Covered Bridge Family Ministries

Hard times have fallen on the family. What God has intended for the raising of godly children and the multi-generational transmission of faith, man has allowed to become fractured and dysfunctional. Marriages are failing, children spend little time with their parents, and negative cultural forces work to fragment the family. Homes that could be happy havens have become harried hotels. Many are little more than pit stops for busy individuals who lead independent lives under the same roof. What can be done?

Calling All Fathers

We believe the revival and restoration of the biblical family hinges upon the return of fathers to their roles as spiritual leaders. Godly men must put on the full armor of God to protect their families from spiritual attack. Covered Bridge Family Ministries is a support organization for Christian home-educating families as well as an outreach ministry to Christian households who desire greater family unity. We believe the Bible calls fathers to be a covering over their families, serving as protectors, providers and pastors in their homes. We encourage fathers to respond to the Holy Spirit's call for them to turn their hearts toward their children, and to bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Eph 6:4). We encourage fathers to return to daily habits of Bible reading and leading their families in worship, trusting the Holy Scriptures so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Ti 3:16,17)

We encourage fathers to spend time discipling their children, countering the age-segregated, peer-dependent trends that characterize many institutional schools and church programs today.

Covered Bridge Imagery

The image of a covered bridge was chosen because it evokes impressions of simpler times in the nostalgic past when families enjoyed greater unity and protection. It also symbolizes the “covering” of Christ who bridges the gap between man and God.

Local History:

The photographs at right and below are of a historic covered bridge in the town of Wimer. It collapsed suddenly in July 2003, injuring three people. It had been in need of maintenance and was closed to automobile traffic, but it broke to pieces under the weight of pedestrians before repairs could begin.

Collapsed covered bridge in Wimer, Oregon

Restoration:

Many families meet a similar destructive end due to neglect. It’s time to rebuild and restore our homes before it’s too late, devoting ourselves to this worthy task, and asking God to bless our efforts. Psalm 127 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Covered Bridge Family Ministries encourages fathers to become devoted leaders who trust in the Lord and who turn their hearts to their families.

Ministry Goals

Encourage fathers to be servant leaders in their homes
Strengthen families through age-integrated fellowship and ministry opportunities
Provide a healthy social environment for families to mingle, under the leadership of God fearing parents
Equip parents to successfully educate and disciple their children with a distinctively Biblical worldview
Promote family-integrated worship in the home and in the church

To find more information on our vision for ministry go to our Introductory Newsletter.