other words, there may be so many
programs going on in a congregation that
people have little time to live their own
lives as families.
The Family
Ministries Leader
3. Survey family needs and interests in the
congregation. The needs assessment survey
and family profile sheet may be used to help
determine the needs of the congregation.
4. Plan programs and activities for the year that
may include video presentations, retreats or
special speakers who present workshops and
seminars. Plans should also include simple
activities that may be suggested to families
through the church bulletin or newsletter.
5. Work with the pastor and church board to
be sure plans are included in the local church
budget.
6. Make use of the resources available from the
conference family ministries department.
These can save time, energy and serve to
keep costs down for the local congregation.
When planning for special presentations, the
conference family ministries director is able
to assist in finding interesting and qualified
presenters.
7. Communicate with the congregation. Family
ministries should not be perceived simply as
an annual event. Keep the importance of good
family skills alive by use of posters, the church
newsletter and/or bulletin throughout the year.
8. Share your plans with the conference family
ministries director.
Reprinted from Family Ministries Handbook: The complete how-to guide for local church leaders. (2003).
Lincoln, NE: AdventSource. Used with permission