Starting a Ministry to Blended Families

by: Jim Smoke - Jul 1, 2006 - comment

Author and counselor Jim Smoke is a pioneer in the field of divorce recovery. He gives several suggestions for starting a ministry to blended families.

  1. Get two or three couples in blended families together with the pastor. Share the blended family struggles and journey, and ask for his help in starting this ministry.
  2. Announce in your church bulletin that you plan to start a blended family ministry. Host a meeting for prospective families and share your dream. Emphasize that your ministry will include children.
  3. Ask about the needs of the families in your group, and then plan accordingly. Never assume you know their needs.
  4. Give your group a name and a purpose statement that will describe the group.
  5. Plan activities where entire families can interact as well as activities just for the children and activities just for the adults.
  6. Utilize the Web sites, books, and specialist counselors that are available to you. Become a resource by collecting helpful materials.
  7. Create a prayer list of blended family members to remind you to pray for each other.
  8. Network with other blended family groups in your area.

Taken from Seven Keys to a Healthy Blended Family by Jim Smoke; Copyright 2004 by Jim Smoke; Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR; Used by Permission.

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