Reflections on Focus on the Family
I have grown in my faith with the ministry of Dr. James Dobson. His ministry, Focus on the Family, has been a part of my spiritual journey for many years. I listen to the program often. (I once listened every day, but the timing does not fit my schedule as well these days.) I have supported them financially and encouraged others to check out the ministry. When my boys were younger, their Plugged-In online movie review regularly helped my family make wiser movie choices.
Let me be very clear that I still believe the ministry is doing great work for the Kingdom. I continue to support Dr. Dobson and the ministry of Focus on the Family. Having said all this, I believe the ministry may have lost the pulse of much of today’s culture, including among many Christians and that may be now showing up in the financial support of the ministry. It is okay to stand against culture; most of Christianity does, but when the ministry has a mission and vision that centered on reaching families through Jesus Christ, I question the effectiveness of where the ministry has gone in recent years.
I was discouraged, for example, to read Focus Family Action Group’s “Letter From 2012 in Obama’s America”. I think the action group, which is a separate entity from the ministry, crossed the line with this letter. Though the letter says it is only reflecting “possible” changes, it does not capture the heart of most Americans. I had recently posted on my blog about the need for us to respect the office of president, whomever America elected. I read numerous similar blog posts the week of the election. In a culture that is embracing diversity and respect for differing opinions, this letter does more to alienate non-believers than attract them to our faith. I am also reminded that “God’s kindness lead towards repentance.” (Romans 2:4)
Those outside the faith (and inside) have increasingly seen Dr. Dobson as more of a politician than they have a minister. Although to my knowledge he never claimed to be a minister, he does lead one of the largest Christian ministries in our country. I do not believe ministers or those who lead them are to abstain from speaking on politics, but I believe Dr. Dobson’s greatest impact at bridging the gap from the ministry to the world is what he can add to the family, not to the halls of Congress. His insight and expertise in raising a family is still among the best I have ever heard. Most Americans can agree on what he offers families, but he is easily divisive when it comes to politics. While he may energize many in the “Christian right” and while I may usually agree with his political stance; I believe he alienates many more people than he inspires.
Recently I caught the first part of the radio broadcast and overheard Dr. Dobson explaining that they are eliminating over 200 jobs through non-hires and layoffs. The website says the 2009 budget is $22 million less than in 2008. I hate to see any ministry suffer and I hope Focus on the Family recovers all the donations it has lost in this economy, but I cannot help but wonder if the struggles at Focus on the Family have more to do with current direction and “focus” than they do with the economy. It is just my opinion. I honestly hope I am wrong. Nevertheless, I encourage Focus on the Family to return to its roots of placing all energies into helping families succeed. It is only there the ministry will find its broader support again.
What do you think?
{When I began putting my opinions into a blog (and these are my personal opinions and mine alone) I decided that I would not shy away from a topic just because it might be controversial. Even with that, I have delayed this post several times and actually held off until a new year, in an attempt to not hurt the ministry further.}
