Here are ten theological foundations that Marriage Australia believe are essential to the ministry. It is our hope this statement of the theological foundation of Marriage Australia will stimulate discussion among God’s people in Australia, around the world and that we will have the opportunity to grow together as we follow Christ, Bible-driven theology which connects the Great Commission with the institution of the family.
This foundational statement for Marriage Australia is derived from “Theology of Family Ministry” was written by Ps Scott Turansky with several other theologians. Which is currently being used by The 4/14 Transform World Family Challenge Team [Matthew Ling, Dr. PC Matthew, Professor Ben Freudenberg, Dr. Scott Turansky & Dr. Rob Rienow]
Theological Foundation #1: God’s Purpose for the Family
God created the institutions of marriage and family as the foundation for human life, society, relationships, and the faith community (Genesis 1-2). God chose to move His plan of salvation forward through covenant relationships with families (Genesis 7:1, 17:7). God designed the family to be an active and powerful evangelism and discipleship centre (Genesis 18:18-19, Deuteronomy 6:5-7, Ephesians 6:4). Through the institution of family, God brings glory to Himself by advancing His multi-generational plan to fill the earth with His worshippers (Genesis 1:28, Psalm 78, Rom. 11:36).
Theological Foundation #2: God’s Purpose for the Local Church
God created the institution of the local church to worship God, teach biblical doctrine (2 Tim. 4:1), guard the church from false doctrine (Titus 2:1, 15), disciple believers (1 Timothy 4), care for believers (Acts 4:34, 1 Timothy 5, James 1:27, James 2:15), and equip them for works of ministry in their homes, in their communities, and into the world. (Ephesians 4:12).
Theological Foundation #3: Relationship between Church and Family
While it is true that the family and the local church are distinct jurisdictions with distinct spiritual responsibilities, the Scriptures unite the mission of the church and the family in a partnership. Followers of Christ are both members of local churches and members of families, and they are called to live for God in both of those spheres.
As noted above, one of the fundamental roles of pastors is to equip believers for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12). The local church must equip believers for the ministry of honoring their parents, loving their spouses, and making disciples of their children and grandchildren.
Not only does the local church equip believers for ministry to their family members, but God has revealed that the faith community in the Old Testament and the local church in the New Testament brought families together for the purpose of corporate worship and spiritual growth (Exodus 12:21-28, Deuteronomy 16:9-11, Joel 2:15, Acts 20:7-12).
Theological Foundation #4: Marriage
In the beginning of human history, God created the institution of marriage. He created marriage as a life-long partnership between one man and one woman so that we might:
• Reflect His image and magnify His character (Genesis 1:26-27, Ephesians 5:25,29)
• Become more like Christ (Ephesians 5:24-25).
• Experience the blessing of two lives, hearts, and bodies becoming one (Genesis 2:21-25).
• Take part in God’s plan to fill the earth with worshippers through having, adopting, fostering and raising faithful children (Genesis 1:28, Psalm 127).
• Marriage provides a picture of the union of Jesus and His bride, the church (Ephesians 5:32).
Marriage is a “discipleship relationship” designed to help each person grow in every area of his or her life. Spiritual unity in marriage is critical for impressing the hearts of children with a love for God (Malachi 2:15), so that they might bring the good news of Christ to the world. God created men and women with equal value, worth, and dignity, but also created them differently so that they might fulfil different roles and responsibilities within the family.
Marriage is a lifetime commitment, and God permits divorce only in few situations as indicated in Scripture (Matthew 19, 1 Corinthians 7).
If a local church is committed to the advance of the Gospel, it must be committed to preparing y