As a pastor of a congregation with young families you may have small groups, a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) ministry, Awana, and more. Your church may also be blessed to have a meals ministry to help individuals and families after a surgery or birth of a child. Your church is probably well equipped with support ministries for families to help disciple their children and to … [Read more...]
Strong and sage: Influencing grandparents toward intentionality
God calls grandparents to nurture the spiritual lives of their children and grandchildren, but it’s not always easy. Here are three common hurdles to faithful grandparenting and ways your church can help grandparents overcome them. The restricted grandparent Many Christian grandparents have absorbed society’s message not to interfere and thus remain on the periphery of … [Read more...]
For the next generation: Engaging grandparents for powerful impact
When you look at the grandparents in your church, what do you see? My guess is that you see some pursuing travel and leisure with vigor, others heavily involved in child care for their grandchildren, and others on the sidelines because their grandchildren live far away. Of these, how many do you think have a clear vision of their spiritual calling as grandparents? There are … [Read more...]
Helping parents with rebellious children
Several years ago I got invited to speak at ACBC, the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, about rebellious teenagers. Little did I know I was about to embark on a season in life when both my oldest and youngest sons went through seasons of rebellion. My oldest shared that he no longer believed what we had taught him, which in some ways sparked rebellion in his younger … [Read more...]
Giving uncommon, yet biblical, parenting advice
How many times have you talked to exasperated parents like this mother? “I’m exhausted. Life with my five-year-old has been so hard lately. No matter what I do, he seems to have a mind of his own and won’t listen. We’ve tried everything from spanking and time-outs to taking away toys and playtime. He’s got a lot of energy, but some days I just need a break. Tell me we’ll … [Read more...]