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Explore the unique role of Children’s Ministry in supporting families amidst modern trends like busy schedules and technology distractions. Learn practical ways to empower parents as spiritual leaders within the home.
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Children’s Ministry 911 Prepared by Teachable Heart Ministries
“Raising kids today is hard.” • When was it ever easy- even Adam and Eve had struggles • What does the church have to offer in terms of parenting help that is different from “Nanny 911”? • We have a wonderful opportunity and a God-given responsibility to reach out to the family as we do “children’s ministry.” • What are the trends affecting the family today?
Current Trends • too many choices and opportunities • “very busy” families • an instant generation- fast food, high speed internet • parents have jobs and activities • kids have their own activities, and rarely do the two coincide. • Even in the car, cell phones, headphones, video games, portable dvds. • To have consistent communication on any level within a family requires great effort
Children’s Ministry is Family Ministry • Have you ever seen an episode of “Nanny 911” • the nanny is necessary, not so much for the kids, but for Mom and Dad. • Parents are crying out for help, love their kids, want what is best for them, but they need skills • At the end of the show the nanny goes home • Each activity, each program and every curriculum, should be viewed through the lens of “family ministry.” • How can we use our opportunities with kids to help their parents be the spiritual leaders God intended them to be?
A Few Suggestions… • “In the Car” question. This is ONE question you send home with kids to discuss on the way home include a brief summary of your lesson and a reference for parents • Make LOTS of devotional materials available to your families • Give families ideas about how to help their kids participate in the worship services. • “Sunday night family meetings” prepare for the week ahead and then spend a few quiet moments in prayer as they dedicate the week ahead to God. • Prayer partners within the family. Make journals for prayer requests and praise reports. • Provide opportunities for families to serve together • brainstorm ministry expansion from the child alone to the child within the family.
Don’t Move in and Stay… • At the end of the show the nanny goes home! • Equip the parent to continue in the training of their children • It is always a foolish thing to assume all of the responsibility when you not there all of the time
The Long and Short of it • A child who attends every children’s program every week, spends approximately 1055 hours in the church over 5 years • They are 42,720 hours old • They have spent 3% of their life in the church being instructed • We have to equip the parents!