I
am reflecting on the recent Church board session as we discussed what is
important for our church. No matter
which goals we considered all conversations returned to one topic –
strengthening the family, reviving the family life, helping families to cope
with pressures of life. Family Life is
set as our top priority for revival and transformation! Be though education, or community outreach –
family values, and strong families in the core of our church are
essential. I invited you all to consider
Biblical teachings on the Church as the Family of God. The relationships, not just programs or
events, RELATIONSHIPS! – taking time to visit, to talk, to listen, to help –
TIME spent together is the key for healing relationships and families.
This
week I took time to review the materials from the recent summit on retention of
church members, the first ever event on this topic held at our church
world-wide headquarters. Only 8
divisions (out of 13) reported on approaches taken. North American report was missing, as we are
reluctant in the North America to address this subject – auditing our
membership, and reconnecting with those who stopped attending the church family
gatherings.
Following
were listed as the most effective methods for reconnecting with people:
·
Private
visits at home by friends from the church
·
Pastoral
visitation
·
Ongoing
friendship and visiting during the week
·
Official
visits by elders of the church
These
are way of getting people to re-visit, to come back. But, to keep them, for retention, for the
staying power it takes more. Small
Groups for spiritual growth and relationships building is the top practice in
retention, and ….. the most successful method reported – healthy families in
churches as mediating factor! When people
come and see that Christ’s presence in the Church community changes families,
makes families well, improves families from being dysfunctional to becoming
loving, caring and peaceful – it is the greatest witness and intervention
possible!
It
is not an easy “quick fix,” improving our families. It is a process needing time, determination
and commitment. It is a change of
characters by Holy Spirit, and it must begin by admitting that we need help, by
not covering up and pretending that everything is OK, but by seeking help. Pride stands in the way of healthy
families. It is only with humility of
considering others, lifting others up and allowing the community to keep us
accountable, that this process of family makeovers may begin.
