God’s wisdom for modern families

It’s unsurprising that Modern Family is a hit TV-show. Apart from the hilarious antics, it portrays the current familial trend of the western world – a shift from the traditional nuclear family to alternative family structures such as step families, de facto couples, single parents, gay parents, international adoption and surrogacy.

Statistics by the Herald Sun reveal that the number of traditional family households will wither to less than a quarter by 2026. Single-person homes are expected to take its place as the norm, rising from 24 per cent to 31 per cent.  Single households and couples with no children will also rise above traditional households. The reasons for these changes are believed to be the ageing population, longer life expectancies, stresses on families, financial pressures, increasing divorce rates and fewer marriages.

So what does that mean for Christians? It means our families should grow and hold tighter together under God’s Word. And one practical way to do this is to attend the Growing Faith Family Conference. 

A great day for everyone

What was the last conference you went to? The last conference your child went to? It’s unlikely that they were the same one. In an exciting twist, the Growing Faith Family Conference is a conference for the whole family. This makes incredible sense when you consider that families are God’s good plan in a world that is quickly turning to Plan B.

The conference begins with the all-in-family session where parents sit alongside their children and teenagers, while Peter Tong, Assistant Minister of Naremburn Cammeray Anglican Church, preaches on this year’s theme: being a light to the world.

Afterwards, parents can choose from 4 sessions:

• Evangelism – Raising mission-minded kids
• Witness – A light in your community
• Nurture – Shaping a Christian world view
• Love – Social justice, the church and the family

 

Meanwhile, age-appropriate crèche, children and youth programs will run concurrently to the seminars. These will be fun and interactive programs that will continue to explore the theme of being a light to the world.

Finally, the day will culminate in a great big family fair that will include a jumping castle, farm, face-painting, balloons and races.

The Family Conference is a great day to grow together as a family under God’s Word. And, in a time when the meaning of “family” is being stretched beyond its biblical limits, Christian families can be very bright lights.

Visit the Growing Faith Family Conference page for more information and to register.

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