Hey all! This is the last installment of Christianity in CO. Today, I wanted to talk about a ministry that is even more near (literally!) and dear to me. Focus on the Family is a ministry that is devoted to the family but this manifests itself in a variety of ways. Their mission is to support Christian couples in their marriages and to support the family by forming strong marriages and couples. Focus on the Family has a helpline, counseling, and other similar resources for “biblical guidance and support.” Personally, what I find interesting about Focus on the Family is their wide variety of programs focused on kids, parents, singles, and others in-between. Although they are “focused” on supporting the family and the family unit, they have a lot of other programs that also speak to areas surrounding marriage and the family.

The original idea of Focus on the Family came about in 1976 and the first broadcast of Focus on the Family happened on March 26, 1977. By 1983, Focus on the Family had a daily radio broadcast as well as a branded magazine and even an international office in Canada. In 2002, the 25th anniversary of Focus on the Family was celebrated, having successfully created books institutes of learning for students, as well as many other resources for Christians. Around this time, Focus on the Family began a program that you may be more familiar with, Adventures in Odyssey! Adventures in Odyssey in a weekly radio theatre put out by Focus on the Family that has appealed to young and old around the globe. Now, Focus on the Family has become an even bigger organization with films, retreat and counseling centers, and various different publications to their name.

I think that Focus on the Family is very relevant to redemptive entrepreneurship. On their website, they clearly take a stance on the political issue of abortion and are strongly pro-life. Whether or not you agree with this position, I find it neat that they are so outspoken about a political issue that is key to their mission and that they are not shying away from the issue at hand. Additionally, the ministry operates so many so-called programs that truly operate more like businesses including their move review site and radio theatre. Almost like RIOT, Focus on the Family has identified issues that are key to their core ministry and passion and keyed in upon those for both businesses and products as well as separate ministries.

Anyways, I’m sure I have talked enough about Focus on the Family enough for your interest but living almost right next door to them has made me interested in all that they do and advocate for.  My hope for this Christianity in CO series is just to have something interesting and a little different and I hope that I have accomplished that. Happy Thursday everyone!