Are we missing the point?

So is it possible that the best ministry with families isn't ministry targeted at or to families, but ministry that is accessible and inclusive of the needs of families in the context of congregational life?

I'm wondering if a heavy focus on Family Ministries might actually have the potential to isolate families from full engagement in the life of the congregation.

Kind of like 'youth ministry' and 'children's ministry' have the potential to isolate youth and children from full engagement in the life of the congregation.

Hmmmm....

Is "Family" Ministry Exclusive?

And if it is, is that a bad thing?

When the church offers events geared specifically toward singles or seniors, woo hoo!

When the church offers events geared toward (broadly defined!) families, boo hoo!

Why is that?

Are we really so selfish...

...that we need full-service programming that keeps children and youth out of their parents' way?

What do families really want from church?

This is the question of the day!

For my part as a mom of two teenagers I want the Church to be a place where my teenagers can connect with people who will help them grow as people of God. I want the Church to be a safe place for them to discover friends of all ages. I want the Church to be a dangerous place where they are challenged to be more than their ministry-minded parents can imagine. I want the Church to be an engaging place where they not only are ministered to but where they are involved in ministry. I want the church to be a place where connections are made that will last a lifetime...connections with God and with people.

I don't want the Church to be a time waster. I don't want the Church to be the yet-another-activity planner. I don't want the Church to be a yet-another-place-where-my-kids-are-only-with-their-agemates place. I don't want the Church to reinvent the things my kids are already doing. I don't want the Church to put them in a box.

How about you...what do you want for families in your church?