Family Life Ministry Moment: The Good Ole’ Days
“I remember when…the school picnic had over 300 people come! It was such a joy to gather and watch the young families participate. We planned it this year and only eight people came—these families just don’t want to be involved”
“I remember when… our Sunday School had teachers for every grade—people just don’t volunteer like they should. Why aren’t these parents involved?”
“I remember when…the youth put on meals for every Advent and Lenten service—these youth need to get more involved.”
“I remember when…”
Ah, the good ole’ days. We often look back fondly and wish our schools and congregations looked like they did in the past. Perhaps we look around and see declining numbers, hear quiet sanctuaries without the chatter of children, and feel the weary spin of adults frantically fitting in one more thing to overpacked schedules. Or maybe the quietness has crept in completely and the only thing there seems to be to cling to is the din of the past.
There can be great joy in rejoicing over how the Lord has worked over the generations at your ministry location. The Lord is faithful and His Church endures!
One danger in only looking back, however, is the inability to see things as they are, right now, in front of you. What opportunities are on your doorstep? Family Ministry includes supporting, encouraging, and equipping ALL households of faith for life-long discipleship in Christ, not only households with young children.
Perhaps the opportunities on your doorstep do not involve having an event just because “it is what we have always done.” Perhaps your volunteers and board members are stretched thin already.
What if you looked at your ministry and said…
“What are three or four things we can intentionally rally around this year and do really well?”
A ministry where everyone pulls together around a few meaningful priorities, building community, strengthening relationships, and serving the Lord. A ministry that responds to the needs that exist today rather than simply maintaining what was done in the past.
I worked with a congregation who was devasted they were unable to put together a VBS this summer. They are in vacancy and all the leaders are weary and stretched thin. Instead of dwelling on what they were unable to do, we talked about three things this school year they could focus on. Potlucks, Sunday school, and presence at community sporting events were their top three. These are things they are already having participation in, and now they will bring more intention to as a whole congregation.
Responding to what’s before us and building lifelong disciples of Jesus. Perhaps these are the good ole’ days as well.
Deb Jurchen serves the District as Congregational Consultant for Family Life Ministry. In this role, she will share articles and resources to encourage congregations to connect with and serve the families in their community. Click here to learn more about Family Life Ministry and read more articles.