Family Ministry

Congregational life has changed dramatically during the past two years. Perhaps the most noticeable shift has been the families and young people that once were a part of the community are now much less regular in their attendance, if present at all. Acknowledging in the mix of this change, churches within Australia have all been… Read more

Studies continue to confirm that parents are the key people who influence whether or not our children will have faith. This means that one of the best places for young people to ‘catch’ faith is in the home. Grandparents can also play a vital role in a child’s faith formation. Recent research highlights the enormous impact of grandparents on this particular generation of young people.
Grandparents have a great opportunity to share their faith with their grandchildren. Here are five roles that grandparents can play in enhancing their grandchildren’s faith formation.

Our Lutheran worship is full of meaning and purpose. Do we really understand why we do what we do and that the flow of worship is intentional? Have you ever wondered what INVOCATION means? Or how about ABSOLUTION? Why do we PASS THE PEACE? Or say the APOSTLES’ CREED? Order in worship has been there… Read more

How intergenerational ministry changed me – a personal story… Tom was seventy-two-years-old when the scales fell from his eyes regarding the way lives change by simple, faith-filled interactions. It wasn’t that Tom was anti-faith conversations with younger people; it simply hadn’t been part of his experience. Sunday morning conversations were generally about gathering with like-minded,… Read more

Do you know Moses? He was chosen by God to lead the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people out of slavery in Egypt and into the desert for many years. He was the middle-man, between God and the Israelites. During his time of leadership, he faithfully sought God’s will, listened to his voice, and taught… Read more

Where did the young people go and what can we do about it? Have you ever found yourself asking this or similar questions? Do you sit in church and look around at the generations of people visible on Sunday mornings and wonder what happened? As parents, grandparents, and those involved in the work and life… Read more

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 was given with the express purpose of encouraging a lifelong pursuit of a love for God that would envelop every molecule of a child’s being and existence: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them… Read more

Often our mealtimes at home are rushed. Food is eaten quickly before moving to the next task. Having food to eat is something to be appreciated. Having someone else to eat with is even more special. Sharing a mealtime together around a table allows for caring conversations to take place. In our Lutheran tradition many… Read more

What kind of adults do we want our children to become? How can we tell the next generation about God’s love revealed at Easter? How can we be a light in the world? Research shows that four key things can help positively shape our children’s faith, values and character. These keys strengthen not only the… Read more

One of the most intentional ways to allow faith to grow is in the ways we care for each other. As parents we often have a never-ending list of things scrolling through our minds. It takes a lot of mental space to hold all of the things we need to know about each member of… Read more