The over-arching objective of the Department of Family Ministries is to strengthen the family as a discipling center. The family was established by divine creation as the fundamental human institution and is the primary setting in which values are learned and the capacity for close relationships with God and with other human beings is developed. Family Ministries seeks to enable families to stretch toward divine ideals, while at the same time extending the good news of God's saving grace and the promise of growth possible through the indwelling Spirit.

 

Focusing on people in family relationships, Family Ministries reinforces and encourages wholesome families as they pass through life's predictable stages and contend with unexpected changes in their lives. It extends hope and support to those who have been injured and hurt by abuse, family dysfunction, and broken relationships. The department provides growth opportunities through family life education and enrichment and encourages individuals, married couples, and families to avail themselves of professional counseling when necessary.

 

Specific tasks include preparation of resources and leadership development to equip pastors and lay leaders to offer services to the community in the areas of premarital guidance, strengthening marriage, and parent education, with attention also given to extended families, single parenting, step-families and the family needs of singles.

 

Throughout it's history, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has periodically released position statements on specific topics and issues. A number of these pertain to marriage and the family, or to issues closely related to family life. For a complete collection of statements, access the official website of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: www.adventist.org Those presented here include the following: