While each church may take a different approach, an effective family ministry invites all to experience the circle of fellowship in God’s church. It is a story of what Jesus can do among human beings when we are incorporated into the body of Christ, the ultimate family, where all can find wholeness and belonging. Family Ministries also demonstrates to members of the community the power of Jesus’ love and how it can transform lives.

The Michigan Conference Family Ministries Department can help you by providing the following:

A. Resources
1. A lending library, which contains video curricula, books, and audio cassettes on a variety of family ministry topics.

2. A Family Ministries Resource Manual to assist local church pastors and leaders in establishing a family ministry.

3. Training for the local Family Ministries team on specific topics and the NAD Lay Family curriculum.

B. Enrichment Opportunities
1. Marriage strengthening retreats are held twice annually to promote growth in marriages.

2. The Family Ministries Department has assisted the Youth Department with providing enrichment opportunities during the family camps offered at Camp Au Sable each year.

C. Singles’ Ministry
About 45% of today’s adults have never married or are divorced, widowed, or separated. Unfortunately, single adults make up only 15% of the average church attendance. The Family Ministries Department encourages development of ministries for singles at the local church level and has provided resources and training to see this happen. An annual retreat to bring these singles’ groups together is held each year at Camp Au Sable.

D. 2009-2010 Family Life Events
For a brochure describing all the 2009-2010 Family Life events, Click Here. For applications for each event, see below.