Family life is regularly in the news, with crisis scenarios likely to hit headlines. Research from the UN suggests that families find it increasingly difficult to fulfil their numerous responsibilities, and challenges of socio-economic and demographic transformations impact on family life. The need to reconcile work and family commitments can also be felt, which adds to the pressures families experience today.
How can the church speak into these commonly experienced situations? Church-based children's work has long been recognised as a valuable ministry, offering support when needed. As children's workers interact with young people and, as a consequence, with their families, a wider ministry towards families will need to evolve.
The Consultative Group on Ministry among Children has written a resource to develop key skills in those who work alongside families in the church and community. The material offers six sessions, which provide a comprehensive overview of skills needed, but can also be used as stand-alone sessions. The sessions cover the themes of biblical, historical and contemporary understanding of family; family ministry today; seasons of family life; role of family relationships; family well-being and wholeness; and faith in families. Each two-hour session offers a creative exploration of the theme for all levels of expertise and experience, with full guidance for the trainer, core teaching and biblical insights on the theme.
View sample pages here to see how this resource can equip church-based workers as they offer support and outreach to the families in their church and local community.
September 2nd, 2015 - Posted & Written by The Editor
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