At CityRise, we are passionate about investing in your family and giving you the tools and support you need to flourish in both your marriage and your parenting journey. Today, more than ever, our families are facing enormous challenges from every side of the cultural storm in which we live. Over the next five weeks, we are going to engage in some real talk and dig into some biblical instructions as we fight for the health of our families together. We want you to know you are not alone!

If this is your first venture into this type of personal engagement, let me assure you right from the outset that your choice to join a small gathering for collective learning, growth, and living has opened up a space for God’s influence in your life and family. I recognize that I can’t expect you to be open with others in your small group if I’m not willing to reciprocate. Therefore, I’ll be as candid as I can within the context of the subjects we’ll be addressing throughout this series.

These upcoming weeks might present challenges, but they will ultimately contribute to the flourishing of our families. Any transition away from unhealthy habits or erroneous behavior feels unfamiliar initially, and I can vouch for this personally. However, unless we identify what’s getting in the way of our flourishing and take consistent steps forward, we won’t witness what God can do when we truly devote our marriages and families to Him. My foremost prayer is that, in various ways during this period, you will truly experience the power of God in these areas and see positive changes that will benefit your family for a lifetime.

I’ve taken great pleasure in preparing these sessions, and I’m eagerly anticipating the time we’ll spend together in the next few weeks. I’d like to express my gratitude in advance for your commitment. I genuinely believe that the discussions you’ll engage in throughout Flourishing Family could potentially be some of the most impactful you’ve ever had. They might even signify a significant turning point in your life. For now, my hope is that you enjoy your shared moments, allowing room for God to work and transform your family for flourishing!

Ben Hays