“Our work for Christ is to begin with the family, in the home….There is no ministry field more important
than this….By many this home field has be shamefully neglected, and it is time that divine resources and
remedies were presented, that this state of evil may be corrected.” (SDA Church Manual page 92 excerpt
of Adventist Home page 35)
Wow! What POWERFUL and STRONG, but ever so true words quoted from the pen of inspiration!! The
remedy and a resource established to meet this need is the church’s Family Life Ministries department
under whose umbrella based on church assignments, falls other ministries above and beyond married
couples and families for more specific and effective service to “families” such as Singles Ministry,
Women’s and Men’s ministry departments, Youth Ministries, Senior Ministry. A family life committee,
chaired by the Family Life leader or co-leaders, with these mentioned department leaders can be
established to ensure all areas and members within the church get the spiritual and practical resources
needed for their individual and collective growth and success.
“The objective of the family ministries is to strengthen marriage and the family. The family was
established by divine creation with marriage as the center. [It is the setting where] values are learned
and the capacity for close relationship with God and others is developed, its health is vital to the church’s
disciple-making mission[—evangelism!]
Evangelism on the home front and beyond is the focus of family life! “Family ministries upholds the
biblical teachings and lifts up God’s ideal for family living. At the same time, it brings an understanding
of the brokenness experienced by individuals and families in a fallen world [including as mentioned
previously, single parents, step-families, married couples, old, young, males and females. Family Life
Ministries at Emmanuel and other SDA Churches world wide] focuses on relational growth opportunities
provided through family life education and enrichment….professional counseling when necessary…and in
family-to-family evangelism.” (SDA Church Manual page 92).
“God designs that families of earth shall be a symbol of the family in heaven. Christian homes,
established in accordance to God’s plan are among the His most effective agencies for the formation of
Christian character and for the advancement of His work.” (Testimonies Volume 6 page 430). “The
mission of the home extends beyond its own members….Far more powerful than any sermon that can be
preached is the influence of a true home upon human hearts and lives.” (Ministry of Healing page 352)
(ESDA Church Manual page 92).
Strong, spiritual families is God’s ideal for the home, the church, the community and the world at large.
By His grace and through His power, the Emmanuel SDA Family Life Ministries strives to fulfill its God
given mission of providing the education, resources and support its members need to have healthy
relationships on earth that prepare them for future relationships in heaven when Jesus returns to take
families and individuals home to live in relationship with Him and others for eternity!
Email: familylifeministry@emmanuelsdaorlando.com