Family Ministries take the view that, happy, healthy people who are able to have positive relationships, either as single people, couples, or families, can be powerful influences in today's hurting and broken world. The department oversees the Cornerstone Counselling service and organises various training programmes and events. The department has a large library of books, videos and seminars as well as files of information and resources to help with almost any social situation.
This department is linked with Children's ministries, Counselling and Child Protection and the Family Ministries team believes that all these can work together to enhance and build Godly relationships over the South England Conference. The Director, Bernie Holford, feels that Family Ministries aids the development of nurturing and growth and that it is a "ministry for anyone who wants to move forward".
This department facilitates training and enrichment programmes from Family Life Training, to parenting, to events such as Family Camp down in Cornwall, and even to special projects such as 'Kids in Discipleship Training' (which they have immersed themselves in since 2006).
Karen and Bernie Holford are both qualified counsellors and provide individual and couple therapy (along with Thembie Mapingire), while also acting as therapists to support teams and groups too. (See Counselling Department)
Including Anna McLarty, who also works in both the Family and Children's Departments, the Family Ministries team endeavours to help strengthen the singles, couples and families, of our Church.
Read more about Karen | Read more about Anna
Karen
Karen Holford works as the Assistant to Director Bernie Holford in our Family Ministries Department. She handles a lot of the writing element in their work for our families and her role as assistant includes preparation for campaigns, seminars and events such as the Lone Parent or Family Camps held in Cornwall each year. Karen is thrilled to be able to plan and participate in children's work, calling it 'exciting' because of the amazing levels of creativity that children allow themselves to express. She enjoys working with themes and crafts in many ways, using 'fun things to increase children's spirituality'.
Karen Holford has proved a knowledgeable author in this area of ministering, and has produced many comforting and inspiring books. Her repertoire includes '100 Creative ideas for Sabbath', 'The Family Book: Creative Ideas for Families' and 'Muddy Fingers and Sticky Feet: Help for Mums Under Pressure'.
Originally trained as an Occupational Therapist, currently holding a MA in Education and Development Psychology and working under the title of MSc for her study in Family Therapy and Counselling, Karen works devotedly to ensuring our children are well catered for at the South England Conference.
Why did you decide to start working for the church?
My Husband had been working in the Family Ministries Department since we were married and I had started doing wedding seminars and dabbling in these areas that I am working in now. However, a position opened, allowing me to work as Bernie's Assistant, and I now work alongside my husband!
What would you say are the challenges of your job?
As I work in this role part-time, time is always a challenge for me. Trying to get as much done as possible in the hours I have in this position is sometimes tricky.
What are the highlights of your time working in your position?
I feel one of the many highlights is working with marriages and married counselling, seeing marriages turn around by using campaigns like the upcoming 'Turning Water into Wine' and couple's counselling. On the Children's side of my work, I think that the Family and Children's Days Of Fellowship are really enjoyable, it is a special moment when you can see families coming together to worship.
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Anna
Anna McLarty helps the Family Ministries Department organise and prepare for events such as Camp Meeting, Days of Fellowship and Family Camp. She is based at the South England Conference and helps with any enquiries about both the Family and Children's Ministries Departments. In preparing for Camps, she compiles packs for the families and people attending and in the office she helps the department run smoothly by attending to the administrative side of things too.
Why did you decide to start working for the church?
I was actually asked to come and work at the SEC, and I took the job on as I see it as a way to give something back to God. I didn't previously know very much about the South England Conference, however, I was working for God so accepted the position. I started initially working in the Church Growth Department and now, after Session in 2007, I have moved to the Family Ministries Department. Working here has opened my eyes to how far our ministry spreads!
What would you say are the challenges of your job?
I think time is always a challenge, and is for most departments as well. As I work for both the Family and Children's Ministries Departments, it is sometimes challenging juggling both my roles. There are always things to do, but it does keep the job interesting!
What are the highlights of your time working in your position?
I really enjoy working with children in general, seeing the Lord in action amongst the children of our church. At Camp Meeting, I found myself leading a group of 5 to 8 year olds and it was really a highlight interacting with them myself. There were a couple of 'criers', but all were well behaved and excitingly creative!
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