Group Life

Our Adult Sunday School classes are separated by “Family Phases” represented in the family unit.

Family Phase 1

Families in Phase 1 are experiencing new beginnings including but not limited to: completion of college and graduate studies, finding a full-time job, establishing a career, buying a first home, paying monthly bills, and finding a church home together.

Family Phase 2

Families in Phase 2 have begun to have children. They are getting more in rhythm at work, earning more responsibility, and even making more money. At the same time, they are trying to create a new rhythm at home with the arrival of children. The money they are making seems to spend faster, and their needs and wants seem to increase. 

Family Ministry Milestone(s): Baby Dedication/Parent Commissioning, starting preschool and elementary school, and getting their child his or her first Bible to carry to church. 

Family Phase 3

Families in Phase 3 have children in elementary school. In many cases, they are thinking about a newer, bigger home to help them accommodate their growing family. They may even be considering a career change before their children are too old for transitions. They are thinking about the next 10 years and are looking for stability. 

Family Ministry Milestone(s): salvation, baptism, first communion, and the beginning of talks concerning purity, stewardship, and sharing the Gospel with others.

Family Phase 4

Families in Phase 4 need a calendar. By now, their children are in multiple schools and participate in multiple activities. They rely on the “village” to get from Point A to Point B and are experiencing more new firsts. They are contemplating cell phones, social media, and key transitions awaiting their family in the next 3-5 years. 

Family Ministry Milestone(s): salvation, baptism, first communion, more substantial talks concerning purity and sexuality, stewardship and generosity, and evangelism, getting their child his or her first study Bible, and helping them begin serving in the church.

Family Phase 5

Families in Phase 5 can begin to see the end of the journey as they have children in middle school, high school, and college. These times are bittersweet as they are saving up for cars, prom dresses, and college. “Trust” is a key word for these families as they are coaching their children to navigate the world outside of their parents. 

Family Ministry Milestone(s): driver’s license and first car, first job, first tithe to the church, college acceptance, military engagement, career explorations, and helping their child see beyond their family home as they prepare for the world.

Family Phase 6

Families in Phase 6 have experienced the majority of the milestones families are intended to experience. They are becoming empty-nesters, grandparents, contemplating retirement, volunteering in the church and community, and looking forward to reclaiming time together in the home and abroad. 

Family Ministry Milestone(s): observing phases 1-5 come to life for their children, experiencing the milestones of the next generation.

Family Phase 7

Families in Phase 7 are living out Titus 2:2-7 before the eyes of the church and the community. They are living by example and serving by sharing their journey with Jesus to the younger generations. 

Family Ministry Milestone(s): retirement, nurturing the next generation in the church and community, finishing all aspects of life and ministry well.