United Families Dividing Churches: An Assessment of the Family Integrated Church Movement

January 5, 2012

Faith Pulpit
Faith Baptist Theological Seminary
Ankeny, Iowa
January–March 2012

United Families Dividing Churches:
An Assessment of the Family Integrated Church Movement

Douglas Brown, Ph.D.

The Family Integrated Church Movement (FICM) is having a growing impact within fundamental Baptist churches—and unfortunately it is not all good. Since the mid-1990s an increasing number of families within fundamental churches have gravitated toward the family-integrated approach. In addition, families entrenched in the movement have been drawn to fundamental churches because of their emphasis on Biblical preaching and conservatism. At first glance the influence of the FICM might seem innocent and even beneficial for traditional churches, but instead it is proving to be problematic for many pastors and churches. The FICM mindset is dividing churches.

Understanding the FICM
The FICM is comprised of evangelical churches, pastors, and laymen who share a distinct philosophical approach toward the family and church. Advocates of family-integrated churches (FIC) believe that families should worship and fellowship together in age-integrated (i.e., multigenerational) services and activities. Conversely they insist that virtually all age-segregated ministries and activities at church, such as Sunday School or youth ministries, are unequivocally unbiblical.

The FICM is not a denomination but rather a loose association of churches and organizations represented by a variety of denominational perspectives. Some key leaders are

• Scott Brown, director of the National Center for Family-Integrated Churches (NCFIC)1
• Doug Phillips, president of Vision Forum Ministries2
• Voddie Baucham Jr., professor, author, and pastor of Grace Family Baptist Church near Houston, Texas3
• Eric Wallace, president of the Institute for Uniting Church and Home (IUCAH).4

The NCFIC, founded in 2001, is the flagship organization for the FICM and has a national network of more than 800 churches. It should be no surprise that the FICM has close ties to the homeschooling movement and in many respects is its natural outgrowth. While home schooling is not essential to the FICM, the vast majority of families in FIC homeschool their children.5

The Central Concern of the FICM
God has established three institutions to bring order to creation and fulfill His purposes: the family, the state, and the church. Scripture delineates specific responsibilities for each institution, and ideally the relationship between the family, state, and church should be harmonious and complementary, each institution fulfilling their God-given roles within their distinct jurisdictions. According to those in the FICM, the fundamental problem within evangelical churches is the skewed relationship of the family and church.6 Leaders of the FICM argue that churches have usurped the responsibility and role of families and consequently enabled families (and especially fathers) to abdicate and abandon their God-given responsibility to train their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

According to the FICM, this distortion and blurring of jurisdictions have led to an alarming crisis within the American church. Youth are abandoning the church and Christianity at incredible rates. Studies suggest that as much as 40% and up to 88% of today’s young people are leaving evangelical churches once they leave the home.7 In addition, only about 10% of churched teens have a Biblical worldview.8 These statistics are shocking and prove that something is clearly wrong. Those within the FICM believe the root of the problem is in fact the very way in which evangelical churches operate today.

Adherents of family integration identify the culture of age segregation within church ministry as the key culprit. They consider ministries that separate families by age (or for any other reason) as unbiblical and a form of “practical apostasy.”9 These ministries include Sunday School; youth ministry; children’s church; children’s clubs (like Awana and Kids4Truth); VBS; youth camps; college, singles, and senior ministries; and even nurseries (for many family-integrated churches).

Scott Brown contends that age segregation is wrong for several reasons.10 First, using the Regulative Principle and historical-grammatical hermeneutics, he argues that age segregation is unfounded in Scripture and is therefore unwarranted and indefensible. At the same time, he points to examples in Scripture where families worshipped together as the normal pattern. Second, he asserts that the very concept of age-segregated training is the product of humanistic philosophers, educators, and sociologists and is therefore corrupt. Consequently, the church has inadvertently replaced Biblical truth and methodology with pagan, non-Christian philosophies and practices. Third, Brown suggests that age-segregated ministries are wrong because they have failed to produce lasting fruit and are not working.

Distinctives of the FICM
The leaders of the FICM see themselves as part of a reformation movement within the church similar to the Protestant Reformation. As Voddie Baucham states, “This is a reformation, a paradigm shift. . . . We are not talking about a new program; we are talking about a complete overhaul of the philosophy that is accepted in our churches, colleges, seminaries, and homes as the only way to do it.”11 They describe the church as the “family of families” to explain the complementary relationship between the church and family, that is, the church should acknowledge the authority and jurisdiction of families within the church.

So what do family-integrated churches look like?12 First and foremost, they worship together. Virtually all services and activities are intergenerational. Second, there is conversely an absence of age-segregated ministries. Baucham summarizes, “The family-integrated church movement is easily distinguishable in its insistence on integration as an ecclesiological principle. . . . There is no systematic age segregation in the family-integrated church!”13 Third, “the family is the evangelism and discipleship arm of the family-integrated church.”14 Advocates in the FICM lay the responsibility of making disciples on the shoulders of parents, and primarily fathers, based upon the Bible’s clear teaching on childrearing (Deut. 6:1–9; Eph. 6:1–4). Fathers are expected to lead their families in worship and catechism.15 As a result, church takes a secondary role in the discipleship process, primarily training and equipping fathers and mothers to do the work of the ministry. Intergenerational teaching (when the older teach the younger, e.g., Titus 2:3, 4) takes place not through church programs but rather through informal relationships. Families are expected to reach their own children with the gospel and reach the lost outside the church through simple obedience to the Great Commission and hospitality.16 Fourth, family-integrated churches place an emphasis on education as a key component of discipleship. This involves not only family catechism but also homeschooling for most.

Other common characteristics in family-integrated churches include an emphasis on strong marriages, male headship and Biblical patriarchy, elder rule ecclesiology, courting, and the “quiverfull” approach to family planning. While it would be wrong to see the FICM as monolithic, the majority of leaders fall into either the Presbyterian/Reformed or Baptist wings of the Reformed tradition. Most see themselves as carrying the baton of the Puritans in matters related to the family and church.

Evaluating the FICM
How should we evaluate the FICM? We find several areas of agreement. First, those in the FICM have a high view of Scripture and correctly see it as the sole authority for doctrine and practice in the church. Second, they place a high value on expository preaching. Third, proponents should also be commended for staying in the church. Their ecclesiology reflects the New Testament more closely than other family movements such as cell churches and home churches who have virtually abandoned any semblance of ecclesiology. Fourth, those concerned with worldliness in the church will find an affinity with FIC authors.

Finally, I also believe they are essentially correct in identifying the breakdown of the family as the fundamental problem in why youth are deserting the church. Those who work with youth need to acknowledge that parents have the greatest spiritual impact.17 So the FICM’s emphasis on parental responsibility in the spiritual training of their own children is welcome and needed. I have personally benefited from some of their writings on family worship.18

We find, however, several areas of disagreement with the FICM.19 The seminal problem with the FICM is the point upon which they are most insistent: absolutely no age-segregated ministries. This conviction is wrong for a number of reasons. First, it is wrong hermeneutically. FIC advocates protest vigorously that since there are no explicit Biblical directives or examples for age-segregated programs, they are unbiblical. But this kind of hermeneutical approach is flawed. Using this reasoning, things like church buildings, pews, musical instruments, and technological advancements, along with church officers such as clerks and treasurers, would have to be deemed unbiblical as well. FIC adherents press the Regulative Principle too far. This Reformation principle is intended to regulate corporate worship at Sunday services, not the outworking of the Great Commission in other activities.20

Second, it is wrong theologically. The mandate to “make disciples” is given to the church (Matt. 28:19, 20). This mandate is to reach all people, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, age, or family status. The church is not required to reach individuals through their families. Although this normally may be the case, it certainly is not mandated. In fact, Jesus announced that He came to bring division to families, which is often the practical effect of the gospel (Matt. 10:34-36; Luke 12:51–53). Technically, churches are not comprised of families; they are comprised of believing individuals (at least in Baptist polity). In this sense, the church’s authority to disciple individuals both includes families and transcends families.

Further, in Ephesians 4:7–16, we see a Biblical rational for teaching ministries in the church. Paul wrote that God gifted the church with leaders, such as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints to accomplish the work of the ministry (4:11, 12). This work is essentially discipleship, and the heart of discipleship is teaching. So pastors are to train and equip the saints to teach.

This is a principled, Biblical argument for qualified men and women to teach the body of Christ. Christian education programs are simply venues to accomplish Biblical discipleship.

Third, insistence on family integration is wrong practically. In my opinion, the leaders of the FICM have failed to prove that age-segregated ministries are the cause of the problem. Instead, the family integration philosophy has actually generated divisions in traditional (nonintegrated) churches rather than unity. Families involved in the FICM tend to make their convictions a test of fellowship, choosing to disassociate with believers in their own church who do not share FIC values. Both Scott and Baucham acknowledge this unfortunate phenomenon in their writings and sermons. In addition, the emphasis on family discipleship with the FIC has the potential for alienating or neglecting those outside of nuclear families (e.g., singles and broken families).

In conclusion, the emphasis in the FICM on parental responsibility is welcome and needed. However, instead of uniting the church and home, the FIC philosophy often leads to division in the church.

A Theology of the Family

Douglas Brown

I. God created and designed the institution of the family (Gen. 1:27, 28, 2:18, 20–24; Matt. 19:4–6).
A. The family design, structure, and order existed before the Fall.
B. The family continues through all dispensations until eternity.
C. The family is the means by which God propagates the human race.
D. The family unit is the basic building block for both society and the church.
II. God’s design for most individuals is to enter into the institution of marriage.
A. Marriage is a sacred covenant before God and between spouses (Prov. 2:17, Mal. 2:14; cf. Ezek. 16:8).
1. Marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman (Gen. 2:24).
a. The man and woman leave their parents’ households.
b. The man and woman are joined in a one-flesh union.
c. The man and woman form a new household.
2. Homosexual marriage is unbiblical (Gen. 19; Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:27; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; 1 Tim. 1:10).
3. Marriage is lifelong but not eternal.
a. The death of a spouse dissolves the marriage bond (Rom. 7:2, 3).
b. Resurrected believers will no longer be married (Matt. 22:30; Mark 12:25; Luke 20:34–36).
c. Since death dissolves the marriage bond, the surviving spouse is free to remarry (Rom. 7:2, 3; 1 Cor. 7:39).
4. Marriage is honorable and good (Prov. 18:22; Heb. 13:4; cf. 1 Tim. 4:1–3).
5. A believer should marry only another believer (1 Cor. 7:39; 2 Cor. 6:14–7:1; cf. Neh. 13:23–31).
B. Marriage fulfills many Biblical purposes.
1. It provides a picture of God’s relationship with His people (Eph. 5:22–33).
2. It provides companionship (Gen. 2:18).
3. It propagates the human race (Gen. 1:28).
4. It provides the proper place for romantic and sexual intimacy (Prov. 5:19; Song of Solomon; 1 Cor. 7:1–5; Heb. 13:4).
5. It provides protection, provision, and prosperity (Ps. 127:5; 1 Tim. 5:4, 8).
C. God designed husbands and wives to fulfill specific roles within marriage.
1. Godly husbands have many roles to fill.
a. As the head of his wife, a husband is to lead his wife and family like Christ leads the church (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:23).
b. A husband is to love his wife selflessly and sacrificially like Christ loves the church (Eph. 5:25–30).
c. A husband is to seek his wife’s sanctification (Eph. 5:26–28).
d. A husband is to live with his wife with understanding (1 Pet. 3:7).
e. A husband is to honor his wife as a fellow heir of God’s grace (1 Pet. 3:7).
f. A husband is to provide for and protect his family (Gen. 2:15; 1 Tim. 5:8).
g. A husband is to seek the satisfaction of his wife sexually (1 Cor. 7:2–5).
2. Godly wives have many roles to fill.
a. A wife is to be a helper and companion to her husband (Gen. 2:20–25; 1 Cor. 11:7–9).
b. A wife is to submit to her husband’s authority (Eph. 5:22, 23; Col. 3:18; 1 Pet. 3:1–6).
c. A wife is to adorn herself with the inner beauty of a quiet and gentle spirit and with good works (1 Pet. 3:4, 5; cf. 1 Tim.                       2:9, 10).
d. A wife is to strive to be an excellent wife through industry and integrity in the fear of the Lord (Prov. 31:10–31).
e. A wife is to seek the satisfaction of her husband sexually (1 Cor. 7:2–5).
3. Pastors and deacons are expected to have exemplary marriages if they are married (1 Tim. 3:2, 4, 12; Titus 1:6).
D. Divorce destroys and separates the one-flesh union God established in marriage.
1. God opposes divorce (Mal. 2:10–16; Matt. 5:31, 32, 19:2–12; Mark 10:2–12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10).
2. God gives clear commands not to divorce (Matt. 19:6; Mark 10:9; 1 Cor. 7:10).
3. Divorce is the result of hard-heartedness within one or both spouses (Matt. 19:8; Mark 10:5).
4. Divorce is never required, and reconciliation is always preferred.
5. Whether divorce is permitted according to Biblical teaching is debated.
a. Some evangelicals hold that divorce is permitted for two Biblical reasons: immorality (Matt. 5:31, 32, 19:9) and                                      abandonment (1 Cor. 7:15). Most advocates of this view allow for remarriage in certain circumstances.
b. Some hold that divorce is not permitted at all (Mark 10:2–12; Luke 16:18). Most who hold this view do not allow for                               remarriage.
III. God’s design for some individuals is to remain single.1
A. Singleness is honorable and even preferred in certain circumstances (1 Cor. 7:7–9).
B. God allows individuals to choose to remain single (1 Cor. 7:9; cf. 1 Tim. 4:1–3).
C. Those who remain single are choosing a life of celibacy and purity (1 Cor. 7:7–9).
D. Singleness is a divine calling for a select few (Matt. 19:11, 12; 1 Cor. 7:7).
1. Singleness provides individuals with unique opportunities and allows for undivided devotion to serve God (Matt. 19:12; 1                 Cor. 7:32–35).
2. Some examples of servants of God who were single include Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and, of course, Jesus.
E. Single people in the church today fall into four categories.
1. Some singles are young men and women who desire to marry one day.
2. Some singles are widows and widowers who choose to remain single.
3. Some singles are divorced individuals who have not remarried.
4. Some singles are individuals called to singleness to serve the Lord.
F. Singleness will be the state of all redeemed individuals in the eternal state (Matt. 22:30; Mark 12:25; Luke 20:34–36).
IV. God’s design for most married couples is to bear and raise children.
A. Married couples are to reproduce.
1. God entrusted married couples with the task of filling the earth (Gen. 1:28).
2. Children are a blessing and gift from the Lord (Ps. 127:3–5).
3. God may allow some couples to remain childless for His own purposes.
a. Some Old Testament passages present barrenness as a result of divine judgment or a curse (Gen. 20:17, 18; Hos. 9:11,                      14).
b. God occasionally grants the ability to bear children to previously barren couples (e.g., Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and                          Rebekah, Elkanah and Hannah, and Zechariah and Elizabeth).
c. Barrenness should not be assumed to be divine judgment (cf. John 9:1–4).
d. Adoption may be a noble option for those who cannot bear their own children (as well as all married couples).
4. Although children are a blessing from God, procreation is not the only reason for sexual intimacy (Prov. 5:19; Song of                           Solomon; 1 Cor. 7:2–5).
B. Parents are responsible to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
1. Both fathers and mothers are responsible to raise children to walk with God (Prov. 1:8, 6:20).
a. Fathers play an especially critical role in child rearing (Prov. 4:1–4; Eph. 6:4, Col. 3:20; Heb. 12:5, 6).
b. Mothers also must teach and train children (Prov. 31:26; cf. 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14, 15).
c. Parents should bring their children to church and incorporate the teaching at church into their child rearing (Matt. 28:19, 20; Eph. 4:11, 12; Heb. 10:24, 25).
d. Parents play an important role in their children’s sanctification (1 Cor. 7:14; 1 Tim. 2:15).
2. Parents must correct and discipline their children (Prov. 3:11, 12; Heb. 12:5–11).
a. Correction and discipline must correct the sinful folly within the heart and behavior of children (Prov. 22:15).
b. Correction and discipline must be motivated by love (Prov. 3:12; Heb. 12:6).
c. Correction and discipline must not exasperate or provoke children to anger (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21).
d. At times corporal discipline is an appropriate and needed form of discipline (Prov. 13:24, 22:15; 23:13, 14, 29:15).
3. Parents must train and disciple their children in the way of the Lord (Deut. 6:7–9; Prov. 1:8; Eph. 6:4).
a. Parents should seek the salvation of their children.
b. Parents should teach the Bible and theology to their children.
c. Parents should train their children to walk in the way of wisdom in areas such as sexual purity, work ethic, integrity, financial matters, and personal relationships (see Proverbs).
d. Parents should model Christianity to their children.
4. Church leaders must demonstrate effective parenting if they have children.
a. Their children should demonstrate exemplary behavior reflecting a well-managed home (1 Tim 3:4, 5, 12; Titus 1:6).
b. Their children should be believers (Titus 1:6).
V. God designed children to honor and obey their parents.
A. God expects children to obey their parents while they live at home (Eph. 6:1).
B. God expects children to honor their parents for their entire lives (Exod. 20:12; Eph. 6:2).
1. Honoring parents involves an attitude of respect
2. Honoring parents involves placing a high value on one’s parents.
3. Honoring parents involves protecting and providing for elderly parents (Matt. 15:4-6; 1 Tim. 5:4, 8).
C. Occasionally the gospel results in division among families including parents and children (Matt. 10:34–36; Luke 12:51–53).
VI. God designed marriage and the family as pictures of the believers’ relationship with Himself.
A. God is our heavenly Father who answers prayers, provides for our needs, and disciplines His children (Matt. 6:8, 9; Luke 11:2, 11–13; Heb. 12:5–11).
B. Believers are adopted into God’s family as His children and sons (John 1:12; Rom. 8:15-17, 23; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5; 1 John 3:9, 10).
C. Scripture uses familial language to describe the church.
1. Fellow believers are considered brothers and sisters in Christ (e.g., Rom. 14:10–21; 16:1; 1 Cor. 7:12, 15; Phile. 2, 20; James 2:15; 4:11).
2. The church is the household of God (Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 4:17).
D. Through the incarnation Jesus became our brother so that He might suffer and die to save us (Heb. 2:9–18).
E. Marriage is often used to depict God’s relationship to His people.
1. Israel is often portrayed as Yahweh’s wife (Isa. 54:6; Jer. 3:1, 20; Ezek. 16; Hos. 3:1).
2. The church is Christ’s bride (Eph. 5:22–33; cf. Rev. 19:7–9).
3. Friendship with the world is spiritual adultery for believers (James 4:4).
4. The New Jerusalem is pictured as the Lamb’s beautiful bride (Rev. 21:2).