Moving Towards Definitional Consensus in Contemporary Family Ministry: A Delphi Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to seek a consensus definition of family ministry, including the aspects of desired outcome, necessary activities, and perceived locus of responsibility. The three-round Delphi study utilized input from 13 expert panelists to describe items of consensus across in each of the above four categories.

Results from the study describe four consensus definitional components: strong biblical foundation, clear equipping for biblical parenting and community, and addressing healthy interpersonal relationships. Four categories of desired outcomes included multigenerational faith formation, authentic biblical community, rigorously biblical programming, and the advancement of God’s kingdom. Categories of essential practices were the equipping of households for evangelism and discipleship, missional family life and authentic and accountable leadership. The responsibility for the activities of family ministry lies with particular church leadership in partnership with the home, according to study participants.

KEYWORDS: Definitional consensus, desired outcomes, activities of family ministry, responsible parties for family ministry, Delphi methodology.