Stepping Up

Volume 3 Number 6

Welcome. Each month we feature practical information that you can use in your life and family. Please feel free to contact us with feedback, questions or comments via phone at: 1-888-5INSTEP (toll free) or email: info@instepministries.com.

About InStep Ministries
We are a 501c3 faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving singles, single-parents and stepfamilies and those who minister to them. Our passion is equipping people for life. Our vision is to see every single, single parent or stepfamily member connected to a faith community, where they can build authentic relationships, find healing and be equipped to serve. Our mission is to provide resources and services that are practical, Biblical, and affordable. To learn more about InStep, visit our website: www.instepministries.com.

Personal Moment
Did you know that less than 10% of Christians today are not involved in any form of service? Our past several years in stepfamily ministry and our involvement in AMFM have taught us 3 principles about ministry. First, every believer has a ministry, and service is not an option. (Remember, in God’s army there are no volunteers!) Second, every ministry is important. Whether your ministry is with stepfamilies, single parents, mentoring couples, training children or giving—there are no insignificant ministries. Each day we have opportunities to minister in Jesus name to those who cross our path. Third, we are dependent on each other. No single ministry can accomplish all we’ve been called to do. The truth is that we all need each other, and we’ve been called to work together. Many people get stuck believing that they have nothing to offer. However, God has given us all talents, time and energy. For example, our friend Teri is the mother of five, and she felt led to find a way to help a struggling church in New Orleans. She is not a carpenter or administrator, but she has the skills required to research the problem and to organize and execute a 10-day mission trip. She also managed to take 20 volunteers with her and to raise enough money for a second trip. This group of volunteers felt called to work together, and together they blessed many Christians and helped church members in New Orleans. Whether you stop to encourage a friend or give when a need is brought to your attention, no act of service is too small. So find your place to serve; it’s all for Him.

AMFM West Coast Conference—Coming Soon
We will be presenting and exhibiting on July 25-28th at the AMFM West Coast Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. AMFM conferences are really more like family reunions (the good kind) than typical conferences. This conference will not only equip and minister to you, but you will also make great friends who share your passion for ministering in the local church. The line-up of presenters is amazing- H. Norman Wright, John Trent, Bruce McNicol, Ron Deal, Linda Ranson-Jacobs, Kirk Weaver, Mark Gungor and many others you will not want to miss. If you live near the west coast and you have a passion for marriage and family ministry, then this conference is for you. Come for the whole conference or just a day or two—you will be blessed. See the AMFM promo video on our website for more information about the conference or go to: www.amfmconference.com.

Building a Community of Authentic Relationships
(I John 2)
A Rabbi once asked his students, “How can you determine the hour of dawn; the moment when night ends and the day begins?” They pondered the question and then replied, “When you can distinguish between a dog and a sheep.” “When you can distinguish between a fig tree and a grapevine.” To all their answers the Rabbi said “No.” “It is when you can look into the face of another human being and recognize him as your brother. Until then, the darkness is still with us.”

In real community, we are truly all “brothers” and “sisters.” Single or married—we all can be a part of “faith-families” and share in the wonder of “life together.” Relationships become authentic in an atmosphere of grace and trust, where we are loved and protected, and accepted for who we are. Inside this safe place of family, we experience healing, nurturing and equipping. We emerge to be the presence of Christ to those around us and to experience the call to impact our families and neighborhoods for Christ and invite them to enjoy our “family.” Are you experiencing family? What is God leading you to become? How do you as a single, single parent or stepfamily become the presence of Christ to your friends, family, and community?

Upcoming Events

• Tucson: 20th Annual Racial Reconciliation Conference, June 7-10. Dr. Parziale will be speaking about Ministering to Today’s Stepfamilies on Saturday, June 10th from 9-11AM. The conference is being held at Grace to the Nations Church, 6180 E. Pima. For more information, call 790-0866.
• Dr. Parziale will continue his series on Developing Healthy Relationships in Phoenix (June 3rd) and Tucson (June 10th). Call 520-721-0800 for details.
• July 25-28, 2006 Jeff and Judi will be presenting and exhibiting at the West Coast AMFM conference in Scottsdale, AZ.
• Coming this fall, a training course for pastors, Preparing Couples for Remarriage (Tucson, AZ). Call 520-721-0800 for more information.

Stepfamily Ministry Development Training
A key aspect of InStep’s mission is to equip the local church to effectively ministering to singles, single parents and stepfamilies. To that end, we are putting the finishing touches on our latest project, Thirsty People Sitting at Wells: Developing a Stepfamily Ministry in Your Local Church. This is a user-friendly, “how to” workbook, designed to take a ministry team step-by-step through the process of developing a local stepfamily ministry. We are available to coach you through this process, either by phone and emails or we can come to your church and train your leaders. Our goal is to assist you in developing a ministry focus that fits the passion and mission of your church.

InStep programs on DVD
We are exploring the plausibility of putting some of our programs on DVD. If you are interested in helping with such a project, please call 520-721-0800

Get Involved!

• Do something in your local community to reflect the presence of Jesus.
• Join the Association of Marriage and Family Ministries (AMFM). Attend a 2006 conference. Website: www.amfmonline.com
• Tucson: Friday Night “Stepping Out” Singles: Pantano Christian Church-10355 E. 29th. Street. Dr. Parziale will be resuming his series on relationships beginning in July. Over 50% of our population is unmarried.
• Tucson: Stepcouple Life Group: New format—Friday nights at Pantano Christian Church. Food and childcare available. Hosted by Ron and Jane Lowery. For information call: 520-290-1094. Jeff and Judi attend this group, and the group is open to anyone.
• Tucson: Single Parent Support Group at Casas Church; Tuesday nights at 7 PM. Call Evelyn Wright: 520-878-1101.
• If you are passionate about ministering to singles, single-parents or stepfamilies, call us about ministry opportunities.
• Online: Now you can register at www.instepministries.com to participate in our new online forum! Topics include Stepfamilies, Single Adults, Single Parents, and more!
  

For details and updates on InStep activities,
call 520-721-0800 or email us: InStepmin@aol.com

To order InStep resources, call 1-888-5INSTEP

If you enjoy this newsletter, please tell a friend. If you would like to start a support group or stepfamily ministry in your area, please contact us-we can help.

InStep is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit ministry. Donations are tax-deductible and always welcome. Thank you for your support. Please keep us in your prayers.