Christian Ministries
Christian Family Ministries
A Christian family ministry helps whole households grow in faith together, supporting parents as the primary disciplers of their children and connecting the generations in one church family. It offers children's and youth programs, parenting help, and resources for faith at home. Most are run by local churches.
What a family ministry is, and what it offers
Family ministry treats the home, not just the classroom, as where faith is really formed. It equips parents to disciple their own children, supports them with children's and youth ministries, offers parenting classes and marriage support, and creates moments where grandparents, parents, and kids worship and serve together. The vision is a church where the generations are woven together, and where what happens on Sunday keeps going all week at the kitchen table.
God gave parents the first and lasting call to pass the faith on.
How to find one near you
The simplest way to find a family ministry is through a healthy local church. Most churches either run one themselves or can point you to a trusted ministry nearby. You do not have to have it all figured out to walk in the door; you only have to come.
Start with a church near you. The Living Bread keeps a growing directory of churches you can search, so you can find a congregation and simply ask what they offer.
Our church graph is how discovery turns into belonging: search brings you to a page, a page brings you to a congregation, and a congregation brings you to people who will actually know your name.
Real organizations in this space
Family ministry is centered in the local church, which runs the programs and equips parents. Several ministries create widely used family and parenting resources.
- Focus on the Family
- Offers parenting and family resources, radio, and counseling referrals for families.
- FamilyLife
- A ministry of Cru providing resources for marriage and parenting.
- Awana
- A children and youth discipleship program hosted by local churches, partnering with parents.
- Orange (The reThink Group)
- Creates children's, youth, and family ministry curricula used by many churches to align home and church.
The groups below are named for information only, not as an endorsement, and this is by no means a complete list. Ministries vary widely, and the best fit for you is usually the one nearest to you. Look to your own local church first, and weigh any ministry by Scripture and by the counsel of people you trust.
Come and belong
Behind every ministry is one simple thing: people who need one another and a Saviour who came to gather them. Family ministry is only worth anything because it helps someone find Christ and the family he is building. You do not have to arrive whole. Come as you are, and come and see.
Jesus Christ is Lord.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between family ministry and children's ministry?
- Children's ministry serves kids directly. Family ministry is broader, it aims to disciple the whole household and equip parents, connecting children's, youth, and adult ministries around the home.
- Do we need a perfect family to belong?
- No. Family ministry is for every kind of household, including single parents, blended families, and grandparents raising grandchildren. You are welcome as you are.
- How do we find a family ministry near us?
- Ask a local church what they offer for families. The Living Bread can help you find a nearby church to connect with.