I’ve learned over the years that there are many people out there who think they have a handle on Family Ministry, but really just know what not to do or think they have ideas. I don’t know much about this relatively new (to the modern church world) arena, but I have found one author I like and respect in this area: Rob Rienow. He is the founder for Visionary Family and Visionary Marriage. I’ve read several of his other books or writings. This one is no different: true to what it says.
Let me explain. In the first few chapters, Rob compels his readers to make sure they know what to do with Scripture. To let Scripture speak for itself, know it, apply it, and know that the Word of God is true and sufficient – even for determining how to run ministries in your church. And Rob doesn’t stop with just the first few chapters. He then proceeds to complete the rest of the book using this method. He lets Scripture be the driving force behind the remainder of his new book, Limited Church Unlimited Kingdom.
He goes through the Old Testament through the New Testament, Early Church, Reformation to present day in how the family has acted (and in specifics what the Word commands for families). Rienow gives some great advice on the children in worship services discussion, shouldn’t parents have the main discipleship in their children’s lives, and what role does youth ministry have. These are all important topics in this family ministry discussion these days.
What I appreciated most about Rienow’s book is that he stated at the beginning of the book that the Word demands that it have full authority (it is sufficient and perfect) and should also tell us how to do our local church ministries. Then, he actually does it. He doesn’t then go on to make up his own thoughts – he sticks with what Scripture says and bases his book on that.
Good man. Good book.