Kingdom Strategies for Healing Families and Communities Elizabeth Stewart, MFTi President and Founder Kingdom Family Resources

Family is God’s Plan Ephesians 3:14 and 15 “ For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom the whole family in heaven and on earth derives it’s name” Adam and Eve- Genesis 1 -3 The fall in the first marriage Dsyfuntional relationships Cain and Abel –Murder Moses –adoption and abandonment issues Joseph- betrayel, disowned David- illigetimate, targeted

Family is God’s plan The Need Oneness and Unity Belonging and Security Attachment- impact on the brain Attunement-Ocycotin

Family is God’s idea

Family is God’s plan Alex Haley- “in all of us there is a hunger, marrow –deep, to know our heritage- to know who we are and where we come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainment in life, there is still…an emptiness, and the most disquieting loneliness”

We are the church- what are we going to do? The Human condition –this is what is happening in my community 55% of kids under 18 have parents who are incarcerated in California In Santa Clara County 1,247 youth are in Foster Care Santa Clara County Juvenile Probation reports 121 detained youth These are all youth separated from family; this is just a small portion of the problems we are dealing with (Sources cited at end of presentation)

We are the church- what are we going to do? On a national level Implications of war on families Criminal activity including hate crimes Homelessness Domestic Violence Natural disasters Youth and adults receiving Mental Health services Adverse Life Experiences- acestudy.org The more adverse life experiences you have, the your more mental and physical health will be impaired

We are the church- what are we going to do? If we are going to be a healing agent we have to get back to relationships vs. doing programs In a church setting we present the Gospel thru preaching but we must live the Gospel in relationships that are healthy, safe, and secure

We are the church- what are we going to do? Natural FamilySpiritual Family Healthy FamilyHealthy Church

We are the church- what are we going to do? When people feel connected” School and job performance increases Motivation for daily life tasks increases Creates a sense of purpose and belonging Hope for the future and self actualization increases Increased positive self esteem leads to making better decisions

We are the church- what are we going to do? True religion is this: to take care of the widows and the orphans and to keep one self unstained from the world- James 1:27 How Transparent are we willing to be? How does the church assess the needs of the congregation? ?

Healing agents in our communities What is the role of your church in your community? What is your attitude towards your community? How do you personally contribute to your community? Who is responsible for your community?

Healing agents in our communities Spiritual parenting and mentoring in the community – build relationships Apply Christ’s values in your relationships Establish safety in your relationships Have healthy boundaries Create an atmosphere of love –does the community want to be around you? Leave religion out of the relationship!!! People want more relationship than programs, more love than rules This is how we effectively change our communities

Sources The United States Children’s Bureau July 2015 Kidsdata.org The Superior Court of California, Juvenile Justice Commision, Santa Clara County Probation Population sheet reported May 2015