An Article by Dr. Charles T. Shoemaker

– Focusing on the Needs of the Family, Part I –

    In my travels throughout America, I have observed that healthy churches are churches that know how to focus on the needs of the family.  They understand both the importance of the family and the great challenges facing the family.  It has been said that a local church is only as strong as its weakest home.  With this in mind, the key to strengthening the church lies in our ability to strengthen the family. 

    Even lost people are searching for help and hope as it pertains to their family.  To those without Christ, life is often a mystery and struggle.  Their need, of course, can only be met through Jesus Christ and His Word.  In today’s world, the local church must specialize on extending insightful instruction to families seeking Christ and to those who already know Him but need to be taught how better to live for Him.  For certain, the Word of God has the answers to life’s questions.  Part of our mission is to learn how to communicate truth to all who are hungry for Biblical and practical insight and cultivate a spiritual hunger in those families which have never sought assistance from God or His Word.  My burden is to share a few simple ideas that may better enable you to equip your families for God’s glory and their good! 

PRAY THROUGH YOUR MEMBERSHIP LIST

    Someone has said, “Nothing is talked about more and practiced less than prayer.” How true!  As sad as it is, we all well know that the sin of prayerlessness even invades the pastor’s life.  How easy it is to be consumed with good things, important things, and necessary things, and fail in the fundamental thing—prayer!  Often, in response to diverse needs of church members, pastors will counsel and preach on topics relating to the home.  Though this must be done, this is not enough.  Prayer is essential.  Pastoral prayer for hurting, troubled, and sinful members is, according to Luke 18:1, a sacred duty (“ought”), a constant need (“always”), and a practical necessity (so as “not to faint”). 

    When I served as senior pastor, I would methodically and progressively pray through our church’s membership roll.  Day by day, I would pray until I completed the list, then I would begin again.  What a wonderful opportunity to focus on the problems and needs of families!  Not only is this a rewarding spiritual discipline, but it also provides a tremendous opportunity to bond with your members.  Pastor, prioritize your time and start praying for the flock God has entrusted to you (Acts 6:1-4). 

HOST AN ANNUAL COUPLES’ RETREAT

    Truly one of the highlights of our year was our church’s couples’ retreat.  Usually held in the month of September or October, we always looked forward to this refreshing, rewarding, and reviving event.  We would begin with a late dinner on Thursday evening at a location within a few hours drive from our church.  Following dinner I would conduct an opening session that would include plenty of music, laughter, and a 30-minute Biblical challenge. 

    The next two days (all day Friday and Saturday through early afternoon) were filled with recreational opportunities, fellowship, delicious meals, and spiritual training.  The focus of our study time dealt with the family in general, and husband and wife relationships in particular.  As husbands and wives began to relax, pray, and communicate, they grew closer and stronger.  Edification clearly took place!  Much like teens going off to camp, I sense that it is much easier for husbands and wives to “open up” and make spiritual decisions away from home. 

    Today, my wife and I conduct Marriage Enrichment Seminars for churches all across America.  Focusing on topics such as communication, intimacy, Biblical roles, and conflict resolution, we have witnessed the Spirit of God touch lives and heal relationships!

    One final thought.  Be certain to select a comfortable site to hold your retreat.  I would suggest a nice motel or conference center.  Avoid camps, which normally lack privacy and amenities.

CONCLUSION

    In our next article, we will present additional strategies to consider as a means of strengthening homes and building healthy churches.