Many Christians have been caught up in a doctrinal quagmire while the youth are increasingly disillusioned and often ignored. This sustained warfare has resulted in a decline in the biblical perspective and drastic erosion of the family and marriage as institutions established and sustained by God. Moreover, there is decline in the commitment of families to effectively pass on the Christian faith to the next generation through adequate biblical discipleship. This development continues to impact negatively on Christian witness and the churches’ engagement in world mission.
Subsequently, FDC 2025 seeks to continue the war by boldly confronting the prevailing unbiblical worldview, beliefs, perspectives and practices that contradict God’s design for marriage and family. Under the theme UNMASKED, FDC 2025 will focus on contemporary realities and brokenness in families today and offer God-centred responses. The Conference is designed with the understanding of need for emergency critical action, including radical surgery, in attempts at saving families and restoring them to God’s design.
Like in a hospital scene, we imagine the conference in the picture of organised chaos as order and decorum are put aside for the higher goal of saving lives brought in from a fatal accident. This will be demonstrated in the choice of plenary and workshop topics and speakers as well as in the overall approach to business.
But exactly what is unmasking? What will we be unmasking in the conference? Unmasking in the context of the current Christian marriage and family often would refer to the exposing hidden issues, harmful patterns, or pretenses that undermine the spiritual, emotional, or relational health of the family.