We have an obvious and lively ministry to families at St. Philip and St. James. It is a great blessing to us that many have decided to make this their church. Some have done so because they have discovered their children actually look forward to coming. It is often the children who encourage their parents on a Sunday morning. But discipleship is not only for children. What does following Jesus mean for each generation? How do we adults also learn, increase our faith and change our lives?
Part of the answer to these questions lies in the sort of things we do in the local church. Very few people have the privilege of too much time on their hands. Our church involvement must both have place in our diaries and be effective in making us disciples of Christ. Each Sunday every family must ask these questions: Have we got enough time to be involved in church? And, was it worth it when we got there? These are questions of quantity and quality.
A significant amount of my ministry in Holywood has been spent working towards a quality of experience for different groups of people. Most will recognise that our Family Worship and Worship etc services provide time and space for styles of worship which could not be incorporated into our more formal serves on a weekly basis. We have done so without fundamentally altering the opportunities for liturgical worship for those who prefer it. All these services require a considerable resource of music, planning and technology. But, are they good enough? And, are they enough?
The theme for 2010 is “Families and Faith”; important themes of heritage and mission will follow in 2011 and 2012. During the remaining months of 2010 we will be seeking to increase both the quality and quantity of our families ministry. These ideas include:
- adult fellowship on Sunday mornings after church;
- parenting and marriage courses;
- family life sermon series
- home-based discipleship resources;
- web-based and mobile phone networking;
- integration and linking with other church members and families;
- family events and hospitality.
What does this mean for you? Firstly, if you are a family with young children, please engage in this initiative. Ask yourself the questions of quantity and quality posed above. Are you getting enough and the right sort of help to grow your Christian life? How can we help you and are you able to find the time to use the opportunities your church offers?
If you feel this ‘family’ theme is not relevant to you please do not feel excluded. Your support and input is vital in making the church a vibrant and welcoming place for all generations. Are you willing to help this year to achieve better discipleship for families? Next year I will be asking us all to be part of celebrating our heritage and, in 2012, I will ask us to work together in mission in God’s world. Let us learn to work together as fellow travellers and followers of Jesus over the next three years.
– ROGER
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