“Jurisdiction” refers to the right to declare and administer the law. It establishes the legal right by which judges and rulers exercise their biblical authority, and also defines the sphere and extent of that authority. In addressing the many problems and issues facing Christian families and churches today, we should apply the understanding that it is not enough to know what should be done, but also to know who should do it. Therefore, as we consider the problems, we need to first identify the solution — the biblical laws and principles that should be obeyed and applied — and, second, we must determine who is responsible to implement the solution. Both are necessary for properly carrying out the will of God and meeting the challenges of the hour. (Bill Einwechter, A Covenantal Perspective on the Jurisdiction of the Family and the Local Church)

Vision Forum Ministries has recently released a helpful set of ten conference CDs which are designed to encourage families, to be used as a training tool for church discussion groups, and as a resource for seminary students, pastors, and church planters. The series addresses controversies surrounding unity between church and home, while also providing practical helps for building strong families and churches. Issues include:

• Where does the jurisdiction of the church begin and end with respect to the family? And vice versa?
• How do we cultivate a multigenerational vision?
• What does the Bible say about holiness versus legalism? What’s the difference?
• How does the local church train men for leadership at home and in the church?
• What does it mean to live a simple, separate, and deliberate life?
• What should you expect when building a family-integrated church?