The April 2023 Family Ministry Leadership Training (FMLT) took place in Friedensau, Germany, with a focus on family ethics, Christian parenting, intergenerational worship, and human sexuality. For this year's course (Year B), from March 22 – 28, participants were in the 3-year training cycle (TED/EUD Family Department) of 6 days each, in Rosgaska Slatina, Slovenia.
This time, there were 43 participants (53 on the weekend) from all over Europe. Under the leadership of Karen Holford (TED FM leader) and Rainer Wanitschek (EUD FM leader), the main topics were: Families in Society, Family Evangelism, Human Development, and Sabbath - Making Sabbaths special.
Additional speakers were Gabor Mihalec (Hungary) and Les Akie (England), both of whom inspired all participants with their inspiring presentations and practical instructions.
The training
This training is designed in such a way that the participants are provided with a lot of practically simple but well-founded material. Among other things, everyone received the book "100 Creative Activities for Sabbath", written by Karen Holford. As described in the book, many ideas were immediately implemented and tried out. The work was highly creative and showed the participants many simple ideas for implementing biblical values.
One unit lasting several hours, for example, was devoted to the topic: "Left to their own devices? Confident parenting in a world of screens," taken from a book written by Katherine Hill, with the title “Care for the Family”. Karen Holford led participants through the topic.
“Many parents wonder how they can help their children (and themselves) develop a healthy approach to cell phones. An absolute must and an important aid to education in the age of modern media,” commented Rainer Wanitschek.
‘How does family evangelism happen and how can families outside the Adventist walls be a pleasant aroma to society’? ‘How can I help my children develop a relationship with Jesus (according to their specific age)?’ and ‘How do I not lose sight of them?’, were exciting topics that Les Ackie and Gabor Mihalec introduced participants to with great sensitivity. In addition, participants explored the basics for healthy partnership development.
“My special thanks go to Karen Holford, as well as Les Akie and Gabor Mihalec, and the Union officers of our two divisions for their excellent work for our families,” concluded Wanitschek.
The Next Event
The next training (Year C) will be held in Budapest, Hungary, from February 21-27. Anyone who would like to attend is cordially invited to get in touch with their respective Union officer. Registrations can be made via the country department directors.
More about the Family Ministries Leadership Training (FMLT) Program
The FMLT is a short introductory course for family ministries leaders, pastors and lay people who are interested in furthering their knowledge about families and relationships. It will also provide them with information and materials to help them deliver family ministry seminars, to minister more effectively to the families in their area, and to do family-based outreach in their communities. Among other goals, the FMLT program is designed to provide biblical, social, and relational foundations on which to build and grow effective family ministries and provide a rich understanding of contemporary families and their needs.
Who can benefit from the FMLT program?
The FMLT program is a TED/EUD training program for family ministry leaders, pastors and lay people with a passion for family ministries.
For more info, please go here.
