Church and the family

No doubt your church has had many discussions about how to reach new people and grow the church. You have probably also been considering new Bible studies for the upcoming year. But, what are you doing about growing healthy families? How is your church helping wounded people experience healing? How might doing that impact your church and community?

According to some studies one of every three girls and one of every five boys have been sexually violated by the age of 18 by someone who they trusted. Is it possible that any of these people, maybe now adults, are sitting in your congregation? It is also estimated by some that 43% of American women have had an abortion. Is it possible that some of these women are members of your church? 40% of American children are now growing up in a single parent household. Numerous studies have pointed out many problems these children may face. How is your church addressing the needs of these children and their parents?

It would seem that there is a major need for churches to begin to seriously address issues of the home and family. According to scriptures such as Dt. 6 the home should be the primary place where Christian discipleship occurs, but can discipleship happen in the dysfunctional situations described here? When people experience the kinds of pain mentioned here today it impacts the way they look at themselves, others, and God. Many find it very difficult to trust in God when their whole lives they have been taught they can't trust anyone.

Our churches need to begin speaking truth regarding family life, human sexuality, trust, and how to build healthy relationships with others. So much of our society is sending messages about all of these issues, but these messages often run counter to biblical teaching. If the church does not address these issues, then who will do so in a way that honors God and His plan for mankind.

As a pastor I often told our church that our primary responsibility was to win people to Jesus Christ and our second primary responsibility was to help develop healthy families. I still believe that. I would like to hear your opinion and what you are doing to do both. Maybe what you are doing would encourage other readers of this blog to attempt something similar in their church.