Abstract:
This article is about a conceptual framework that is provided in order to assist a minister to ensure that the whole family (including different generations) is addressed in a family service. In many churches different services are held for different generations, or children and teenagers experience that they are not active participants during the church service.
The generation theory and a sermon working group (with families) may enhance communication and understanding of families. The sermon in a family service ought to be short and the minister should make ample use of metaphors and visual material. Advanced language and theological terms should be used scarcely. An integrated praise and worship style (where all the musical instruments and songs are integrated) might accommodate the whole family.
After studying the literature, empirical research was done. The original conceptual framework was enriched and broadened by the life experience interviews with the families in the church's worship service.
