Top 10 Issues Christian Families Struggle With

Several years ago LifeWay Research conducted an online research project to determine the top issues facing Christian families today. Here are their findings (along with quotes from everyday parents):

10. Materialism. “Materialism is being hurled at us in every television, billboard, radio, and internet screen we encounter, not to mention peer pressure. Too often parents substitute “presents” for “presence” which, I think, lead children to value things more than people.” Vickie, Springfield GA

9. Balance of Work and Family. “Mom comes home tired, dad comes home tired. Family life suffers . . . kids must make decisions for themselves that parents should make for them.” Diane, Guyton GA

8. Negative Media Influences. “We are being desensitized daily to what one should tolerate to the point of not recognizing sin as sin but accepting it as the way things are.” Tara, Huber Heights OH

7. Lack of Communication. “Cell phones, the Internet, digital satellite systems, and playstations are becoming substitutes for relationships.” Robert, Bogart GA

6. Financial Pressures. “Living costs are rising rapidly, especially in terms of health care, prescriptions, and health insurance premiums. It is hard to stay on budget when living costs rise significantly faster than income.” Osborne, Blandon PA

5. Lack of Discipline. “Without discipline and respect in the home, there is none in the world.” Karen, Marshall TX

4. Father Figure. “If the fathers in our families do not take the spiritual leadership, how will our children learn to follow God, their heavenly father’s leadership?” Ranita, Woodward OK

3. Busyness. “Satan uses busyness to think we are being productive, meanwhile, our relationships, our families, our churches are faltering.” Tom, Bowie MD

2. Divorce. “Divorce seems to be on the increase, even among Christian families, leaving many to wonder (especially children) what commitment really means.” Sherri, Simpsonville SC

1. Anti-Christian Culture. “Fewer and fewer of my children’s friends from school have a Christian upbringing, knowledge of God’s Word and how it applies to them. Many of the parents don’t even care.” Allison, Clearwater FL.

Over the next five weeks at Mt Vernon we’ll be diving into these ten issues and seeing how the ancient truths of Scripture give us guidance on today’s modern problems. If you’re not in the area, you can watch us online at www.mtvchurch.tv.

QUESTION: Which of these issues affects your family the most?