It has become
a tradition in Montana FCF for our membership to include our families in
our doin’s whenever possible. This has caused a notable strain in our chapter’s
relations with the national office.
It has become
a tradition in Montana FCF for our membership to include our families in
our doin’s whenever possible. This has caused a notable strain in our chapter’s
relations with the national office.
There is ample biblical evidence that wives are to come alongside their husbands and for the husbands to give themselves sacrificially to their wives and families. With the reorganization of the Men’s Ministries Department to become HonorBound: Men of Promise, adopting the Promise Keepers model, it seems the national office is aware of this.
HonorBound does emphasize that “There must be gender- specificity. There is a difference between how one ministers to men versus how one ministers to women. Activities targeted at men must be tailored for men.”
This is good and should not be lost from the Rangers or FCF ministries but HonorBound also states: “It’s also intended that we would equip, motivate, and challenge men who are fathers to improve their fathering skills and become godly fathers. Most family problems come from father failure, and may be neutralized by strong parental leadership . . . it is critical that HonorBound: Men of Promise focus on the development of fathering.” (from Nebraska HonorBound)
HonorBound is keenly concerned with restoring the man’s family integrity. We in the Montana District of FCF have long held this concern and, for years, tried to lift up the families of our members. More than one FCF member has commented about the enormous commitment in time that Royal Rangers activities require.
Involving family members in FCF activities is an outgrowth of that concern.
Royal Ranger leaders do not want their ministry to boys eclipsing their
ministry to their own families nor can Royal Rangers afford to force that
choice upon them, biblically or practically. Let us pray that Honor Bound:
Men of Promise pays more than lip service to supporting family unity, being
more than just promise makers but true promise keepers.
--Lodestone