The Loma Linda University Church family ministries exist to meet the relational and personal growth needs of members of our church family. Activities to prepare people for marriage, strengthen marriage and improve parenting skills are special points of emphasis, but ministry to singles and those going through divorce are also an important part of this ministry. The family ministries department also works with other specialized ministries such as children’s ministries, Mom’s Network, 62-plus and other ministries to strengthen our church’s ability to cover the spectrum of age groups and life space needs. Some specific programs include:

Preparation for Marriage. This five-week course is offered in the spring and fall and is designed for couples that are seriously dating or engaged. Topics such as family backgrounds, communication and conflict management, handling money, building a spiritual foundation, sexuality, and managing gender roles are all including in this series. Compatibility and personality testing is offered as part of the program and couples receive a personalized interpretation of them in a private counseling setting.

Adventist Single’s Ministry. ASM offers regular social events, Bible study groups, recreational activities, retreats, and other activities for single adults. The emphasis is on relaxed fellowship and an opportunity to enjoy group activities with other single adults.

Seminars on Marriage, Parenting, Relationship Building and Personality. A variety of seminars on relational topics are offered at various times. Video and discussion seminars are offered during Winter Wednesdays and other times during the year. Live speakers for seminars have included best-selling authors such marital experts Les and Leslie Parrott, Christian sex educators Clifford and Joyce Penner, psychiatrist and brain-specialist Daniel Amen (author the NY Times best seller Change Your Brain, Change Your Life) and personality/temperament specialists Florence and Maurita Littauer. Upcoming seminars will include a “Boundaries” presentation with best selling author Henry Cloud. Others seminars are offered on parenting, family spirituality and similar topics at various times during the year.

Family Forum. Family Forum is a weekly seminar during the Sabbath School time that covers a variety of family and personal growth issues such as parenting skills, marital enrichment, dealing with addictions, facing life’s transitions, spiritual growth in a relationship context, managing emotions, and facing difficult social issues. Speakers include professionals in the community and students in the Marital and Family Therapy program at LLU.

Support Groups. The family ministries department periodically offers support groups of various types such as a Parents of Teens Group, a Men’s Support Group, and a support group for adults whose parents have Alzheimer’s. If you would like to start a support group or help facilitate one contact Pastor Thomsen.

 

The Family Ministries Department is currently offering a series on parenting from a temperament perspective as part of Winter Wednesdays.  Jan Hackleman, RN, MFT is leading out.