Is There A Like-Arrows-Based Program For Family Life?

Like Arrows is a FamilyLife film that tells the story of an ordinary couple, Charlie and Alice, who journey through every phase of parenting, from pregnancy to their golden anniversary. The film received Best Film and Audience Choice honors at the Christian Worldview Film Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. The resources were launched along with the full-length feature film, “Like Arrows”, which is part of a special FamilyLife initiative to equip this generation of parents.

The film follows the life of Charlie and Alice, who begin to lose relationships with each of their children as work. Before and after the movie plays in theaters, audiences will have the opportunity to experience an exclusive feature about Like Arrows and parenting, featuring FamilyLife co-founder Bob Lepine.

Like Arrows will be released on DVD later this fall and will also be available as part of FamilyLife’s Art of Parenting Small-Group Series. It is included with each leader kit sold for FamilyLife’s Art of Parenting, so you can kick off with a movie night and then minister deeply for weeks to come.

Parenting is a messy, complex arena, and filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick share their experience about making the movie “Like Arrows”. The film is part of a special FamilyLife initiative to equip this generation of parents, with an exciting new curriculum called “The Art of “Like Arrows” focusing on the power of a family to shape the next generation as they turn to their faith after all else has failed.

Like Arrows is being released by FamilyLife, a longstanding family ministry based in Little Rock, Ark. The film will be shown in more than 800 movie theaters nationwide Tuesday and Thursday, as part of FamilyLife’s new parenting initiatives. Parents will end the day with a deep connection to God’s Word and the power of family in shaping the next generation.

Who Is FamilyLife Today?

FamilyLife Today, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, is a three-time award-winning national radio program and weekday podcast recognized by the National Religious Broadcasters for "Radio Program of the Year" in 1995, 2003, and 2017. Focused on enriching family relationships, FamilyLife Blended® addresses the unique needs of stepfamilies through various resources, including events, books, and small-group studies, alongside its daily radio feature. The podcast features engaging conversations that encourage families to grow together with Jesus while nurturing essential relationships.

Dave and Ann Wilson, married for over 38 years and seasoned mentors, have spent the last 33 years aiding couples in building godly marriages. As part of their outreach, they invite listeners to join them on the Love Like You Mean It® marriage cruise. FamilyLife Today reaches listeners across all 50 states through more than 1, 200 outlets, providing practical, biblically-based tools for addressing family challenges.

The program fosters a conversational atmosphere while covering a wide range of family-related topics, helping countless families strengthen their bonds. After nearly three decades, co-host Bob Lepine is transitioning away from the show, marking a significant moment as FamilyLife Today continues its mission of transforming families one home at a time.

Why Is FamilyLife So Popular?

FamilyLife. com has gained immense popularity, attracting nearly 9 million unique visitors from various countries, offering practical biblical support and hope for contemporary marriage and family issues. Recognizing the gap between family intentions and lived experiences, FamilyLife emphasizes that relationships often fall short of expectations, which contrasts with the divine calling to live in harmony with God and one another. The site aims to share the Gospel and God's love within cultural conversations, including modern love narratives.

Vlogging has emerged as a favored medium for families to document their experiences and connect with a broad audience. FamilyLife acknowledges the diverse forms American family structures have taken and the evolving dynamics shaped by technological advancements and social changes. Strengthening family life is crucial for developing well-adjusted individuals, and FamilyLife advocates for strategies such as enhancing career education and expanding benefits like the child tax credit.

FamilyLife Blended focuses on providing biblically-based resources for stepfamilies, advocating for a supportive community amid the challenges of parenting in today's world. Through radio, arts, and counseling, FamilyLife aims to empower families to restore trust in God amidst life's complexities, encouraging meaningful relationships while nurturing children's spiritual growth.

What Is FamilyLife'S Art Of Parenting TM?

At the core of FamilyLife is a dedicated volunteer network aimed at positively influencing marriages and families within communities. In 2018, FamilyLife introduced a significant initiative titled FamilyLife’s Art of Parenting™, which offers an online course and small-group resources designed to place faith at the heart of parenting. This program helps parents discover innovative methods to weave faith into daily parenting moments through intentional, biblical instruction and Christ-centered strategies. Participants are equipped with tools for effective, impactful parenting, fostering character development in children who genuinely love God.

The Art of Parenting emphasizes a framework rooted in biblical truths that guide parents in nurturing their children's hearts toward God. This eight-session, video-driven small-group series provides a collaborative atmosphere for parents, featuring expert interviews and relatable stories to enhance the parenting experience. FamilyLife’s initiative strives to instill renewed confidence and fresh perspectives in parents, ensuring they feel supported in their mission to raise children grounded in faith.

By embracing this approach, parents can navigate the complexities of child-rearing, ultimately setting a foundation for lasting character and faith in their children’s lives, reflecting the beauty and messiness of parenting. FamilyLife empowers families to integrate faith into their everyday lives successfully.

What Is Like Arrows?

"Like Arrows" is an integral part of FamilyLife's Art of Parenting initiative, included with each leader kit sold, and serves as an engaging starting point for community outreach through movie nights. Directed by Kevin Peeples, it offers a relatable portrayal of Charlie and Alice Morris, an ordinary couple navigating the complexities of parenting from pregnancy through to their golden anniversary.

The film encapsulates the challenges many parents face, such as conflict, rebellion, and resentment, prompting Charlie and Alice to reassess their parenting tactics. Their journey emphasizes the necessity of intentionality and direction in guiding children towards adulthood.

"Like Arrows" challenges viewers not only to reflect on their parenting methods but also to anchor their practices in biblical principles, reminding them that effective parenting is deeply rooted in God's Word. The film conveys a powerful message about personal accountability and transformation within families, making it a revolutionary call to embrace a Christ-centered approach to parenting. It highlights that while children do not come with an instruction manual, scripture provides invaluable guidance for raising and launching them into the world. Ultimately, "Like Arrows" inspires, entertains, and equips families with the vision that the most crucial element in parenting is having God direct their lives.

What Is FamilyLife Blended?

FamilyLife Blended® is a podcast dedicated to offering practical help and hope for blended families, hosted by Ron L. Deal, LMFT, LPC. The podcast tackles various aspects of marriage, family, and relationships as they pertain to stepfamilies. Its mission is to deliver biblically-based resources aimed at strengthening stepfamilies, preventing re-divorce, and stopping the generational cycle of divorce. Regular offerings include the FamilyLife Blended Minute, a 60-second radio program that distills wisdom for blended families, and the monthly Strengthening Stepfamilies newsletter.

The podcast emphasizes that forming a blended family, or stepfamily, can be complex, yet it is a crucial family unit. Guests such as Chris and Yodit Brooks share valuable insights from their own experiences in stepfamilies. FamilyLife Blended provides tools and advice on navigating the unique challenges of blended families, focusing on the importance of prioritizing marriage alongside parenting, and building relationships with stepchildren.

Moreover, FamilyLife Blended hosts events like Blended and Blessed, designed for stepfamily couples and those invested in blended family dynamics. The overall goal remains consistent: helping couples create lasting marriages and thriving families while overcoming the challenges associated with blending families.

How Many Volunteers Does FamilyLife Have?

FamilyLife relies heavily on over 2, 000 dedicated volunteers who lead and engage with its diverse ministries. These volunteers not only serve individuals and families but significantly support FamilyLife's staff, making them integral to the organization’s mission. FamilyLife’s resources have been translated into 49 languages and dialects, emphasizing its global impact, with nationals trained in 109 countries. Annually, the ministry witnesses thousands coming to faith in Christ and many marriages and families healed through the efforts of local volunteer champions.

The organization utilizes VolunteerHub to streamline volunteer engagement, allowing individuals to focus on making a difference. Although many positions are filled by paid staff, volunteers bring invaluable perspectives and experiences from various backgrounds. Volunteering can also aid in job-seeking; unemployed volunteers are reportedly 27% more likely to secure employment. FamilyLife anticipates influencing over 60, 000 people through events in 80 cities this year alone.

Opportunities for volunteering are varied, with a typical commitment of around four hours a week. Volunteers might assist in activities including community outreach, fundraising through opportunity shops, and other services aimed at strengthening families. The foundation of FamilyLife was established by volunteers and continues to thrive thanks to their passion and commitment, impacting lives with hope and support in the community.