Abstract:
There are a variety of sermons which families can attend in different kinds of congregations. The aim of this study is to have a look at family sermons. The target group is families with children in junior catechesis. Although the target group is flexible, one can say that it will be families with children from pre-school to about grade 6. The theological starting point is twofold: the covenant and God’s love. The one without the other is empty. The covenant can be summarized as follow: “I will be your God and you must be My people.” God’s love shines through in the life and work of Jesus Christ. Three congregations were looked at to see how they handle family sermons. The congregations are: Skuilkrans in Pretoria, Pionierspark in Windhoek (Namibia) and Pietersburg-Noord (Polokwane North). Each congregation conveyed their history of family sermons. Questions about the room, time, other sermons of the congregations, preparation, liturgy, attendance, preachers, atmosphere, music and preaching were asked. In Pietersburg-Noord there is a small group of congregation members who help with the preparation of the family sermons. A description of their functioning were given. The conclusion is that family sermons won’t work in all congregations. Each congregation must find their own identity. When starting family sermons in a congregation, one must remember that Rome wasn’t build in one day and that the leaders of the congregation must be kept informed.
