family matters

trav and i have been wrestling with children's ministry as he is processing how things are going to look at the new church. but the more i think about it, the less i can separate children's ministry from family ministry. even at work, i feel the same pull. we are working on a school leadership program that encourages teenagers to enter into a mentor relationship with their parents.

the role of parents and family is unavoidable, as it is incredibly impacting. our parents affect us whether we like it or not, whether it is in a positive or negative way. what our parents tell and teach us, or lack thereof, shape and mold us.

my parents encourage me and challenge me. they listen to me, but also speak truth to me. they model good decisions and a relationship with Christ. they are consistent and steady. and most importantly, i know that they love me.

so i'm still processing what this means for ministry. i am starting to think that you can't separate these pieces. there is no children's ministry or youth group, even men's and women's ministry can't be approached without looking at how it affects the whole family. and i wrestle with that because i don't have a family. there is no husband or kids that i come home to. but i know that i belong to the family of God, the body of Christ, and we have to stop pretending that we walk through life alone.

the community of believers is just that, a community. i can't say that i believe in Christ and ignore the community. it doesn't work that way. we are given this family to hold each other accountable, to encourage one another, to help and walk along side each other. this includes the way we view and carry out ministry. the conversation is only beginning and i am only one voice. but i truly believe it is time to rethink how we live the life of a disciple.