For very helpful messages on the theology of family integration, see Voddie Baucham’s message below, “The Centrality of the Home” and also “Answering Objections to Uniting Church and Family“. Both will present the strong biblical case for age-integrated ministry as the scriptural norm.
Family Integrated Churches come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. There are FICs in virtually every denominational and theological tradition, and in most sections of the country. Singles, students, single-parent families, retired adults, and traditional families all find a home in a FIC. While no two FICs are exactly alike, they do have certain distinctives in common.
Families Worship Together
If you’ve ever walked into a FIC during a worship service, perhaps the first thing that struck you was the fact that there were so many babies and small children in the service. We have grown accustomed to the presence of children in the service, and the children grow accustomed to being a part of the worship experience. No one will stop you at the door if you try to enter our service with your toddler. And if you come without your family, we want you to be a part of ours.
No Systematic Age Segregation
One of the biggest distinctions of a FIC is the absence of age-graded ministries. We have found great benefit in all the generations growing alongside each other. We do not have segregated student ministry or children’s ministry. First, these ministries are not part of the biblical church model. The Bible is clear on whose job it is to disciple children… parents. Second, these ministries can work against the biblical mode. Parents who are relieved of their discipleship duties tend to become dependent on those who have taken over the job. Finally, these ministries have failed. We are losing 75-88% of Evangelical teens by the end of their freshman year in college. And as Dr. Alvin Reid has noticed, “The largest rise of youth professionals in history has been accompanied by a decline in youth evangelism effectiveness.”
Evangelism/Discipleship Through Homes
We teach parents to evangelize and disciple their children and their neighbors. We emphasize the ministry of hospitality, family worship, catechism, and family discipleship. Thus, instead of placing the burden on paid professionals to “do the work of the ministry,” we equip the saints to do it.
Education as a Key Component of Discipleship
Jesus said, “A pupil is not above his teacher, but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Whoever educates a child is discipling that child. We work hard to show the critical importance of Christian education, and to help families make biblical choices as it relates to this part of their children’s discipleship.
You’ll find no perfect families at Basswood Church. But, you will find families striving together for God’s glory!
