Getting Started

Definition of a FamilyLife Movement

A FamilyLife spiritual movement is a group of believers working to make every home a godly home. They are empowered by the Spirit of God to embrace and model biblical principles in their culture and encourage others to do the same.  

The initial FamilyLife team may begin with one couple that invites two or three other couples and singles to join together for the purpose of launching a FamilyLife ministry. As they are dependent on the Holy Spirit, they embrace and model biblical principles for marriage and life. And they encourage others to follow their example by using FamilyLife resources and events.  

• They can encourage couples in their churches, their work places, and their neighborhoods through the use of FamilyLife resources and by attending FamilyLife events.
• They can also have significant influence through children’s ministries and in the lives of their own children.
• Their example and marital teamwork becomes a tool that God uses to change lives. This “ministry as a couple” is a powerful model that will continue to attract other couples who want to work together.
• They see that loving people is key to living out their faith and entry into other’s lives. As generations of multiplication occur a ministry starts turning into a Movement. When a Movement starts, there are secondary effects like raising the awareness of the importance of the family for a community.  

Can an average couple be used by God to have a significant impact with families? Yes!  

God calls all of us who are his disciples to make a real difference in others’ lives. Yet many people are constrained by a lack of vision and a failure to develop ministry skills. Believe us, the world will be a better place if you allow God to share his blueprint for marriage through you. You can make a real difference in the lives of families. Couples learn from each other and develop close relationships when HomeBuilders studies effectively and honestly apply Scripture.  

The couple that leads a small group does not need to have a perfect marriage or be experts in teaching the Bible. God can use their shortcomings in the lives of other couples. In fact, God may have allowed difficulties and problems in their marriage so they would be equipped to encourage others. The most effective facilitators for HomeBuilders groups are couples who are willing to be transparent —willing to share about their own struggles and challenges.  

Each HomeBuilders session has at least one application for couples to use in their relationship. Each couple has time between HomeBuilders meetings to apply these principles to their marriages.   Benefits of HomeBuilders group participation:  

• Builds authentic friendships
• Stimulates and guides meaningful conversation between husbands and wives
• Requires a short-term commitment
• Preparation is not required
• Emphasizes practical application (through HomeBuilders projects)
• Provides mutual encouragement and accountability
• Teaches participants how to live the Christian life
• Gives couples the opportunity for ministry together  

Six-to-eight couples are the ideal number in a group, and we strongly advise you not start with less than four couples. Too many or too few couples will hinder the group dynamics that make HomeBuilders effective.  

Contact flinternational@familylife.com for more information.