The broad definition of a "family idolator." Worshiping the family when
Definition of a "Family Idolator" by Mark Driscoll:
Definition of a "Family Idolator" by Mark Driscoll:
Confessions of a Family Idolator
- Thread starter FSSL
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OZZY said:
You didn't read the post... "As you can see, the church has programmed itself to divide the family at least 3/4s of the time. There is a place for graded instruction and divided teaching times. But, why has the church worked itself into a place where it works against the family unit?"
I bolded the section your reading comprehension stopped.
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FSSL said:
I certainly see and understand your (and Driscoll's point)....and it's not the first time it's been raised on the forums.
First of all, Mars Hill has a great children's ministry and at one point discouraged babies from attending the main worship service.....so I don't think he's advocating eliminating such.
It goes to a mentality, in my experience, that children and teens only worship and serve in their own compartments....and never are they mixed together.
It's all a matter of balance. Job, church, family, community each has priorities at various times. If you are in vocational ministry, particularly the pastorate, then there is a whole new set of priorities. It is quite easy to idolize family (especially when sports are involved), work, hobbies, etc. We are hard-wired to do just that.
Learn balance!!
Learn balance!!
I agree with you on balance. We all know of families who rarely attend church. However, I have seen well-meaning families charged with the phrase "family idolatry" because they don't attend a bulk of the services noted above.
It is clear that the charge of "family idolatry" as shown above is not valid. With the typical ministry structure, ministry leaders need to facilitate balance instead of criticizing.
The manipulative saying that typically accompanies the above kind of ministry says "You need to be here when the doors are open."
Since that manipulation is falling on deaf ears, the new mantra has evolved into... "Don't idolize the family."
I have been on both sides of the pulpit on this one. I hope ministry leaders take this thread as a word of caution to not charge people as "family idolaters" if they are unable to follow the above schedule.
It is clear that the charge of "family idolatry" as shown above is not valid. With the typical ministry structure, ministry leaders need to facilitate balance instead of criticizing.
The manipulative saying that typically accompanies the above kind of ministry says "You need to be here when the doors are open."
Since that manipulation is falling on deaf ears, the new mantra has evolved into... "Don't idolize the family."
I have been on both sides of the pulpit on this one. I hope ministry leaders take this thread as a word of caution to not charge people as "family idolaters" if they are unable to follow the above schedule.
Tarheel Baptist said:
I think it's entirely possible for teens to take theology seriously and do adult Sunday School. At that age, I did. I had a hunger to learn, and would not have been satisfied to be shunted off into a less serious junior version. I wasn't satisfied with the limitations of a "young adult" library card either.
...or forums... church programs...