Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

1
Mexican Union of Chiapas

CONTENT

Welcome 3
Introduction 4
Message from the pen of Elena G. de White 5
The Adventist Family Ministry and its objectives 6
Biblical foundation of the family 8
Four keys to an effective family ministry 9
Ideals of the Club 12
Initiatives that strengthen families 13
Actions that the Adventist Family Ministry can take 14
Model programs for the Marriage Club 15
Initiation program 15
Opening program 16
Renewal program 17
Monthly program 18
Responsibilities of the Board 19
Members of the MAF Council 21
Ideas for Family Worship 22
Annual work planning model 25
How to organize a Marriage Club 26
Constitution for Marriage Clubs 27
Admission request 31
Church registration application 32
District registration format 33
Certificate of Renewal of Vows 34

2
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual How to organize the marriage club

WELCOME

Dear Leader:

The time we have to live in is full of great challenges.

the core of society, which is the family, is being greatly dis-
virtuous.

We live in a world where negative values are shaping the new.

future generations. Hence the importance of looking after our families and
safeguard the spiritual, social, and moral principles that the SOS-
they have.

God has set His eyes on you. He has placed the responsibility in your hands.
and the privilege of serving you by ministering to the families of your church.

You have in your hands a manual prepared to guide you in complying with
I lie about your functions. Read it carefully and pray to the Lord asking
wisdom and of His Holy Spirit to be His instrument.

Work promoting:
1.- The Family Cult as a priority, ensures that in every home
carry out.
2.- Organizing the Marriage Club, invite the couples of your
church and identify what its needs are.
3.- Bring up the MAF topics that are included in the Revive.

Finally, I invite you to do your work with love, patience, and enthusiasm.
May God bless you and guide you in the effort to prepare happy families.
ready to welcome the King of Kings who is soon to come.

Sincerely,

Ms. Laura Minelly Ruiz González

Department of Adventist Ministry of the Family
Mexican Union of Chiapas

3
Mexican Union of Chiapas

INTRODUCTION

Our work for Christ must begin with the family at home. There is no more important field than this,
many have shamefully neglected the home front, and it is time for resources to be presented and
divine remedies to correct this ailment” (HC, 29).

God wants the families of the earth to be a symbol of the heavenly family. Christian homes are...
blessed and directed according to God’s plan and is among His most effective agents to form
the Christian character and to advance his work" (JT 3, 63).

From the very beginning, we find the principle of relationship in the human being, conceived in the mind of God.
by its nature and by the desire to make man happy (Genesis 1:26), and when marriage is instituted
achieving the blessing of 'be fruitful' and 'multiply' (Genesis 1:28), then the children of the
men and the sons of God.

The church is currently composed of marriages where both spouses are children of God and members.
from the church, and others he or she alone. This tells us that it is necessary to open the opportunity through this
union to the unbelieving spouses to bring them closer to Jesus, so that their homes may be stronger and spiritual
In light of the fact that in the world the sons of men support divorce, it is necessary to raise barriers to
through the club so that Christian homes are strengthened and prosper in all aspects.

When the Lord made the following statement 'they shall become one flesh' (Genesis 2:24), He meant to tell us that already
there would not be two but one, which would be merged or associated into one; but these two people with different
customs, traditions, temperaments, and experiences will not find it very easy to achieve this purpose; therefore,
the marriage club in the local church with its objectives and activities will help couples achieve this
Finally. All the marriages that join the club undoubtedly gain an ennobling experience.
achieving a more meaningful, complete, and satisfying romantic relationship. This integration will be a testament
living and a magnet before the world of desires and purposes of God regarding marriage in contrast
with Satan's plans here on earth.

4
From the pen of Elena G. de White

The Christian home is a place where the family respects and practices the norms and principles taught.
children in the Bible. Fathers and mothers have received the command from our Lord Jesus Christ
to instruct their children in the fear of God, in order to turn them into useful men and women,
honorable and loyal, and to prepare them for eternal life” (HC, 12).

As long as men are unaware of the tricks of such a vigilant enemy, he follows them everywhere.
moment the footsteps. It enters into all homes, into all the streets of our cities.
in the churches, in the councils of the nation, in the courts, confusing, deceiving,
seducing, ruining everywhere the souls and bodies of men, women, and children,
destroying the unity of families, sowing hatred, rivalries, seditions, and deaths. And the
the Christian world seems to view these things as if God himself had arranged them and as if
they should exist. Satan is continually trying to defeat the people of God, breaking
the barriers that separate him from the world." (CS, 498).

The home must be made everything the word implies. It must be a

small heaven on earth, a place where affections are
cultivated instead of being studiously repressed.
Our happiness depends on cultivating love in this way,
the sympathy and true mutual courtesy” (HC, 11).

Satan is working within the

families. Their flag waves even in homes.
of those who profess to be Christians. In them is
see the envy, the suspicions, the hypocrisy,
the coldness, the rivalry, the disputes, the
betrayals and the unbridled indulgence of desires.
The whole system of doctrines and principles
religious figures that should form the foundation
and the framework of social life, it seems like a wave

teetering on the verge of collapsing in

ruins (CS, 642, 643).

5
Mexican Union of Chiapas

THE ADVENTIST FAMILY MINISTRY

It is a department that works and strives to achieve and build stronger and better families within the
people of God, and prepare them to be families for eternity. "As far as it is possible, the family
It must be here a model of the heavenly" (HA, 13). The Adventist Family Ministry teaches competencies
in a variety of interpersonal skills and decision-making in different areas of family life.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Adventist Family Ministry longs to bring heaven into the family and lead the family to heaven.
Our purpose is to show that Christ restores and heals wounds by experiencing the love of Christ. Exalt
we look to Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of families and the only hope of the world.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES
God would like our families to be symbols of the family in heaven" (HA, 13). "Jesus wants to see matri-
monios and happy homes” (Ibíd., 85).

Build stronger and happier families both in the church and in the community.
2. Provide a Christ-centered spiritual foundation for families and individuals in order to perfect them.
family members.
3. Enrich the lives of family members by meeting the needs of different groups in
positive and uplifting form, through a variety of programs.
4. Provide education to achieve good intrafamily relationships.
5. Teach those who are not married the biblical principles of partner selection, dating, and preparation
for marriage, so that they have more opportunities to enjoy a blessed marriage and
long.
6. Encourage both young people and adults to uphold the principles of chastity and morality before the
marriage, and monogamy and fidelity in marriage.
7. Promote mutual family testing at home as well as in the community.
8. Show that health and reconciliation are still options within families with greater pro-
problems.
9. Prepare families to stand as complete families on the sea of glass.
10. Promote the evangelization of the family and for the family.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
1. Encourage each church to choose a Family Ministry director and continue prioritizing it.
deserves family education.

6
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

Encourage the continuous emphasis on evangelism by the Family Ministry and make resources available.
for this purpose.
3. Form a team with other ministries for the benefit of families.
4. Encourage the formation of ministries in favor of singles and men's ministry in the churches.
5. Encourage the formation of support groups for various needs, such as parenting, recovery
after divorce, recovery after losing a loved one, suffering parents, etc.
6. Establish a reserve of well-qualified educators and specialists in family ministry, and publish
a list of the same so that churches that wish to can utilize those talents
7. Collaborate with other church ministries to present training programs in the churches,
districts and in the territory of the fields.

7
Mexican Union of Chiapas

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION OF THE FAMILY

The relationships of God with His people provide a model for Christian family life. His people are called a
family (Ephesians 3:15), or members of the family of God (Ephesians 2:19). God's relationship with His children is based on
in a covenant (Genesis 17:1; Isaiah 55:3; Jeremiah 32:40; Hebrews 10:16) and is often described using
terms related to the family:

• The relationship between God and his people is a marriage (Jeremiah 3:14).
• His people is his wife (Isaiah 49:18; 62:5; Revelation 21:2, 9).
• He is the Husband (bridegroom) (Isaiah 62:5; Matthew 25:1-10; Mark 2:19, 20).
• God is called Husband (Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 31:32; 1 Corinthians 11:2).
• Adultery is called the unfaithfulness to God (Jeremiah 3:8,9) or prostitution (Hosea 2:5-13; Revelation)
17:1).
• God is like a Father (2 Samuel 7:14; Jeremiah 31:9; Matthew 6:9; Luke 23:34; Ephesians 3:14; Revelation
1:6).
• Several verses describe God as a mother (Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 49:15; 66:12).
• Believers are children of God (Matthew 5:9; Romans 8:14-16).
• The unbelievers are called disobedient children (Ephesians 2:2; 5:6).
• God uses the language of paternal discipline to refer to spiritual correction (Deuteronomy 8:5;
Hebrews 12:6, 7.
• And rejoice with the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18).
• Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord... Husbands, love your wives, just as
as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:22-25).
• Husbands, likewise live with them wisely, giving honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, and as
the coheirs of the grace of life" (1 Peter 3:7). There are other guidelines regarding parents, for
example:
» And these words that I command you today shall be upon your heart; and you shall repeat them to your children, and you shall speak

of them...” (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7).

» And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in discipline and admonition.
of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).
• Children are also given directives: "Hear, children, the teaching of a father, pay attention, to
that you may know wisdom" (Proverbs 4:1).
• Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
• At least three of the directives of the Decalogue or Ten Commandments deal with protecting and preserving.
enrich the life within the family: 'Honor your father and your mother' (Exodus 20:10); 'You shall not commit
"adultery" (Exodus 20:14); "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife" (Deuteronomy 5:21).

8
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

FOUR KEYS FOR AN EFFECTIVE FAMILY MINISTRY

For an effective program, a leadership team that is committed to this effort is required.
extended period of time. The most important aspect of this team is the director.
This individual needs to be a good communicator, with a deep interest in human relationships.
with organizational skills. The Ministry of the Family provides health services to those who have been victims
of abuse and injured by dysfunctional families and lost relationships. It offers regeneration and restoration.
complete those whose identities have been broken and distorted by abuse.

Profile of the Family Ministry Director

• Adult
• Married
• Deep interest in family ministry
• Husband-wife team
• Availability of time
• Leadership skills
• True Christian

1. DEFINE What types of families make up your church? You may have a genealogy impression.
NEEDS OF ral based on what is superficially noted in the church on Saturday mornings. Without
THE FAMILY AREA embargo, this general impression needs to be refined by further research
cisa. A good way to start may be by distributing a family profile to
that the members of the congregation fill it. It must be distributed in the church, be
filled out and returned immediately. This should give you a fairly accurate picture of the
composition of the families of active members. At the end of this module we have
including an example of a family profile survey.

Keep in mind that the Adventist Family Ministry is not only for
the members of your church. It can also be evangelistic, ministering to the needs
sights of their neighbors and friends who are not church members. It may be
good idea to conduct a survey in your community to determine interests and needs
needs of families. At the end of this module, we have included an example of a
survey of interests and needs for the community surrounding the church.

9
Mexican Union of Chiapas

2. PLANNING THE The planning process begins after some needs have been identified.
MINISTRY defined audience potentials. Choose five or six audiences with
FROM THE FAMILY IN great needs that you have the potential to meet. You will achieve the plans
HIS CHURCH from the Ministry of Family Life in the following manner:
LOCAL
Appropriate planning
• Mission.
• Vision.
• SWOT Analysis.
• Goals – long-term objectives.
• Métodos estrategias. ¿Qué?, ¿cómo?, ¿cuándo?, ¿dónde?, ¿quién?, ¿cuánto?
• Scheduling.
• Budget and assistants.
• Locate or generate material resources (audio-visuals, program packages,
materials for the participants, etc.).
• Decide the place, time, fee, and other details of the event.

Announce the Events of the Adventist Family Ministry (MAF)

It doesn't matter that a good program meets the needs of the specific audience,
You're not going to achieve anything if no one shows up! People won't come if they don't know about the pro-

grandma. Let's look at some ideas to announce your events.

• Invitations from person to person, friends inviting friends.
• Direct mail or email.
• Signs, posters, flyers, brochures.
• News to print or disseminate (free advertising).
• Paid advertisements.
• The promotional announcement must answer these basic questions about its
event
What is being offered?
Where will the event take place? How will people benefit from it?
take part in the event? What will the registration cost for the event be?
Who will give the seminars?
• Find leaders and helpers.
• Locate or generate material resources (audio-visuals, program packages,
materials for the participants, etc.).
• Decide the place, time, fee, and other details of the event.
• Announce the Events of the Ministry of Family

10
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

3. EVALUATE AND GIVEEvaluation questionnaire. Each seminar must provide individuals the opportunity
FOLLOW-UP opportunity to fill out a questionnaire at the end. This provides the opportunity to evaluate the
TO YOUR EVENT effectiveness of the program and also gives people the opportunity to indicate
your interest in future seminars. At the end of this module, a simple sheet is provided
of evaluation.

Follow-up. Be sure to inform people about future events and services.

Develop a tracking program focused on the worship service.
People who respond to MAF events can respond very well to groups.
small focused on the study of the Bible and fellowship. An MAF event can-
to give the opportunity to invite people to a future evangelistic series.

4. EMPHASIZE Most churches already have a full church calendar. It can be given a
EMPHASIS on strengthening families within services, activities and
OF THE FAMILIES programs that already exist in the church. Such as: Sabbath School, service of ado-
ration, prayer service, youth society, evangelistic meetings, social gatherings
and excursions, children's dedicated services, weddings, funerals, biblical school of
vacation, news reports, personal ministry, pastoral visitation, etc.

MAF includes three phases: Education, Enrichment, Counseling. 'These phases can
to offer opportunities for the enrichment of existing relationships; and to offer
the opportunity for personal and relational growth under the guidance of a counselor
competent.
Seven steps to a successful Family Ministry
successful liar, p. 5.

11
Mexican Union of Chiapas

CLUB IDEALS

IDEALS
Each ideal contains the vow and law of the spouses, so that each marriage knows and practices these principles.
cips

VOTE LAW
With the help of the Eternal: The spouse law orders me:

• I will love my spouse • Give God the first place

• I will be faithful at all times • Practice family worship
• I will make my marriage a sacred circle. • Accept my spouse
degree • Appreciate the good qualities
• I will keep the law of the spouse • To have small gestures
• I will defend the home and promote its • Talk to my spouse
permanence • To be understanding
• Practice Christian courtesy
• Be tenacious and persistent
• Maintain a positive mental attitude.

12
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual How to organize the marriage club

INITIATIVES THAT STRENGTHEN FAMILIES

In the Sabbath School.

a). Includes special parts such as special speakers in the classes for minors, young people, and youth.
Lessons from the Sabbath School on topics that address family life.
b). Give the children the opportunity to participate in the adult Sabbath School with special songs.
sundries, poems or others.
c). Allow families to participate in meetings, it can be in singing exercises or within the program
but will be held from the Sabbath School.
2. In the worship service.
a). Preaching sermons about family.
b). Use examples from your different family situations for illustration in your sermon.
c). Stories for children with Christian principles and values.
d). Take into account the needs of children, adults, young people, and married individuals when planning the service.
worship (select song).
e). Request the participation of couples or families to lead the different parts of the worship; provide the
special music, the biblical reading, the announcement of the hymns or in the prayer.
f). Include young people in leading worship services or serving as ushers or receptionists.
g). Include a moment of friendship at the beginning of the divine service, in which members can greet each other.
to give oneself.
h). Distribute a small sheet with suggestions in favor of the family at the end of the sermon.
i). Provide care for the children of single parents so that they can enjoy the com-
Complete blessing of the worship service.
j). Have a moment of consecration at the end of the worship service for families and couples.
3. Prayer worship
In Small (small groups).
Groups
a). Study topics related to the family.
For example:
Stories of fathers, mothers, children, or entire families found in the Holy Bible.
b). Study the book of Christian Home, Child Guidance, and The Way to Christ.
c). Pray in a rotating manner by specific families.
d). Ask for testimonies from families about how God has blessed them.
e). As part of the worship service, present a demonstration of how to celebrate family worship.
f). Selecting for this families that can demonstrate interesting and effective ideas to use in
the family cult.
g). Sing family hymns that are in our hymnals.
h). Present a series of topics about the family that are of great interest to the congregation and show
such as the Bible presents practical aspects for daily life.

13
Mexican Union of Chiapas

ACTIONS THAT THE ADVENTIST FAMILY MINISTRY CAN TAKE

There are countless activities that leaders can do. Just to mention a few of the activities-
As often occurs in the church by this department, we can point out:

• Campaigns to renew Family Worship. The essence of worship in each family must be promoted.
daily, and as much as possible, guide the formation of small groups from these. It is
to say that at least one day a week the family worship turns into a small group where
assistant friends, neighbors, and other church members.
• Delivery of brochures and guidance. It can even be taken advantage of if there is a church bulletin or a...
there, to place small meditations and advice for families.
• Family Gatherings. These are occasional retreats for some or all families of the church, to
get to know each other better. It is recommended at least once a year to have a family gathering with all the
families of the church.
• New Year's reception in some venue, not necessarily the church, for all its families.
Commissions can be organized to handle the different aspects of the meeting (reception,
transport, meals, games, topics, dynamics, teams, etc.
• Renewal of Wedding Vows. It consists of renewing the significance for the church marriages.
deep in their wedding vows, in the context of a beautiful message and a gathering at the end, or
well, a small ceremony as original as possible.
• Meeting of single people. All adults and older adults are invited to a get-together.
you, to share and get to know each other. Undoubtedly, there can be many more ideas, but the important
It is important for every leader to learn to depend on God to receive from Him the vision He has for his church, and
so that we can always work in accordance with his will.
• Organize picnics.
• Parents and children meeting.

Like any ministry, the MAF department requires a lot of effort and dedication. But we must trust.
God will always work together with our efforts if we put ourselves in his hands.

14
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

MODEL PROGRAMS FOR THE MARRIAGE CLUB

A. MARRIAGE CLUB INITIATION PROGRAM

This program aims to officially organize the club before the church. The director plans in advance.
anticipation this special activity.

OBJECTIVES WHEN ORGANIZING THE CLUB:

a) Properly organize the club
b) Present the club to the Church

SUGGESTIVE PROGRAM ORDER

1. Entrance of the fence (Conquistadors, Major Guides, etc.)
2. Entrance of the officiants (Pastors and spouses)
3. Entry of the couples (Club members)
4. Welcome
5. Congregational hymn
6. Bible reading
7. Prayer on knees
8. Repetition of the vote
9. Explanation of the vote
10. Repetition of the law
11. Explanation of the law
12. Special music
13. Spiritual message
14. Lighting the candelabra
15. Club Song
16. Presentation of the directive
17. Final Song
Final sentence
19. Exit

NOTE: The director of the Adventist Family Ministry department of the Aso must be in this program.
the initiation and the local Pastor with his wife, and this ceremony takes place only once in the history of the club.

15
Mexican Union of Chiapas

B. OPENING PROGRAM
This is held before the church with the purpose of opening the activities and programs of the club with the
members.

OBJECTIVES:
a) Encourage family integration in the Church
b) Document the commitment of the club

SUGGESTIVE PROGRAM ORDER

1. Entrance to the gate (they must be the children of the member couples of the club)
2. Entry of the officiants
3. Entry of registered members
4. Welcome
5. Congregational song
6. Biblical reading
7. Prayer on Knees
8. Presentation of the members
Special music
10. Spiritual message
11. Presentation of the directive
12. Leadership Commitment
Acceptance of the vote
14. Acceptance of the law
15. Club song
16. Explanation of the standards
17. Final song
18. Prayer for the club
19. Exit

NOTES:
In the presentations, each family member is described in an interesting way, with their preferences.
recreational, social, and spiritual.
The leadership commitment is requested by the pastor from the club director.
This meeting may be presided over by the district pastor or, in their absence, by the club counselor.
The first month of each ecclesiastical year is carried out.

16
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

C. RENEWAL PROGRAM
It is a program that club members carry out before the church, at least once a year to do the
renewal of marriage vows.

OBJECTIVES
a. Celebrate the years of marriage.
b. Renew the wedding vows.

SUGGESTIVE PROGRAM ORDER

1. Entrance of the fence (they must be the children of the member couples of the club)
2. Entrance of the officiants
3. Entry of registered members
4. Welcome
5. Congregational Song
6. Biblical Reading
7. Prayer on knees
8. Special music
9. Spiritual message
10. Marital experience
11. Description of each couple
12. Renewal of marriage vows
13. Matrimonial blessing
14. Final Song
15. Final sentence
16. Exit

NOTE:
a. This program must be presided over by an ordained pastor.
b. The description must mention the wedding day of each couple.
It takes place in the second semester of the ecclesiastical year.

In all these special programs, it is expected that members attend church dressed in
gala, remembering or living the moments when we presented ourselves at the altar to receive the blessing
matrimonial.

17
Mexican Union of Chiapas

D. MONTHLY PROGRAM
This meeting is held regularly throughout the year, each time a new board is elected, it prepares
his work plan includes these regular club meetings, which contain social and mental aspects
and spiritual. It can be held at the church, school, family home, under the trees, or wherever the leadership sees fit.
Attend. All club members must attend these meetings, bringing their dues to make their
program and plan their projects on the days and times that the club agrees.

Below are some suggested programs that can be carried out through the directive.

SUGGESTIVE NORMAL MEETING

PROGRAM I PROGRAM II
Welcome 1 Surprise activity 5
Club song 3 Club song 2
Opening prayer 2 Prayer band 3
Repetition of the vote and the law 2 Repetition of the vote and the law 2
Reflections on a biblical text 8 Class about the home or family 45
Prayer band 5 Social moment 5
Attendance and fee 5 Roll call and fees 3
Class on a topic about family 30 Testimonials 5
Social moment 15 Closure 5
(games, birthdays, etc.) TOTAL 1 minute 15 seconds

Closure 4
TOTAL 1:15 minutes

PROGRAM III
Welcome 2
Roll call and fees 3
Meditation on a biblical text 7
Prayer groups 3
Repetition of the vote and the law 2
Social moment 10
Class about the family 40
Planes 5
Closure 3
TOTAL 1:15 minutes

18
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD

DIRECTOR MARRIAGE
He/She will preside over all board meetings that are necessary to prepare.
the projects and carry out the programs that the club has.
2. Both the husband and the wife will lead the regular meetings and ...
they will lead the programs.
They are the primary responsible for the good progress of the club to achieve the
objectives and carry out the activities for which it was organized.
4. Verbally and through his testimony instill encouragement and enthusiasm in everyone.
club members consistently.

SECRETARY MARRIAGE
1. Assist the couple director at all times, both in meetings of the di-
rectifying as in the club's own activities.
He is the second responsible for the club constantly moving forward.
all aspects
3. It will keep an accurate record of all votes that are raised, both in the directive
as in the plenary, so that everything is transparent in the process of
club.
4. Will keep the data of each couple up to date and also their attendance at each meeting.
nion, for everything necessary for the good functioning of the club.
5. It will have the files of the registrations and re-registrations of all the members.
brothers, as well as the necessary data of the official organization of the club.

TREASURER MARRIAGE
In the absence of the director and secretary, he will take responsibility for moving forward.
the scheduled meetings and activities.
2. He is responsible for promoting the finances, for searching, with the management, strategies.
measures to achieve higher income for the club, so that at all times
they achieve their projects.

They must keep an accurate record of all necessary income and expenses.
keep members informed of all resources on a constant basis.
4. You will be willing to provide the funds for whatever is necessary, as long as
when the club's board of directors approves it.
5. He/She will safeguard and oversee the wise use of the club's finances during his/her term.
responsibility.

19
Mexican Union of Chiapas

MARRIAGE ADVISOR
He/She will attend all board meetings to contribute his/her suggestions and
observations for the good progress of the club.
2. He/She will cooperate with the management so that it achieves its objectives in every way.
mento.
He is a facilitator between the club's board and its members.

20
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

MEMBERS OF THE MAF COUNCIL

Members of the council of the Adventist Family Ministry.

• MAF Director (couple).
• A single person.
• A marriage.
• One or two parents.
• Couple president of the marriage club.
• Elder advisor.
• District pastor (ex officio member).
• A person who represents the various age groups of the church.
• Department directors who are related to the Adventist Family Ministry.

21
Mexican Union of Chiapas

IDEAS FOR FAMILY WORSHIP

INTRODUCTION
How to help your children grow spiritually.
The most important gift you can give your children, as a parent, is the desire to love, follow, and serve.
God. Some ways to achieve it could be:
• Become a positive role model for your children, so that they feel inspired and motivated.
for their faith.

• Set aside time to talk to your children about their faith and their relationship with God.
• Pray for your family and your children, as well as for yourself. Let your children see and hear when you
He/She does it. Share with them your experiences of answered prayers to help them develop their ...
trust in God.
• Help your children to seek answers in prayer, but also to understand that God knows what it is.
better for them and that sometimes the answers come in unexpected ways and not always as we wish.
• Experience the grace and forgiveness of God, so that you can convey that experience to your...
children. Grace implies that God loves us regardless of our actions. This is one of the
most beautiful aspects of the Christian faith.
• Learn to put into practice God's grace in your family through forgiveness and acceptance when your
children make mistakes or damage something accidentally.
• Be patient with your children, for God has done so with you. Think of the loving way God has...
has disciplined so that you can discipline your children in a way that brings them closer to God.
• When raising your children, treat them with gentleness and affection so that they can understand the incredible love.
what God feels for them. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and think that this kind of love can make a difference
in the way they raise them.
• Encourage your children to develop their own spiritual relationship with God by dedicating a few minutes each
day to read a portion of the Scriptures and pray.
• Help them discover and use their spiritual gifts.

Tips for conducting wonderful family worship

The following tips will help you celebrate more interesting and creative family worships:
• Hold simple family worships. You can use a devotional for children or study guides from the
Bible during the week, and that the worship services on the weekends be special.
• Organize family worship in advance and gather the necessary materials.
• Invest your money wisely! Buy suitable books, good Christian DVDs, and purchase interesting games.
from the Bible, as well as activity books.
• Forget about discipline and criticism during family worship. Engage in fun, interesting activities.
short, brief, and affectionate. This is what your children will remember most.

22
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

• Use family worship to teach your children Bible stories; so they learn to make good decisions.
sessions, to follow the direction of God and how to develop a prayer relationship with God; to teach them
about creation; for them to memorize the Scriptures; for them to experience the joy of serving; for
to teach them hymns of worship and so they can enjoy being Christians.
• Remember that children learn in different ways, so make sure that the teachings contain
practical illustrations, crafts, unforgettable stories, and physical activities.
• Use everyday events to talk to your children about God. The opportunities for teaching...
spiritual networks are around you and many times they represent the best way to help your
children to learn about God. This book also includes a series of tools for worship
that you can mix with the family routine.

How to create a supply box for worship

It can be very useful to create a worship box, so that most of the things you need are
Ready to use. Below are some resources you might include in the box:

• A Bible for children • Cardboard plates

• Safe scissors • Stickers
• Adhesive tape • Alfileres
• Glue • Envelopes
• White sheets • Magazine clippings
• Colored leaves • Books of biblical stories
• Colored cardboard • Musical instruments
• Markers • A soft scarf to bandage
• Ballpoint pens the eyes
• Acetate sheets • Paper bags
• Pencils • Fabric, felt and scraps
• Drafts • Natural elements and stones
• String • Small objects mentioned
• Balloons in the biblical stories
• Colored pencils or crayons • Colored buttons

How to use worship activities

• Every child is different, we can say the same about each family, so not all activities are
they will adapt to each child or family. It is up to you to choose the activities that meet the needs.
of your family.
• Some activities may not be suitable now, but they could be convenient in the future.
• Many of the activities for the worship service are designed to require very little preparation.

23
Mexican Union of Chiapas

action, because parents are often busy. Save time by sending your children to look for the
necessary materials while reading the activity that they will carry out with them.
• You might find it convenient to hold simpler services from Monday to Friday and leave the
more complex for the weekends.
• All ideas for family worship include other options in case they do not fit your family.
or do not have the necessary materials for the first option. If you wish, you can do
the main activity and also these options, so that they have more activities during the worship
familiar.
• Some families like to repeat the activities they enjoy, so you can take note of those.
what they would like to do again.

The music for the family worship

• Use children's worship songs in the service.
• Buy some videos of children's Christian music for your kids to watch and sing along.
• Make or obtain some simple musical instruments that your children can play during the service.
• Create your own praises using familiar melodies, adding your own words. Ask them for ideas.
your children.
• Add mime to the songs to help children enjoy the music.

24 24
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

ANNUAL WORK PLANNING MODEL

Note: Review the Mission / Partnership calendar before creating your annual activity calendar.
to plan and attach various activities that strengthen family relationships.

February: • Marriage Club Meeting - (Seminar 1 is being held)

• Marriage dinner on Valentine's Day

March • Marriage Club Meeting - (Seminar 2 is taught)

April • Meeting of the Marriage Club

May • Marriage Club Meeting - (Seminar 3 is being held)

• Program, celebration activity for moms
• Celebrate the Saturday of Relationship and Instruction of MAF
• Family picnic

June • Program, celebration activity for parents

• Marriage Club Meeting - (Seminar 4 is being held)

July and August • Marriage Club Meeting - (Seminar 5 is taught)

September • Marriage encounter, (local, at the Association/Mission level)

(Seminar 6 is being held)

October • Couples Club Meeting

November • Marriage Club Meeting - (Vow Renewal, Graduations)

December • Love projects, sharing clothes, toys, and food with those in need.

25
Mexican Union of Chiapas

HOW TO ORGANIZE A MARRIAGE CLUB

Make a list of all the existing marriages

in the Church.

2. Visit all existing marriages through the Council

to invite them on behalf of the church to the formation of the club.

3. If possible, have the objectives written down during this visit.

and club activities.

4. Bring the admission application format so that each couple

I filled it out and registered.

The meeting time for the appointment of the board is set.

6. In this meeting, the appointment is made according to how

it says so in the constitution.

The normal meeting schedule and days of the club are agreed upon.

Plans are made for the name and the banners of the club.

9. A chant about the club is sought or created.

Preparations are being made for the inaugural program.

11. The organization of the club is certified before the church.

26
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

CONSTITUTION FOR MARRIAGE CLUBS

ARTICLE I
The name

In the first meeting with all the members, a name with special meaning is sought.

This association of Christian marriages will be known as the Marriage Club.

from the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Name of the church or location

ARTICLE II
Of the objectives

The objectives of the Marriage Club will be as follows:

1. To know and practice the principles of family life, as taught in the Bible,
Spirit of Prophecy and the Family Life Ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Day.
2. Be a guiding instrument for family life.
3. Achieve greater integration of couples.
4. Foster a spirit of camaraderie and sociability among couples.
5. Train couples to become instructors in the area of family life.
Inspire other marriages to strive for the happiness that is possible within.
of the Adventist lifestyle.
7. Offer premarital counseling to the youth of the church.

ARTICLE III
From the activities to achieve the objectives

The following activities should be organized and promoted to achieve the club's objectives.
Program of 'Connected with God' to strengthen marital spirituality.
Program for parents and teenagers to improve relationships between parents and children.
3. Spiritual retreats for couples.

27
Mexican Union of Chiapas

4. "Celebration of Instruction Days", in coordination with the church program

(The week's activities have been replaced by instructional days).
5. Monthly club meeting, for:
a). Presentation of a topic or seminar of general interest on:
b). Education of children, discipline, sexuality, birth control, communication,
spiritual life, emotional health, physical health, finances, parenting, etc.
c). Time for discussions and questions.
d). Group study of a book.
- The Christian Home
- Child guidance.
- Dietary advice
- Ministry of Healing
- Education
- Advice for parents and teachers
e). Dedicate time to pray together.
f). Plan.
6. Celebration of entertainment seminars to train some couples so that
become guides for family life.
7. Any other type of program or activities that help achieve the objectives of
club and the Adventist Family Ministry.

ARTICLE IV
Of the members

The following may be members:

All marriages members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who wish to
belong to the club.
2. All marriages, even if they are not members of the Adventist church, that...
they belong to the club and support and enjoy the company and activities of the matri-
Adventist members and commit to respecting the principles and standards of the church.
3. Responsibilities:
a). Attend the club's regular meetings, which will be one session per month.
b). Attendance at extraordinary meetings called by the board.
c). Participate in the projects promoted by the club.
d). Observe a Christian moral behavior.
e). Cover the monthly or annual fee agreed upon by the club.

28
 Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Couples Club

ARTICLE V
From the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will be made up of the following areas:

Presidency
2. Secretariat
3. Treasury
4. Vocal
Vocality
6. Counseling (The pastor and his wife and the director of Family Life of the church and his wife, if
these last ones are not nominated for the presidency.

Each area will be in the hands of a couple, which will be chosen according to the guidelines pro-
views in this constitution.
The board will be elected for one year and will operate in cooperation and coordination with the Ministry.
Adventist of the Family

ARTICLE VI
From the elections

The club leaders will be elected as follows:

1. Appointment Commission:
It will consist of 3 to 5 pairs.
They will be elected directly by the plenary.
c). It will be presided over by the pastor and his wife or the first elder of the church.
d). You must submit a report to the plenary of the suggested couples to be the
peoples.
2. The appointment committee will present a report to the plenary, which will vote on its acceptance.
approval or rejection.

29
Mexican Union of Chiapas

ARTICLE VII
Of finances

To meet the club's objectives, finances will be required; these will come to the club's treasury from the si-
next sources:
1. Monthly fee for each member couple (a fee within reach of each couple is recommended, leaving
that couples with greater economic potential contribute more.
2. Special contributions that the church may provide (church budget).
Donations.
4. Earnings from special projects.
5. Any other means agreed upon by the board in common agreement with the plenary.

The club's funds will be held in custody at the church treasury.

30
Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

31
Mexican Union of Chiapas

32
Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

33
Mexican Union of Chiapas Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

34
Adventist Family Ministry / Manual on How to Organize the Marriage Club

35