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...]
All together now: Coaching parents to connect with kids
Perhaps you could put yourself in Maria’s shoes as she shrivels with embarrassment during this incident at a Target checkout line with her four-year-old daughter, Amy: “Amy, put the candy bar back.” “But Mommy, I really like this kind.” “No. We’re going home to eat lunch as soon as we leave here.” Amy jacks up the volume a little in her response: “Ahhh. What are we … [Read more...]
That’s my girl: Equipping fathers for powerful connections with daughters
The Bible tells us that fathers play a fundamental and foundational role in their families. Yet more often than not, dads typically fail to realize the powerful impact they have on their children. I have discovered that fathers don’t hear often enough how important they are in the lives of their kids, and I believe that we as leaders must change that. Why should your church … [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...]