Reimagining Church as Family

When you hear “family,” what comes to mind? Is it an idyllic Norman Rockwell setting—mom, dad, two kids, and a dog? For many, that image feels out of reach. Families today are diverse, complex, and often broken. Single parents juggle immense challenges. Adoptive families redefine belonging. Spiritual orphans long for connection. Empty nesters navigate shifting roles, and grandparents step in to parent. How does the church respond to these realities, and what does Scripture say about what family truly is?Reimagining Church as Family dives into the theological foundations of family, showing how God’s design is broader, deeper, and more comprehensive than we often imagine. It addresses the role of the church not just in supporting families but in being family—a spiritual home for all believers. When someone becomes a follower of Christ, they’re adopted into God’s family, a truth that redefines belonging and purpose (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:19–22). This book examines various family models through a biblical lens. It offers practical guidance for how churches can minister to spiritual orphans, empower grandparents stepping into parental roles, and disciple empty nesters in their new season. It challenges every believer to see their part in generational discipleship, whether through mentoring, prayer, or teaching. Reimagining Church as Family invites readers to embrace the church not only as a place to worship but as the family God designed—a community where every person belongs, grows, and develops.

Rich Griffith, D.Min., has over 40 years of ministry experience (30 in youth ministry and 10 as a lead pastor). Rich has been teaching at Toccoa Falls College since 2016 as the associate professor of Youth and Multi-Generational Ministry. Both his Master of Theology and Doctorate (youth, family, and culture) are from Fuller Theological Seminary. Rich completed a second M.A. in organizational leadership from Toccoa Falls College. Rich developed the Youth and Family Doctor of Ministry program for South College and serves on the board of the Association of Youth Ministry Educators. Rich is a frequent speaker for the D6 Conference, LIFE, NEXT, Intergenerate, and other ministry and leadership conferences. He is a published author in a variety of Zondervan and Youth Specialties materials, and a writer for RootedMinistry.com. He is the author of, Voices: Helping Our Children and Youth Listen to Wise Counsel (2023), which was featured on Focus on the Family. He also wrote Discipleship Is Leadership (2024), both books are published by D6 Family Ministry. Dr. Griffith is also a part-time pastor at a local church. His most important ministry is to his three sons. He has a special interest in working with churches and families to equip every generation to disciple each other into becoming life-long disciples of Jesus who make more disciples.

JJ Jones, D.Min., is closing in on 40 years of ministry experience youth ministry, family ministry, and discipleship (30 plus in youth and family ministry and seven in discipleship). He is an adjunct professor in the Ministry Leadership Department at Toccoa Falls College where he has taught youth ministry, leadership, and spiritual formation classes for eight years. He holds an undergraduate degree in Religion from Union University, a Master of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. JJ is also the pastor of groups at Fellowship Bible Church, a multisite church in the greater Nashville area, where he leads a team overseeing adult ministries. He has a heart for the nation of India, and has led pastor’s conferences, marriage conferences with his wife Anna, and has taught at local Bible colleges and seminaries in that country. He and Anna still mentor young couples and families and have a desire to see legacies of generational discipleship beginning with their two grown children and grandchildren. Dr. Jones has spoken over the years at youth camps and retreats, local parent and marriage conferences, and now nationally at the D6 Conference and on the D6 Family Ministry Podcast. He has served on writing teams for Fellowship Resources.

Shelly Melia, Ph.D., serves as the program director for the Master of Arts in Children’s Ministry and the Master of Arts in Family Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. Prior to coming to DBU she served for over 25 years in children’s and family ministry in Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas. Dr. Melia is also a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in grief and resilience. She holds an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, two master’s degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. Dr. Melia has spoken at national conferences such as ETCH Family Ministry Conference, D6 Conference, and the Children’s Pastor’s Conference. In addition, she is a frequent speaker for local churches and state conventions in Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Missouri. Most recently, she contributed a chapter titled “The Role of Faith or Spirituality in a Child’s Response to Loss” to the new book, Bridging Theory and Practice in Children’s Spirituality.

Larry Fowler is the founder of the Legacy Coalition. In 2016, his vision for a national grandparenting ministry brought together a gifted team of family, children, and youth ministry leaders to launch this movement of God. His 40 years plus of ministry leadership, including experience as youth pastor, missionary, training staff, international director, and senior executive for Awana, have prepared him for this significant new calling. Larry has authored books on children’s and family ministry and is in high demand as a regular main stage speaker and workshop presenter at conferences. His most recent book, Overcoming Grandparenting Barriers, helps grandparents navigate family relationships when things aren’t perfect. In 2012, he was recognized for his lifetime of contribution to Children’s Ministry in America by the International Network of Children’s Ministry, with their national Legacy Award. Larry and his wife, Diane, live in Riverside, California. They have two children and seven grandchildren.

Kevin M. Jones, Ed.D., joined the faculty at Cedarville University in 2020. He is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and has varied experience in public school systems, homeschooling, collegiate level teaching, and administration. He previously held posts at Boyce College and Kentucky State University. He has served as a lay pastor at Buck Run Baptist Church, Forest Baptist Church, and Watson Memorial Baptist Church. Jones’ longing is to see fathers build resilient sons and to see teachers and leaders influence the lives of students nationally and internationally, teaching and leading unto the glory of God. Kevin enjoys playing board games with family—wife and high school sweetheart, Demica, and three children: Kennedi, Kevin Jr, and Karsynn.