Christian Ministry Ideas for Families
Christians are called by Scripture to engage in acts of service that demonstrate God's love and living faith. The biblical writer James exhorts us, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?" Gotquestions.org states, "Ministry is from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning 'to serve' or douleuo, meaning 'to serve as a slave.' Ministry is seen as service to God and to other people in his name."
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Church Participation
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Scripture highlights the importance of expressing our faith in the context of Christian community. The Bible admonishes us, in Hebrews 10:23-25, to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not give up meeting together." The Apostle Paul uses the analogy of a human body, in 1 Corinthians 12, to describe how each individual fits into the ministry of the church. He states that just as all our various body parts are necessary for us to function in our fullness, so each person is fit by God into the local church. Parents can anchor their family in a strong local church and participate in its programs as a first step toward developing a ministry mindset.
In The Family
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The first place of Christian ministry is the home, and its first expression is among its members. Among the Ten Commandments, listed in chapter 20 of Exodus, is the command, "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Scripture also challenges us, in 1 Timothy 5:8, "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Verse 16 of the same chapter states, "If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them." Family members should be taught that serving one another is their first priority. This ministry can especially be extended to elderly or sick loved ones through visits and other assistance.
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Benevolence Ministries
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Families may find it beneficial to volunteer at local food pantries and assistance ministries. The Bible declares, in James 1:27, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble ..." Most urban communities in particular will have shelters for the homeless and missions that assist the poor with food, clothing and utility payments. Second Mile Mission Center in Stafford, Texas, for instance, lists service options on its website under "volunteer opportunities." They list: food pantry, warehouse sorting, groups, administrative, benevolence assistance" and "clothing room." Thousands of such organizations exist across the nation, and virtually all depend greatly on volunteers.
Family Altar
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Families can set aside time to intercede for the needs and spiritual well-being of others. Parents may designate a time each evening to gather the family to pray for fellow church members, friends and neighbors. The family can maintain a journal listing prayers offered and answers received. This will encourage an others-focused attitude in the family and will strengthen their faith as they learn of answers to prayer. Even occasions where prayers seem unanswered can be used to discuss maintaining trust in God and the mysteries of life.
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References
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