March 2001
‘And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye
will serve: whether
the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or
the gods of theAmorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we
will serve the Lord.’ (Jos. 24:15)
WHAT MAKES A STRONG CHURCH?
Have you ever considered what makes a strong church? Is it the amount of income that is reported each year? Is it the number of people that join each year? Is it the number of missionary projects completed each year? Could the determining factor be the number of members on the church’s roll? Maybe, it is the effectiveness of the church’s evangelism program? While these, and many other factors are important, I believe there is a much more essential element. I want to suggest that strong families make a strong church. So, if we want a strong and healthy church, we must nurture, develop and provide the necessary resources for wholesome families.
The word family comes from the Latin word famulus, which means servant. A family may be defined as a social unit bound together by a legal marriage contract. The Guidepost Family Concordance, defines family as, ‘a household of individuals living together.’ Another definition by Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia of family is, ‘a basic unit of social structure, the exact definition of which can vary greatly from time to time and from culture to culture.’ The notion of family now includes, the nuclear or traditional family, parents and children; the extended family, two or more married couples and their children or of several generations connected by the male or female line; and the neo or novelle family, one parent and children. There is something special about the family. The family is our most cherished earthly relationship. The primary functions of the family are economical, reproductive, social, educational, and spiritual.
Many of the contemporary families are broken or severely wounded. The devil uses many forces to destroy or damage the family, because he also knows that strong families make strong and healthy churches. The high divorce rate, AIDS/HIV, sexual promiscuity, rebellion against authority, materialism, social pressures, low morality, loss of value and respect for individuals, sexual and spousal abuse, financial pressures and harmful social demands have all been instrumental in the deterioration of the family. Paul said, ‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.’ (Eph. 6:12) What can we do? The lament of the prophet is our lament, when he said, ‘Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?’ (Jer.8:22) Can Humpty Dumpty be put back together again? Is there no answer to the plight of the family?
According to Clarence Walker, in his book, ‘Breaking Strongholds in the African American Family,’ A host of strategies have been suggested by an assortment of political, economic, religious, and social organizations, both public and private, on how to address these family issues. The problem with most of these theories is the way in which they view human beings. They see man as a creature with a mind and body, the highest development of the animal kingdom, and the most evolved in the Darwinian evolutionary process. Whatever one’s view of mankind will it determine the strategy used to solve man’s difficulties.
It is my contention that all these theories have merit and all of them, to one degree or another, explain the problems of the African-American family. However, they do not go far enough, nor adequately explain why the challenges in African-American families exist. I propose another perspective, a biblical view. This understanding begins with the notion that man is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:17-28), that he has a sin nature, that he is totally depraved; and that he is in need of the divine help of God through salvation because he cannot save himself. Furthermore, man has a spiritual enemy named Satan, whose agenda is to destroy God’s creation (mankind) and to pervert every relationship and institution concerning man (John 10:10).
To strengthen our church, I have declared year 2001 as the ‘Year of the Family’. While, every year we should be concerned about the family, and individuals and their growth. This year, greater effort and resources will be directed toward improving the families of the church and the community. As Walker noted, there are people attempting to put the family back together again. The psychologist, the psychiatrist, the sociologist, and the penologist are all there to rescue the family, but all have missed the mark. However, I believe that the church has the best chance at lasting and positive change for the family.
The Psalmist said, ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.’ (Ps. 127:1) The following are some of the training sessions that will be offered:
- Money Management. This will include debt management, investing, the danger of credit cards, and how to live within your means.
- The Challenges of Single Parenting. Assist the parent in identifying the resources in our church and in the community. Provide a support network.
- The Proper Role of Family Members. Provide guidance to the family regarding the biblical role of each member in the family.
- Health and Wellness. This would include, but not be limited to weight management, how to eat properly, exercise and other health related issues.
- How To Listen More Effectively. Discuss the ways in which men and women listen and communicate.
- Marriage Enrichment. Relationship expectation, how to put zest in routineness, understanding your changing spouse, and the empty-nest syndrome.
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Work with individuals to identify resources in the community for assistance and provide support groups.
- Sexual and Verbal Abuse. Assist in the healing process, identify resources with the community for help and provide support groups.
- Single and Single Again. Consider the challenges and rewards of singleness. Explore ways in which one can find content in their present state.
- Pastoral Counseling. Provide opportunities to talk with the pastor or
another minister.
These of just some of the areas that will be presented. I firmly believe that
whatever man’s problem is, God has the answer. I solicit your support and
cooperation. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are going to take back our
families! What I am proposing will take all of us working together. This must be
a team effort. Even now, I ask that you pray for the success of this project.
Because strong families make a strong church
Copyright © 2001 by
FBC Online