Planning for Family Ministries

• Recruit a committee. Maybe committee isn't the right word, but don't try this alone. Leaders with good ideas sometimes lose momentum simply from trying to do everything alone. Let the need be known in the congregation, and make sure you recruit at least two other people as committed as you are to planning family ministries.


• Establish objectives. What do you want to accomplish? Clearly state your purpose for family ministry in your congregation. Is it to reach more families? to help those who are struggling with issues such as finances, addiction, and troubled relationships? to set a vision for the church as family into which all are welcomed?


• Determine your audience. Who are you trying to reach? What do you know about those you wish to reach? Have you taken a congregational survey? A community survey?


• Develop channels of communication. Once you know who, determine how. Is the church newsletter enough? Do you need to do special mailings? How about radio or TV spots? What about e-mail networks?


• Determine your funding needs. Consider all expenses that may be required — personnel, printing, postage, space, childcare, decorations. Ask for funding through the church budget, but look for other funding sources as well (donations, fees, etc.).


• Establish a schedule. If you are planning for a whole year, establish a schedule. Include opportunities for study, worship, recreation, service to others, and celebration.


• Assign responsibilities. Recruit others to carry out responsibilities. Will you need small-group leaders? hosts for dinners or picnics? volunteers to do phoning and other communication tasks?


• Evaluate throughout the year. Use written questionnaires, quick feeling responses, follow-up conversations after specific programs/events. Keep written records and use these for future planning.

For those in charge of planning family ministries in a congregation, Guidelines 2005-2008 Family Ministries: Helping Families Become Centers of Faith Formation is now available from Cokesbury (see Resources in this newsletter).

What's Happening

Planning for Family Ministries

Peacemaking Begins at Home

Families: Called to Hope

Worship at Home

Don't Forget Single Adults

Marriage Enrichment Opportunities

Resources

Upcoming Events

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