Imagine this: Sunday morning after the service, a church member, Amber, approaches you for some advice. She’s been a single mom of two young children since her divorce a few years ago. Recently, she’s started dating again and is interested in pursuing a relationship, but she doesn’t know if that’s the right decision with two kids at home. What counsel can you offer Amber? … [Read more...]
When teens struggle with their faith
We asked pastoral counselor Brad Hambrick this question: “What counsel would you give to the parents of a teenage daughter who announces, ‘I don’t think I want to be a Christian anymore’?” We thought his response would be especially valuable to youth pastors or youth leaders who might be having this sort of conversation with a teenager. Be sure to listen to her reasons … [Read more...]
When a child says, “I don’t know”
The book of Proverbs reminds us that we are to disciple our children (Prov. 1:8). But to do that—to be good disciplers—we need relationships with our kids that are honest and open. We need to know what is really going on with them so we can help encourage godly thinking. But kids don’t always cooperate. Sometimes they don’t want to talk with us, and at a surprisingly young age, … [Read more...]
Caring for children
You want to care well for the children in your church, but pastors are sometimes unaware of areas where their church is lacking in this. This week Dr. Deepak Reju offers twelve practices for protecting children from potential sexual abuse in the church. You’ll hear from Linda Ranson Jacobs, who shares how something as simple as the classroom size and environment can cause … [Read more...]
5 ways to bless a hurting child
There is a hurting child in your world. You may know he’s hurting; you may not. He might be in your neighborhood. He might be in the children’s ministry class you lead. He might be on your son’s baseball team. He might be your son’s best friend, or he might be the kid who drives your child crazy. He might live next door. He might live in your home. She may act like she’s … [Read more...]