Evident Life Church acknowledges the importance of families (which include singles, widows, divorcees, grandparents, etc.) and is committed to maintaining a family-integrated culture. We want families to experience the presence of God together and to be equipped as whole households for ministry.
Our Family Integrated Model
In our practice of fulfilling the Great Commission, it is the desire of Evident Life Church to be family-integrated. Our vision is to be a place where families are built up and encouraged. Instead of dividing the family at the front door of the church and sending the children in one direction, the teens in another, and the parents in a third, we create an environment where families can worship the Lord together. In fact, we even incorporate people of all ages who have the appropriate skills and ability into our Sunday morning worship team, A/V team, and host teams.
As a practical means of supporting our families, we offer a nursery during the sermon time for little ones 4 and under, but parents are welcome to keep their children in the service with them. Additionally, we have a “cry room” that is fully equipped with a great view of the platform and speakers that provide the audio of the sermon for those occasions when the little ones get a little too vocal. Finally, Sunday mornings are filled with fellowship time. It is during these times of fellowship that our children enjoy playing with friends and making new friends while their parents chat with one another and minister to one another.
While the majority of church gatherings are completely family-integrated, we do have some meetings and events that are specifically designed for adults and older children. Evident Life Church offers both men’s groups and women’s groups. Young people, ages 12 and older, are invited to attend the men’s or women’s events and groups with their parents. There are also a few prayer meetings that are designed for adults and older children.
Throughout God’s Word we are encouraged to observe the preciousness of others – putting others above ourselves. This biblical principle is an essential part of our DNA at Evident Life Church as we help maintain an environment that is family-integrated, unified, and conducive to growing disciples of all ages.
Additional Views Involving the Family
We affirm that men are called to be the spiritual covering and servant-leaders for their families. Therefore, we are committed to the task of equipping men to fulfill this God-given responsibility. It is the duty of parents to train up their children in the ways of our Lord. We are grateful that God gives special grace to single parents, enabling them to accomplish this kingdom task. While we agree that discipleship starts in the home, it must reach out into our neighborhoods, our nation, and the world. Additionally, Evident Life Church is a multi-generational church, which values the interaction and involvement of all age groups.
Conclusion
While our family-integrated approach to church life is an important characteristic of our unique calling in the greater body of Christ, it is only seen as valuable as much as it enhances our ability to fulfill our primary calling of loving God and loving others as we make disciples, evangelize, encounter the presence of God, and pray. These are the roots that make an evident life go deep.
Family Integrated Church in Arizona