By Lisa Wilmore
My Dear Friends,
Recognizing the need for a strong marriage and family ministry is only the first step. The real work begins when the church puts that vision into action. Every church has an opportunity to become a place where marriages grow stronger, families find support, and people learn how to live out God’s Word in their homes every day.
At St. Matthew Baptist Church, Mangham La, Pastored by Reverend Chandler Hawlkins, our project study showed us that building stronger families is not about creating another church program. It is about creating a church culture that values and supports marriage and family. As we redesigned our Sunday School, we made family ministry a central part of the learning experience. At least two lessons per month is now connected to real life family situations and to what the Bible teaches about building healthy relationships.
One of the greatest lessons we learned is that family ministry belongs to everyone. Married couples, singles, grandparents, young adults, and older members all have something valuable to share. The elder believers can encourage younger couples. Parents can learn from one another; and single believers can offer wisdom and support. Every generation has a role in helping families grow stronger in Christ.
We also discovered that people want practical help. They want to know how to communicate better, forgive one another, raise children with biblical values, manage life’s challenges, and keep Christ at the center of their homes. God’s Word provides guidance for every stage of life, and the church should be a place where those truths are taught with love and understanding.
Another important lesson is that churches should not wait until a marriage or family is in crisis before offering help. Strong families are built through regular teaching, encouragement, prayer, and fellowship. Bible studies, Sunday School classes, mentoring relationships, and family workshops all help prepare people to face life’s challenges before those challenges become overwhelming.
As St. Matthew Baptist Church continues this journey, our goal is much bigger than offering classes. Our desire is to see lives changed, marriages restored, parents encouraged, and families growing together in faith. When families become stronger, the church becomes stronger. When the church becomes stronger, the community sees the love of Christ in action.
Building an effective ministry infrastructure is only the beginning. The real success comes when God’s people put His Word into practice every day. As churches continue to invest in marriages and families, they are investing in the future of the church, the next generation, and the Kingdom of God.
Let us pray: Bless our churches as we seek to support and strengthen families. Guide our leaders, encourage our parents, uplift our children, and help every member grow closer to You and to one another. May our homes be places of peace, love, and faith, and may our lives point others to Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Jesus Saves!
