The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of ministers as they serve families in their local congregational settings. The two research questions utilized were (a) What is the experience of the Church of Christ minister in reference to family ministry in a local congregation? and (b) What resources would a Church of Christ minister like to have in reference to family ministry in a local congregation?

A phenomenological methodology was utilized in an attempt to capture the essence of these leaders' experiences as they provided a comprehensive description of it. Interviews were conducted in the field and followed a semi-structured format. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed, and field notes were also utilized and incorporated into the data analysis. Validity and reliability were established using member-checking and triangulation.

Conclusions of the study include (a) Participants of this study view families in the community and in their congregations as having many of the same characteristics, yet families in the congregations are seen as being generally healthier than families in the community; (b) Participants distinguish between formal, direct family ministry efforts and informal, indirect family ministry efforts, and recognize the need for both to be fulfilled within congregational ministry; (c) Participants generally feel comfortable in their role of providing spiritual care, and are likely to refer members to family professionals if the circumstances require skills outside of this role; (d) Participants can clearly identify both internal and external resources that would be helpful in further developing the ministry to families in their local congregation; and (e) When evaluating external resources for family ministry, participants strongly emphasize developing a relationship with the resource, and will take into consideration the resource's personal faith and professional expertise.