1. Dr. Jim Grant Senior Pastor – Heartland Baptist Church, Alton Illinois Wife Kathy – married 41 yrs. 6 grandchildren Blog: preachbetweenthelines.com
Material Copyrighted to Dr. Jim Grant 2017

2. Revitalization and the Family

4. The Family has changed the Church
Revitalization? Defined
To impart new life or vigor to: plans to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods; tried to revitalize a flagging economy;
Church Revitalization
Family Revitalization
The definition reflects that there was a time when the entity was actually functionally correct
The Family has changed
The Family has changed the Church
The Family and the Church both need HELP!

5. Revitalization and the Family
This breakout will look at what is a functional family from a biblical perspective
It will look at the current status of the family
We will look at the effect of the family on the church and community
Finally it will give some possible actions necessary to restore the family unit.

6. If the Family is on Life Support;
Isn’t it reasonable to understand
the Church is too?

7. Revitalization and the Family
The Family Unit
The Community influence and impact
The Church identity
As the Family goes, so goes the Church, community and Country
If the Family is a mess; so will all else that flows out
Today the Church is faltering
1000 will close this year
Low attendance
“Rise of the Nones” [James Emory White]– 2nd highest category

8. Revitalization and the Family
The family is dysfunctional, and has been for yrs.
What has happened to the family?
Family is the basic foundation of society
If it fails – domino effect
Does the Bible address the Family Unit? If so what does it look like compared to what is in place today?
Perspective must be the intended design of God, not what we think or have become

11. Revitalization and the Family
For years the family was designed around biblical instructions. [Eph. 5/6; Col 3; Titus 3, 1 Peter 3] – Biblical Worldview
Marriage was defined as 1 man + 1 woman
Civil laws have changed the definition not God
Today we have step parents, single moms, single dads; two dads or two moms.
Today there are two primary worldviews
Humanism; relativism
Biblical

12. Revitalization and the Family
Is America a Christian Nation?
“Who Cares?”
Not only is there a lack of spiritual interests today; the subject is not even being considered!
-Isms
Humanism
Relativism
Socialism
Communism
Individualism
Pluralism

13. Revitalization and the Family
We have a rapidly changing society and culture
Travel, Technology and Times have changed
Shift from a We to Me ideology
Biblical model
Genesis 1:28/2:24; Man and Woman
Covenant Marriage; Sexual purity
Love and submission; 100% commitment

14. Revitalization and the Family
The biblical role models didn’t always get it right; they were self-centered and disobedient
The family [community] raised the children
Instruction/Discipline/Nurturing
Community “assisted” in raising
Family took care of each other; 1 Tim. 5:7-16
Parents set example of Christ love – Eph. 5:23-ff
Accountability and responsibility
Raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord

19. Revitalization and the Family
1st time in history we have 6 generations in the church and workplace [Silents, Builders, Boomers, Gen X, Millenials, Gen Y]
Many indicate that generational differences are the cause of the decline in the family and church
Cultural
Technology
Political
Personal
Spiritual

23. Revitalization and the Family
Parenting
Lack of discipline
Friend to children
No accountability
Children are raising Parents
Parenting begin with Us
Spiritual
Physical
Mental
Education
Heart, Mind, Body and Soul

24. Revitalization and the Family
Parenting
Dads must be Dads
Moms must be moms
Why is there so much Gender conflict?
Role Models are missing
The world has said that “we are all the same”
Confusion with gender and “sexual preferences”
Rebellion – ungodly
Sin has been “normalized”
No more Sin because it has been “Legalized”

26. Revitalization and the Family
We get what we make
Generational failure
Family – Community – Church
Dysfunctional families make dysfunctional Churches and dysfunctional Communities
The family and Church has failed to “Make Disciples”
Abraham – Isaac – Jacob
3rd generation was Lost! Knew Not God

28. Revitalization and the Family
Can the Family/Church be revived? Restored
Is it too late?
2 Chronicles 7:14 still rings true
But must return to the Scriptures, not “Self-help” books
Roles of Parents [Husband/Wife]
Influences the next Generation
This demise has been occurring for 70 years!
No quick fix!
Only until families return to the original design can the Church/Community/Country be restored

29. Revitalization and the Family
Answers
Must be Spiritual Parent, can’t give if you don’t have
Train Children on the scriptures
Discipline/disciple them
Be the Parent! Not the Child
Lead them in worship
Illustrate before them the Believer’s Walk
Be example of Christian Character [honesty, truthfulness, patience, thanksgiving, courtesy, sacrifice, and righteousness]
Love Unconditionally!

30. Additional Resources
Author Paul David Tripp
Author Timothy Paul Jones