Family Ministries

Family Ministry Philosophy and Core Values Overview

The University-Model® family is an educational community of Christ followers called together into a Kingdom model of education that begins in the home.
 
We believe God’s design for the education of children begins with parents (or those officially fulfilling parental roles) as the primary disciplers of their own children (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). It follows that we also believe a child’s complete education transcends academics, with spiritual formation in Christ as the main mission (including meaningful involvement in local church community) and academic excellence as a critical component in the accomplishment of that mission. School, church, and home stand together, therefore, as vital partners in the urgent priority of making disciples and not merely graduates. 

Knowing that disciples cannot be made apart from Christ (John 15:5), the family ministry vision and mission is framed and supported by the promise of His presence with us and His power at work within us (Matthew 28:18-20). To that end, we pursue healthy, Christ-honoring relationships in all areas with a focus on spiritual formation (John 13:35).  

Purpose Statement:

To strengthen University-Model® families by partnering effectively with them, uniting with them around the school’s shared core values, and equipping parents in their efforts to establish homes that powerfully support mental, emotional and spiritual growth. 

What Family Ministry is NOT: 

• It is not a program.
• It is not about a parenting philosophy or methodology.  
• It is not a list of dos and don’ts. 

Family Ministry Core Values:

1. We love God, allow His love to flow through us to others, seek Him prayerfully in all things, and place our security in Him. 
2. We focus on practices that reach and influence the hearts of our children; we will not settle for behavior management approaches that merely police external actions. 
3. We freely recognize that all of us need discipleship and mentorship.  
4. We discipline our children with the purpose of redemption, not mere punishment; we embrace our parental authority in loving ways. 
5. We reject complacency as an option as all of us are in a process that requires vigilance, continuous learning, and growth.
6. We foster and model a holy, grateful, and forgiving culture.     
7. We purpose to develop hearts and minds at rest amidst a culture full of distractions. 
8. We put our hope in Christ, the Anchor of our souls.  

Effective Family Ministry Strategies:

The vision of the University-Model® is to strengthen Christian families and values. While the practical complexities of running a school week after week can distract attention and divert energies, the truth remains that the very success of this model of education rests on the health of families and their vital connectedness with the school community.

1. Make family ministries a top visionary and practical priority. 
2. Identify and authorize an employee who champions family ministries and is trained in carrying out the UM stated family ministry purpose and objectives. 
3. Encourage a school-wide mentoring culture. 
4. Address the needs of UM parents at all the various phases. 
5. Identify specific means and events through which to connect with, listen to, and/or influence parents.
6. Establish effective parent training for each school year.     
7. Manage and respond to school crises.
8. Build traditions and volunteer programs that connect parents to meaningful ways of serving within the school community.