Division of Education Launches Marriage Program in Hawaii
In December, the Church of God Division of Education launched its newly developed Mobilize specialization on Marriage and Family. Administrative Bishop Fred Abbott invited the division to present the Mobilize Local Leadership Development program at the Hawaii Ministers Meeting and Christmas Fellowship. This is the first time the Marriage and Family specialization has been introduced and explained in a pubic venue.
In January 2014, Presiding Bishop Mark Williams challenged the DOE to develop the emphasis on the home in conjunction with the denomination’s work with the Religious Alliance Against Pornography (RAAP). While the Church of God supports the ministries of RAAP (it has been a member since its inception in 1986), it is felt strongly that the pathway for a pure mind begins with the parental teaching and training of children and teens in the home.
Under the leadership of Bishop Fred and Vicki Abbott, the ministers of Hawaii have strongly endorsed the Mobilize Local Leadership Development program. All twenty pastors present at the meeting were given a copy of the Level I: Part A, Leadership Skills, Pastor’s Manual, which contains the introduction and overview of the entire yearlong training and mentoring program. A special display allowed them to examine copies of the textbooks.
“In this day of rapidly developing technology, the hearts and minds of children and young people are being attacked by Satan in a vicious assault that is more intense than at any time in the history of the world,” said J. David Stephens, Assistant General Overseer and Executive Director of the Division of Education for the Church of God. “At the same time, the foundation pillars of Christian marriages are being undermined in almost every aspect of today’s culture—in the courts, in politics, in the schools, in the corporate world, and in arts and entertainment.”
Because of this onslaught against the home—which Paul vividly described as a sign of the “last days”—the church must teach the Word in a way that men, women, teenagers, and children can live a daily lifestyle that is holy and pleasing to the heavenly Father. That is why the Church of God Division of Education has developed a very specific vision for Marriage and Family specialization in the local church. It is a vision that every local congregation will combat today’s harsh, secular attack on the Christian home through an intentional threefold strategy.
1. Pastors will mentor and train local church leaders through the Mobilize program so they can be certified by the Church of God Division of Education in the specialization of Marriage and Family Ministry.
2. Each of the certified Marriage and Family specialists—as couples or as individuals—will establish a small group of parents (from three to ten families) who will covenant to minister to one another and fellowship together on a regular basis.
3. Each of the certified Marriage and Family specialists will use their Mobilize Level Two Notebooks and resource materials to mentor, train, counsel, and guide the families in weekly covenant-group meetings.
“Thank you, Bishop Fred Abbott, State Women’s Discipleship Director Vicki Abbott, and concerned-but-excited pastors in Hawaii,” Stephens said, “for your expectant vision for the families in the beautiful state of Hawaii.”
