family-in-churchThe following is a brief look at some biblical guidelines with discussion questions aimed at exploring issues related to family involvement in ministry.

Biblical guidance for family life and involvement in ministry:

Marriage:

  • Basic information on the marriage relationship (Ephesians 5:22-6:4 / Colossians 3:18-21).
  • Pricilla and Aquila as New Testament examples of a married couple in ministry (Acts 18:24-28; Romans 16:3-5a; 1 Corinthians. 16:19; 2 Tim 4:19).
  • The issues of married ministry in the context of Paul’s recommendation of singleness as an easier lifestyle in rigorous ministry (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).

Children:

  • The Christian leader and family relationships (1 Timothy 3:2-5, 8-13).
  • The poor examples of Eli and Samuel raising children in ministry (1 Samuel 2:12, 17, 22-25; 8:1-5).

Discussion Questions:

  • Does God call both husband and wife to Christian service?
  • Does God also call children of Christian servants to be a part of family ministry while they are living with parents?
  • In what ways can a spouse enhance the ministry of his/her partner?
  • In what ways can a spouse cripple the ministry of his/her partner?
  • What are the reasonable minimum expectations Christian people may have for a family who serves them in ministry?
  • What sacrifices should ministry families reasonably expect to make for the sake of their ministry and their “flock”?
  • What are the reasonable minimum expectations a ministry family may have toward their “flock” concerning their care, upkeep and well-being?
  • What are some signals that active, public ministry should be scaled back or temporarily discontinued for the sake of family well-being?
  • What types of training do ministry families need for effective long-term service?
  • What issues should be discussed in line with what individual family members expect in ministry lifestyle?
  • What habits and practices should ministry families develop to show appreciation for church volunteers and faithful members?
  • What training and modeling should be provided to develop the practices of forbearance and forgiveness?
  • Discuss the issues of rest, renewal and recreation in ministry.
  • In what ways should congregations be trained in caring for ministry families?
  • Discuss the issues of adequate (generous) salaries for paid staff; respecting staff time off;  respecting certain areas of family privacy; allowing those in ministry to be “people in process”.
  • What is the role of those in ministry to facilitate or present this training?

Michael Bogart

Michael Bogart