Keeping Families Together

Family Strengthening

Because of God's love for His family, in sending His Son to die for the forgiveness of our sins, we are able to know Him and live according to His Word. Family integration is the embodiment of the belief that the family is the second most important relationship in the Scriptures, immediately following an individual's need for a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Additionally, it is founded on the principle that God has ordained the family as the most fundamental institution of all human society. When families break down, so do cultures and nations.

In light of this need to preserve and protect the family, Ohio Valley Church has decided not to offer a separate Sunday School class or children's church. Why do we do this? The absence of a separate Sunday School class and children's church means that families sing together, pray together, learn together, and grow together. Ministry is accomplished with and through families. We think this is the best form of youth ministry and discipleship training. This also enables us to be the extended family to those who do not have families, or whose families do not attend church with them.

Additionally, we encourage family members to grow within their biblically defined roles, by providing specific teaching and opportunities to put into practice the lessons learned. It is this type of Scripture-based spiritual development that we believe enables families to live out the discipleship principles taught in Deuteronomy 6.