Humor, hug breaks and helpful insights were in abundance last weekend in St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Hermitage, during their Christian Home Seminar.

The weekend seminar was held "to instruct God's people about the purpose and order that God has established for the family," explained the Rev. Jay Gunn, pastor of St. Paul's.

Son Shine Ministries, Azle, Texas, presented the biblically-based program "to strengthen and bless individuals and families," according to David Shaffer, one of the weekend leaders.

The seminar began with the scriptural exploration of a Christian home. Shaffer explained that it is not simply living well, but requires each member of that home to have a personal relationship with God.

He quipped, "Being in a garage doesn't make you a mechanic any more than being in church makes you a Christian."

Shaffer suggested taking Jesus on a tour of your home because, according to the Bible, the family should strive to honor God.

For instance, within the living room, do the shows watched on the television or the magazines on the coffee table or the guests visiting in the room bring glory to God and help or hinder the family?

Families are encouraged to make changes within the home so that it reflects a home where Jesus would be at home.

Focus then shifted to the jobs of the family; the men and women went to separate rooms to discuss their requirements.

The men's group focused on striving to be spiritual, referencing Colossians chapter 3. Shaffer challenged men to clean up their act, live as you would want your family to live and to be thankful men of praise.

"Even though the world says to be a man you need to know what's going on in the world, God says you need to know what is going on in the word of God," explained Shaffer.

Daniele Shaffer led the women's study, exploring Ephesians chapter 5. The ladies were challenged to respect, obey, praise and honor their husbands.

The role of the child in the family was the final topic of the seminar.

Shaffer noted that the one job given to children explained in the Bible is to obey and honor their parents, from Ephesians 6 chapter 1.

The seminar encouraged parents to use the Bible whenever possible to show answers to problems, and that children and teen-agers need consistency and order and learn how to obey.

"This program helped the congregation by applying what they learned here ... and to see that God has created the structure of marriage and that there is a purpose -- for families to be strong," said Rev. Gunn. "Something new and fresh is beginning to occur at St. Paul's and everyone is invited to come and see for themselves that this seminar is a part of what God is doing here."