Effective Family Theology

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

PROXIMITY IS EVERYTHING:

IMPLEMENTING AN EFFECTIVE

FAMILY MINISTRY IN YOUR CHURCH

A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO

THE FACULTY OF THE SCHOOL OF RELIGION

IN CANDIDACY FOR COMPLETION OF THE

FAMILY THEOLOGY 330 COURSE

BY

JOSH MERRITT

CAPE CORAL, FL

AUGUST, 2013

Family Theology. The term itself sparks a certain curiosity, enthusiasm, and fear in so many of us. In fact, our post modernistic culture nearly proscribes the family in lieu of individualism and the "earned" rights of free will with the pursuit of our own happiness. While I do not condone are even rebuke any that pursue their own happiness in this life, I do caution and forewarn those
We culminate a constructive and plausible set of teachings designed around what God 's word says about the family. We then inject these biblical truths and ideas by any means necessary. Most commonly, the median in which the information is translated is sermons, bible studies, and occasionally modeling. As one looks around, however, and examines the current status of our nations families and it 's declining ability to fulfill the great commission biblically, it is clear that the current methods are no longer appropriate for secular and church culture. Thusly, we as family minister must take drastic and radical shifts to realign our theologies back to the bible and centering on the family at its core. Too often, if a church even has a family ministry, it is centered around secular entertainment with an occasion scripture insertion to keep the elders and staff content with their purpose. Our ministries do not need more entertaining ideas, we need to re-root into our biblical ideas. We, as family ministers, do not need another DVD with attached fill in the blank handouts, we need families making their own DVD 's together and constructing their own theology as such. We, as family ministers, do not need more programs and events to go attend together. We need to create our own events, centered first around God in worship and praise, then around each other in our perspective
In this section, Life Way states to make regular updates regarding the family ministry page on your church website, make regular announcements in the services, and any other opportunities that come to pass. I would strongly add that the primary method be face to face, person to person. In this way, by word of mouth and face to face, the message is personal to the recipient. Forbes Magazine posted an article on their website titled, "5 Ways To Make a Killer First Impression". The author, Forbeswoman, gives some great secular pointers to follow that flow effortless for any minister as well. First, is to set an intention. This involves work on your part before you even enter into the event or meeting. "Think about the kind of people you want to meet and what kind of interactions you want to have" (Forbeswoman, 2011, para. 4). Next, is to think about your ornaments. This is, of course, not pertaining to the Christmas Tree, but rather your own apparel, such as shoes, jewelry, watches, and even make-up (ladies). Forbeswoman suggests getting several outfits together and having friends and colleagues judge them for you in accordance with the particular event or occasion. Make sure the way you look is appropriate to the portrayal of our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ. Next, be conscious of your body language. Forbeswoman challenges you to simply be aware of the body language you present. If you find yourself having a hard time doing