Guidelines for First Family Care

FFC utilizes our Lighthouses, our primary small groups, as its primary care mechanism. In fact, the following letter from the elders represents the heart of FFC as it pertains to the care and shepherding of the body of Christ here:

November, 2006

Dear FFC-er,

At First Family Church, we, the elder team, take seriously our charge to bring honor and care to the bride of Christ by overseeing the welfare of the entire church body (Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:2).  In addition to our emphasis on small groups as a great avenue of care, we have also been operating under a model where each person on the elder team is assigned to a group of members to call on a regular basis and “check-in” on their physical and spiritual well-being.  Over the course of time, the church body has grown in number and we are finding it logistically impossible to involve ourselves with each individual in our church family. In addition, there was duplication, sometimes even confusion, in administering care and help.  Therefore, we have come to the conclusion that a more focused and singular shepherding strategy is needed in order to make sure we are answering our call effectively. That strategy is our Lighthouses.

As a natural contact point, the Lighthouse leaders have a special role in working closely with us to assess the spiritual health of our people and minister to any needs that may arise.  There will be regular communication with these leaders to focus on the shepherding needs of each group.  In addition, the Lighthouse coaches will also meet regularly with the leaders to mentor and develop the skills of leading a small group. More than ever, FFC is saying with intentionality and integrity that small groups really matter!

It’s within the small group atmosphere that deep relationships develop best, and that’s where care flourishes.  In our Lighthouse groups, our hope is that people feel like guests coming to a friend’s house.  The intimate atmosphere makes it easier for participants to share their ideas, joys, fears and concerns. They will know they are an integral part of the church because they experience the love and fellowship of their Lighthouse group. It’s a way for everyone to share in the ministry of the church by reaching out to others.

As we sought direction from God’s Word, we identified at least two scenarios where God’s people experienced a similar shepherding dilemma.  In Exodus 18, Moses was encouraged to “select capable men” to assist him in shepherding the people more efficiently and effectively.  In Acts 6, the elders had to delegate the task of meeting the needs of the church in order to “give attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”  Based on these examples, we believe this model will enhance the quality of care by investing in the shepherding gifts of the Lighthouse leaders.  This will allow us to effectively devote ourselves to the unique responsibility of leading the church as a whole and make sure that everyone is cared for on a consistent and reliable basis.

Of course, if you are not currently attending a Lighthouse, please contact the church office to present any needs and requests you may have.

We are excited to enter this more focused phase of caring for the church and we are confident that it will grow us closer to each other and to our Lord.

In Jesus Christ,

The Elders of First Family Church

It’s in your Lighthouse that you’ll receive most of your shepherding and discipling. Typically, in times of long-term illness, death, births, and other major life adjustments, an individual’s or family’s Lighthouse is already aware of the need, has been praying, and helps bear the burden with them (Galatians 6), such as meals, visits, and childcare. It is vital that you keep your Lighthouse leader “in the loop.”

In fact, all of FFC’s elders are in touch with assigned Lighthouses regularly, and the Elders pray regularly together for all the requests that come from our Lighthouse leaders, as well as for many other needs that we know about within the body at FFC.

However, our pastoral staff and elders also enjoy – and consider it a privilege – shepherding the flock here at FFC. Often there are cases where intense counseling is needed, or times when special prayer by the Elders is necessary (James 5). And certain crises simply demand the attention of our lead pastor and others who are well trained in the Word and can offer the kind of scriptural guidance a family or person may need at a critical time. So feel free to contact our staff and elders as well when you need pastoral care or more assistance than perhaps your Lighthouse can provide.

In addition, all care for attenders and/or members not in a Lighthouse is generated via the church office. Please call our office if you know of needs that cannot be addressed because someone is not in a Lighthouse. It is our desire to fully “shepherd the flock of God among us” (1 Peter 5).