Family Ministry is the latest buzz around churches these days, but what exactly does that mean? Of the descriptions I’ve heard over the past few years, my impression is that family ministry provides opportunities and “tools” to better equip parents in the spiritual education of their children.
One of the main focal Scriptures in family ministry circles is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Emphasis is usually given to verses 6-9: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
So, if this passage from Deuteronomy is the crowning word of instruction from God for parents, then how is this practically accomplished in the twenty-first century?
How-to-do D6 with Your Kids:
When you’re hanging out at home
You know the saying, “There’s no time like the present!” This definitely applies to being a D6 kind of parent. When a teachable moment comes up in conversation with your children, don’t let it pass by without bringing their attention to God’s Word and His ways. You don’t always have to quote Scripture; simply reminding them of a spiritual truth from the Bible will be enough to prick their minds and redirect their thinking on the subject. That’s great teaching on your part!
When you’re driving the kids here and there
Ask your children specific questions about the activities and friendships in which they’re involved. Simple inquiries can bring up good information for you to be aware of, as well as provide an opportunity to talk about the importance of praying for friends who may not yet be Christians.
When you’re ready for bed
Share prayer concerns with each other. The exchange of prayer requests can be a fun experience whether your children are young or growing older as teens. And don’t forget to tell your children about answers to prayer that you’ve been made aware of recently. This will boost their confidence, too, in praying even more often about everything going on in their lives.
When you get up in the morning
Breakfast time—and all meals for that matter—provide a great occasion to give thanks to God. It’s best to establish this practice early on when your kids are preschoolers. In Proverbs 22:6, King Solomon reminds us of this promise: Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. Doing something as simple as praying at mealtimes offers valuable teaching time for your children to see the way you rely on God for His daily provision.
Scripture reminders throughout the day
Place God’s Word in easy-to-see places around your home. Sometimes your favorite Scripture verses, printed on decorative plaques or pictures, can be found in popular Christian-based stores. These make a fun and easy way to keep God’s Word in front of your family members each day as reminders of the way God leads us.
Take this D6 command to heart with your family members without feeling intimated by practicing spiritual instructions as you go through your day—in realistic, easy-to-do methods. God will bless you for your obedience and you’ll be thankful as you watch your family turn their focus to Him in all things.