The Family Ministries (FM) department advisory was held from June 20 to 22, 2016, at the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) headquarters. Directors and leaders met from around the division to prayerfully strategize for the next five years.
Dr. Willie and Elaine Oliver, directors of the General Conference (GC) FM Department, were the featured guest presenters. The Olivers shared inspirational devotionals as well as powerful presentations, including “Strategic Focus Alignment,” “Ministering to Families in a Post-Modern World,” and “Emotionally Intelligent Family Ministries Leaders.”
During the three-day advisory, FM leaders focused on “Reaching Families for Jesus,” the theme for this quinquennium. Reports on the challenges and plans for each territory were given by the union/mission leaders. Special sessions were devoted to prayer, brainstorming, and planning.
In the spirit of collaboration, special presentations were given by Kim SiYoung (NSD Adventist missions director), Byun SeongJun and Han SukHee (NSD communication director and associate director), and Kwon JohngHaeng (NSD stewardship ministries director). Those attending the advisory also visited the Adventist Multi-cultural Family Center in Ansan to witness the many ways that foreign families are being aided in Seoul.
The FM department has set goals for the work to be done in the next quinquennium. To begin with, FM wishes to strengthen the spiritual growth of families by involving them in regular family worship and Bible study, engaging them in doctrinal study, and helping them become better acquainted with Ellen White’s counsel and prophetic ministry. The department would also like to continue promoting unity, discipleship, and service among family members and within the church community.
An overarching FM objective is to support families in their mission of discipleship as well as to involve them in service (Total Member Involvement). Another important goal for FM is to empower families as centers of influence and mission, encouraging them to share the Adventist message within their family, community, and with the rest of the world. May all NSD families come closer to Jesus and be used to His glory during this quinquennium!
Lisa Clouzet – Family Ministries Director