1. God's Vision for the Church
Questions we have asked/discussed:
1. What is an inspiring, biblical vision for the family ministry?
2. Has God articulated a clear vision for the family ministry?
3. What should a healthy family ministry look alike?
4. What is the process for achieving God’s vision?
5. Is it possible to keep this process simple enough to remember?
Surely there are different ways of answering these questions.
But the following slides offer a simple paradigm, a clear vision and
a defined process.

2. The Kingdom is like a Mustard Seed
Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to
describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet
when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches
that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." - Jesus (Mark 4:30-32)
The seed is the Word of God. - Jesus (Luke 8:11 - Parable of the Sower)
He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.
Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not
know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full
kernel in the head. - Jesus (Mark 4:26-28)

3. #1:Power (God)
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord
is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind and with all your strength.' - Jesus (Mark 12:29-30)
Examples:
- Walk with God (Quiet Times)
- Prayer Life
- Worship Services
- Worship Devotionals
God - Family Devotionals

4. #2:Principles (Maturing)
Do your best to present your- And the things you have heard
self to God as one approved, a me say in the presence of many
workman who does not need to witnesses entrust to reliable
be ashamed and who correctly men who will also be qualified
handles the word of truth. to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2
- 2 Timothy 2:15
Maturing
Examples:
- Prepare and Enrich (Marriage)
- Rock Ministry (Parenting, Marriage)
- Rock Ministry (Bible classes, etc.)
- Accountability Partner
- D-Groups after mid-weeks
God - Leadership Development

5. #3:People (Christians)
The second is this: 'Love your Therefore, as we have opportu-
neighbor as yourself.' There is nity, let us do good to all
no commandment greater than people, especially to those who
these." - Jesus (Mark 12:31) belong to the family of believ-
ers. - Jesus (Galatians 6:10)
Maturing
Christians
Examples:
- Family (Marriage, Children)
- Family Group/Community Groups
- Fun Nights for the Teens/Preteens
- Youth Ministry Night
- Date Night Co-op
God - Memory Building Events
- Annual Conference

6. #4:Purpose (Lost)
He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to
them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and
whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." - Jesus (Mark
9:36-37)
Maturing
Christians Lost
Examples:
- Friday Nights
- Special Sundays
- Training First Principles
- Getting Started classes
God

7. #5:Passions (Gifts and Talents)
...so that the man of God may Each one should use whatever
be thoroughly equipped for gift he has received to serve
every good work. - 2 Timothy others - 1 Peter 4:10
3:17
Gifts & Talents Maturing
Christians Lost
God

8. #5:Passions (Gifts and Talents)
Your
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Gifts & Talents Maturing
Christians Lost
God

9. Overview: 5 Foundations to a Healthy Tree
#5:Passions #2:Principles
(Gifts) (Maturing)
#3:People #4:Purpose
(Christians) (Lost)
#1:Power
(God)

10. Vision: A rooted, mature, fruitful tree with numerous passions...
where birds can pirch - Mark 4