Download the book today! And if you need even more help creating a viable ministry to the single parents in your community, consider Single & Parenting, a video-based curriculum from the editorial team behind CareLeader.org. Regarding Single & Parenting, Angela Thomas says, “I think this program is so powerful for the church for several reasons: it meets an immediate need of … [Read more...]
Understanding the unique needs of stepfamilies
We interviewed licensed marriage and family therapist Ron Deal, director of FamilyLife Blended™ (a division of FamilyLife®), about the unique needs of stepfamilies, which are often overlooked in the church. He explains why stepfamilies present a ministry challenge for pastors, and what pastors and churches can do to reach out to them. Why is it important for churches to … [Read more...]
Caring for the fatherless
Growing up without a father There’s the seven-year-old boy who spent a couple of weeks with his father, who wants to be a player in Las Vegas. The boy comes back totally confused, talking crazily about women, and saying he wants to be like his daddy. There’s the kid who’s acting out in school. Or the fourth-grader who is participating in a school assignment that … [Read more...]
How pastors can help empty nesters with their parenting
Being the parent of a young-adult child has its challenges, particularly in the area of letting the child make his own decisions and mistakes. Empty nesters in your congregation may need wisdom and encouragement to know when to intervene in their child’s life, and when to step aside.1 Parents seek to raise their kids to become independent, fully functioning, contributing … [Read more...]
Call the cops? Kick out a rebellious teen? Options when drastic steps are needed
Sometimes an older teen will be so out of control that drastic steps are needed. Should you advise the parents to kick out their child? What other options are there? Dr. Jim Newheiser, pastor at Grace Bible Church in Escondido, CA, and Dr. Bob Barnes, president of Sheridan House Family Ministries, a residential treatment program for teenagers in Fort Lauderdale, FL, respond … [Read more...]