Here are some Pro's and Cons to Family Integrated Churches:
Pros:
- They are as close to the Biblical model as we can find. The Bible is not filled with detailed instruction on how to conduct a church service. Even though there is room for debate on this, from the best we can determine the early church did the following: Preach the Word, administer the sacraments, share a meal, and share hymns. Nowhere is there mention of Sunday Schools and Youth Groups in the Bible. (Please note that just because they aren't mentioned does not, in and of itself, mean we should not have them.)
- They provide an encouraging environment for parents to disciple their own children. There is always that feeling in our current model that there is a safety net just in case we don't get around to doing it ourselves. This means that sometimes us parents just don't get around to it.
- They eliminate the need to recruit Sunday School teachers. If you have ever been in charge of this, you understand what a daunting and frustrating task this can be. Plus, not all Sunday school teachers are qualified for the job.
- They limit "counter recruitment" opportunities. Not everyone in Sunday School and Youth Group is there to grow in their faith or to ask honest questions. I have had many a Sunday lesson diminished as one child tries to mock and distract those who are enjoying and learning. Or maybe you were asked, as I was, when growing up to join the church youth group on a retreat because it was a great place to smoke pot.
- They are easier on Moms. Most people who teach in Sunday Schools are Moms who have kids in the Sunday School. This means after watching their children all week, they go to church and watch their own children, and everyone elses, and miss the the nourishment of the service.
- They help put families all on the same page and teach children and young adults that church is not an oddity reserved only for grown ups. Everyone hears the same sermon and can later chat about it. This is great news!
Cons:
- They go against our current tradition. This means that if your church switches to this "format" some people will leave your church.
- They can be a bit noisy. But not as noisy as you may think.This is especially hard for pastors who are producing a TV show each Sunday to be aired over the Internet or local television.
- They can be hard on Moms. It isn't always easy to sit in the service with your children. Of course, even in Family Integrated Churches kids and young adults aren't always perfectly behaved. There is no "format" that leads to perfect behavior. Some Sundays can be taxing. But your children can do this, and most enjoy it.
- There isn't the opportunity to teach Sunday School. For me, a now defunct Children's Pastor this is the worst part. However, most likely, you are the best person to disciple your own child.
A couple books worth checking out are Family Integrated Church by Mark Fox or Voddie Baucham's Family Driven Faith.
Comments and Questions?
