November 5, 2026
Not Just on Sunday
Lonetta McKee
Print edition2017
Family Ministry
Family Ministry | Christian Standard, May 2017 explores parenting, grandparenting, stepfamilies, single dads, marriage, and the church’s role in shaping faith at home.
- Issue
- May 2017
- Volume
- CLII
- Number
- 5
- Published in
- Parker, CO
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About this issue
Family Ministry | Christian Standard, May 2017 focuses on the changing realities of family life and the church’s calling to respond with biblical clarity, compassion, and practical support. Across feature articles, ministry reflections, and research-based insights, this issue addresses how churches can serve parents, grandparents, stepfamilies, single dads, and children in a culture where family structures and values are under pressure.
Visible contents show a strong emphasis on discipleship in the home and the church’s partnership with families. Paul E. Boatman examines why it takes more than a village for children to thrive, arguing that they need God and godly parents. Michael Crosley highlights grandparenting ministry as a strategic way to pass faith to future generations. Jeff and Judi Parziale explore the real struggles of stepfamilies, while Ian DiOrio considers how preaching can offer hope to post-nuclear families. Les Christie writes about the church’s partnership with parents through youth ministry, and Matt Johnson addresses the often-overlooked needs of single fathers.
The issue also includes articles on marriage, family conflict, critical thinking for children, and questions church leaders are asking about ministry. Annual statistical reports on megachurches, emerging megachurches, large churches, and medium churches add a practical leadership dimension.
For readers researching family ministry, Christian Standard, May 2017 offers a helpful snapshot of how churches can strengthen homes, equip caregivers, and remain faithful in a season of cultural change.
Table of contents
1 | From the Editor
Is Your Minister’s Family Healthy?
Mark A. Taylor
6 | 4C’s
Mike and Enise Grooms Always Trusted God
8 | Seen and Heard
Religious Groups Get Warmer Ratings
12 | It Takes More Than a Village
Children also need God and godly parents.
Paul E. Boatman
15 | Grandparenting Ministry
An Indiana church unleashes this secret weapon.
Michael Crosley
18 | Stepfamilies Are Real Families
Churches too often misunderstand and ignore these folks.
Jeff and Judi Parziale
22 | Preaching to the Post-Nuclear Family
How a preacher can offer true help and real hope.
Ian DiOrio
24 | The Best Youth Ministers
How and why the church must partner with parents.
Les Christie
27 | The Isaac Principle
Isaac’s life changed when he “built an altar.”
Victor Knowles
30 | Of Manure, Porches, and Good Fights
It’s a situation every married couple will face.
Arron Chambers
33 | My Wife Married the Wrong Person
I cannot live up to society’s “ideal.”
Tyler McKenzie
35 | Dads Are Single Too
Does your church minister to all single parents?
Matt Johnson
37 | Teach Your Kids to Be Critical Thinkers
Regular reading of the Bible alone can accomplish more than any other method.
Tricia Johnson
42 | Questions Worth Asking
What questions are church leaders asking?
Kent Fillinger
45 | Annual Statistics
Megachurches
46 | Annual Statistics
Emerging Megachurches
48 | Annual Statistics
Large Churches
50 | Annual Statistics
Medium Churches
53 | Ministry Today
Longing to be like Caleb.
54 | At His Table
The Unexpected Place Setting
55 | Culture Watch
Five Questions About New Ideas
56 | From My Bookshelf
An Old Book and Ancient Topics
57 | Preaching
Leaders Share a Sermon They Can’t Forget
60 | Best Practices
Root Causes of Staff Conflict
64 | Publisher On Deck
Big Changes Commence in July
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