What Is A Family Home Evening?

Family Home Evening is a tradition of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The church encourages its members, often called Mormons or just LDS, to schedule the event each week. As the name implies, all family members stay home on Family Home Evening, avoiding outside activities and spending time together for spiritual enrichment.

Purpose

The purpose of a Family Home Evening, according to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is threefold. Allotting time each week for a Family Home Evening unites the family and cements their feelings for each other. It also creates a closer relationship with their God. Finally, it encourages the family to live a lifestyle in accordance with church principles.

History

Family Home Evening began in 1915, according to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The church president of the time proposed it as a way to teach children about their duties to family, church and community -- thus increasing their faith and obedience.

During the next 45 to 50 years, the church population became more urban. To reiterate the importance of a family-centered lifestyle, the church leadership started emphasizing Family Home Evening in the 1960s -- to the point of giving every family a church-prepared lesson manual, according to Light Planet. In 1970, Monday night was officially set aside for Family Home Evening. Mormon churches close on Monday evenings and schedule no competing activities.

Agenda

Though Family Home Evening isn't formal, the Mormon Church recommends specific components. Religious observance and instruction comes first. The evening opens with prayer, followed by a song and lesson. Though families may plan their own lessons, the church provides recommended lesson plans and manuals for those who wish to use them. After the lesson, the family engages in a group activity and refreshments. Additional prayer closes the evening.

Activiites

Family Home Evening activities should reflect the recommended church lifestyle, but aren't necessarily church related. Activities range from simple board games to community service. Activity categories include cultural, learning, nature, physical and family unity activities. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints even suggests family preparedness activities -- like learning mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or preparing an emergency survival kit.

Participants

Family Home Evening isn't just for families with minor children living at home. The church expects single adults, childless couples and empty nest couples to conduct family home evening also, with the lessons modified as needed. Single adults can band together to have Family Home Evening as a group, according to Light Planet.