1. SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF YOUR FAMILY
By Jonas & Raquel Arrais
General Conference Ministerial Association

2. A HEALTHY FAMILY Needs: A strong marriage commitment
Appreciation and affirmation
Effective communication
Spiritual commitment
Skills to deal with crisis and conflicts

3. FAMILY LIFE
OUR FIRST MINISTRY!

4. STRESS FACTORS Usually overloaded No time for the family
Struggle to survive
Concern for the future
Education of the children
Financial and health problems
Losses

5. Ellen White wrote:
“The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity that can be presented to the world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined family.”
—Adventist Home, p. 32

6. IMPORTANT CONCEPTS Christianity is a centralized life in love.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
—1 John 4:8

7. Home is a place to learn love
If love does not work at home, does not work anywhere else.

8. Love is a quality that is developed
Nobody is born loving.
We are born with the need and potential to love.
Love is learned.
That’s why God created the home!

9. Four of the 10 Commandments relate directly or indirectly to the home.

10. Second Commandment: Children tend to follow the example of their parents.
Fourth Commandment: The Sabbath rest includes the entire family.
Fifth Commandment: Children of any age have responsibility toward their parents.
Tenth Commandment: Admire your
own spouse, not the neighbor’s.

11. Taking care of our family should be a priority over everything else—except over God Himself.

12. RECIPE FOR A HAPPY FAMILY
Spend quality time regularly
The greatest gift you can give your family is you—yourself!
Real, quality, and sufficient time.
Fulfill your promise.

13. Allow time for small tasks
Work as a team.
Undertake something together.
Have rituals.
Set and discuss priorities.

14. Communicate with your spouse in a meaningful way:
Communicate well
Communicate with your spouse in a meaningful way:
Listen lovingly
Listen without judging
Share problems and triumphs
Communicate at a deeper level
Intimacy
Romance

15. Communicate with your children appropriately:
Verbal communication should cover both speaking and listening. It should be age-appropriate, respectful, and friendly.
Appropriate touch is important.
Body language affects how they react.

16. Affirm frequently
Express appreciation.
Say, Thank You!
Beware of criticism.
Always look for something good and positive.
Accompany and support your spouse.

17. Pray daily
Set the family altar as a daily top priority.
Make the family worship a happy experience.
Share the spiritual leadership.

18. Objectives of the family worship
Educational
Therapeutic
Redemptive

19. To build a happy family could bring some challenges, but the effort is worthy!

20. “A well-ordered, a well-disciplined family in the sight of God is more precious than fine gold. . .
One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that can be preached.”
—Adventist Home, p. 32