Planbook 2017: Growing Disciples - Adventist Family Ministries

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The message is clear, pointed, distinct, and unequivocal, as Moses shares God’s commands with the children of Israel saying:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets Between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (ESV)

This passage of scripture—the Shemá—known as such since Old Testament times, was the prayer every observant Hebrew knew by memory and recited twice a day—evening and morning—as a part of their daily family worship. It was considered the essence of the Torah.

Growing Disciples is the Family Ministries theme for this year. This comprehensive notion must become one of the central activities promoted and advocated by our corporate church, and by every local congregation and family within our ranks. After all, Christian existence is dynamic, and must be progressing every day to a closer and more meaningful relationship with Jesus. To be sure, this will not transpire unless those of us in leadership are also growing in the love and grace of Jesus every day. To speak about Growing Disciples without a compelling awareness of our daily personal need of Jesus is like walking through the desert without access to potable water to quench our inevitable thirst.

The Family Ministries Planbook is an annual resource organized by the General Conference Family Ministries department with input from the world field to supply local churches around the world with resources for the special family emphases weeks and Sabbaths.

February 11-18, 2017

Christian Home and Marriage Week

February 11-18, 2017

September 3-9, 2017

Family Togetherness Week

September 3-9, 2017

It is our hope that family worship will become the place where each family and single adult will make the time to connect with God in a profound and consequential way, by engaging in daily Bible study, prayer, meditation and becoming an active member of the family of God. After all, for the church to experience Growing Disciples, the membership must be intentional about seriously looking for God while He can still be found (Isaiah 55:6).

We hope this will be your practice during this year and for the remainder of your life, and by reaching up to God each day, experience the peace that only growing disciples have.