Family Integrated Church...A long post.

I just felt like giving an update

of what is happening at our church.

The Lord has been blessing us so much.

We have new families coming,

people are coming to know the Lord,

and ministry is happening.

Let me give some background

for those who are newer here.

It was about three years ago that

the Lord started moving our church

in an interesting direction.

Warren and I, as parents, were having

issues with the whole youth group concept.

I am not categorically opposed to youth

groups but do think that it is a very

tricky path. In our case there was a

lot of emphasis on outreach to troubled

teens and our personal experience was that

this did not have a positive impact on,

I'll just say it, our boys.

Some of these troubled kids were girls

who immediately grabbed onto our boys

and troubles began. 

Attitudes, phone calls, etc.

For others in the church, such as our

Pastor, books were being read. One that

impacted him greatly was The Last Christian
Generation by Josh McDowell.

Others in the church were struggling

with issues with grown children who lived 

out the scenario discussed in this book.

Young adults who had been raised in the church

but had walked away as soon as the opportunity

arose.  They had no commitment to the church.

It was their parent's church.

So one by one the Lord moved on our hearts that 

there might be a better way for our congregation.

Now understand that our congregation size was 

just about twenty people.  Not exactly an influential

church in the community.  But, you know, God was 

with us.....even then.

I began to speak with my friend, Mrs. Rabe, 

of Creekside Cottage... just friend to friend.

As far as I knew they were happily attending 

and serving in another church. 

Little did I know that the Lord was preparing 

them for a change at the same time.

As I told her that we were moving toward

a worship style that included the children from 

start to finish and the elimination of a "youth group"

she informed me that this type of church had a name.

I was shocked.

You would have thought that we would have known

that this was a movement, but frankly the changes

that were happening within our hearts were so consuming

that we were very tuned in to that and weren't really 

looking around at that time.

So, armed with this new information we explored the 

support that was out there for those who were thinking

so strangely as we were.

This led us to Vision Forum(networking)

and Voddie Baucham(teaching),

Both have proven to be encouraging and

uplifting resources for our itty bitty congregation.

It has not been an easy road.

Some left us.

Remember there were only twenty or so

to begin with.  I believe that when we 

changed our name and moved into our new

building there were about fifteen regulars.

But soon the Lord sent those that were hungry

for this style of worship.

What is our style of worship?

Well, we have a family Sunday School which

Pastor Mike teaches.  It can be a series on 

Apologetics, Creation Science, How Jesus Viewed

the World, or what we are studying now, The Missionary

Journeys of Paul.  The children are with us and it is amazing

how they listen.  We know this because of questions they 

ask either then or later. 

There is then about a fifteen minute break and we begin

our Worship Service.  This runs about an hour and a half. 

The children are with us for this as well.

Singing, scripture, prayer and preaching.

Every other week we enjoy a Fellowship Meal together

after the service.  This is so very important to our congregation.

Not just because we like to eat....lol...

but because it allows us to really share and get to 

know each other.  There is little opportunity 

in a church such as ours to just come and go

without establishing genuine relationships.

There are a few who choose to stay on the 

fringes but in general we are a very close

group.  We are aware of the joys and struggles 

within our congregation.

This allows us to be in prayer, make a phone call,

send a card or even make a meal or visit someone

who might need that extra care.

So many times in churches we have attended in 

the past it was easy to show up, worship and leave.

Never really knowing anyone with whom we worshiped.

That may have been our fault.

I am willing to carry that....

but I don't think it is unusual.  

Our Friday evenings are usually reserved for church

events.  Sometimes it is a Bible Study in a home, 

other times it is a activity for the whole family

and once per month is music night.

We are working with our young people to 

involve them in music.

Those who love music or play instruments

have been very receptive to getting involved.

You see, this is not just their parents church.

This is their church.

It is their responsibility and honor to participate...

in cleaning, music, taking the offering and more.

They serve along side the adults in many aspects

of the daily life of the church.

Our young people are hospitable.

They are quick to welcome new young 

people who visit.

It is never long before all of them,

and some of the Dads are out in the 

yard playing ultimate frisbee.

So, what is exciting me lately?

A woman who has come to the Lord.

Counseling and Ministry to her marriage.

Seeing she and her husband come in

early each week with huge smiles

and enthusiasm.

Blossoming friendships for her 

within the congregation.

An unmarried young couple with a new baby

who are attending together

and whom I can't help but believe 

will come to seek HIM together.

It brings tears to my eyes to see them walk

in with the baby carrier.

It is just a preview of the joy and healing

that is to come in their lives.

A grandmother who started by bringing her

own grandchildren and ended up bringing

a neighbor boy as well.

This led to prayers of salvation by the children and the 

addition of the neighbor boy's Mom and 

siblings.  She is a very young widow

and we delight in her dedication to do

what is right for her children.

We are praying for her salvation.

A new family who drive for more than an hour

who report that their children begin asking on 

Monday if it is time to go to church yet???!!

They love it!

Ministry to a woman who was in an abusive

home situation...not always easy but God 

placed her in our lives for a reason.

Bible study with women who are in a 

halfway house

after being recently released from prison.

An upcoming series on the role of the 

father within the home.

What does the Bible say about this?

An upcoming Ladies Tea.

Always a fun and time of ministry

during the Christmas season.

A reminder to keep Christ at the center of 

our holiday traditions and activities.

Praying and supporting missions at home and abroad.

There is just so much

to Praise the Lord for.

Not everyone would thrive in this 

style of worship.

But, for those the Lord has called to it

the benefits are huge.

The past couple of weeks our attendance has

been around sixty.

Not a huge church.

Some would say that we are too small to 

make a difference. 

I could not disagree more.

Every child, parent and marriage

that is touched is important.

If God knows when a sparrow

falls...........

We have seen the difference 

in our own children.

The young children of the congregation 

will never know anything

different...this is THEIR church!

They love it!!!

I chronicle this as much for my

own benefit and encouragement as 

to share with you.

But, I do hope that you'll be encouraged

to see God at work 

and give HIM all of the glory!

He is good....

all the time!