Syllabus for “Serving Family and Church at Every Stage of Life”
(Summer 2026)
Purpose: The purpose of this seminar is to equip learners (esp. Christians) to become familiar with the biblical and practical elements of the doctrine of vocation (calling/service) as it applies to the institutions of family and church. The seminar will suggest helpful tools for reading and studying while encouraging learners to consider their own stage of life, resources, and the practical wisdom/principles taught in Scripture that guide how we serve our families and churches.
Description: The Bible commands us to love one another (Matt 22:39) and to remember that, as we serve others, it’s ultimately the Lord Christ we are serving (Col 3:23-25). What does that look like, and how do our various stages (single, married, married with children, etc.) come with benefits and detriments to serving one another in the ways that glorify God and promote His gospel best (Titus 2)? If we are going to glorify God by loving Him and doing what He commands (1 Cor 10:31), we should carefully examine ourselves, confess sin, assess our resources, and ask God to empower us to obey His Word as we strive to “outserve” one another in our current family units and local church body through our time, talents, and treasures (Eph 5:15-16). Be reading all the passages mentioned above, Acts 6, Proverbs, Ruth, Daniel, and all the ethical encouragements of Moses (from Deuteronomy) and from the letters in the NT (especially the book of James and the end of Paul’s letters when he exhorts his readers).
Weekly Outline:
Week 1--Introduction: Understanding God’s Calling, Your Resources, and the Service Chart
Week 2–Biblical Principles for Younger and Mature Singles Serving Others
Week 3–Biblical Principles for Serving Your Spouses and Serving Spouses
Week 4--Biblical Principles for Serving as Parents/Grandparents
Week 5--Biblical Principles for Serving as Children and Serving Children
Week 6--Biblical Principles for Families Serving Other Families
Suggested Bibliography for Further Reading:
A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation. Matthew Bingham.
A Theology of the Family: Five Centuries of Biblical Wisdom for Family Life. Edited by Scott Brown and Jeff Pollard.
Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing. Jonathan Leeman.
Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work. Tim Keller.
Family Vocation: God’s Calling in Marriage, Parenting, and Childhood. Gene Edward Veith, Jr.
God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life. Gene Edward Veith, Jr.
Home Reformation: A Biblical and Practical Guide for the Christian Home. Adam B. Burrell.
Ordinary Saints: An Introduction to the Christian Life. Robert Benne.
The Not So Loving Side of Gentle Parenting: A Biblical Plea for Parents. Justin L. Miller.
The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-shift that Changes Everything. Colin Marshall and Tony Payne.
Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel. Matt Smethurst.
