As families are poised to launch into the school year with a new schedule and routine, the church at the same time is launching into a new season of ministry. Many new events launch in September around here. Our church really moves with the school calendar even for those without kids in school. As you are busily working to launch new ministries and programs in your church, I’d like to stop and think about how we can equip families to take advantage of this change in season to build in some routines that will help them grow closer to Jesus on purpose. I will speak for myself in the fact that I often get so busy during this season planning and preparing for all of the events that will be happening at the church that I often forget to think about what is going on in the homes. The Family Discipleship Path is all about the church and the families working together to guide children and youth toward adulthood with healthy relationships with God and their family.
Here are a few ideas that I’m working on:
Anchors: An anchor is something that you see or feel that reminds you of something that you learned. An anchor will help kids have something that will remind them of the lesson but not just to think about it but to do something in response to what they learned. Are there any anchors that you can send home?
Scripture Verses: I have had many families tell me that they want to read scripture with their kids and memorize verses as a family but they don’t know where to start. Can you send info to parents with some ideas of where to go in Scripture that will help to connect church and families together as they are focusing on the same truths?
Time: Families today are overscheduled!!! I know this is breaking news that you’re hearing for the first time…nope, just kidding. We know this, families are too busy. Family Discipleship is falling off of plates as we fill them up with everything else. Take a minute to make sure that you are not contributing to the over busyness of your families. Is there anything on the church calendar that could be replaced by times of Family Discipleship?
I’d love to hear some of your ideas. What are you doing in your church to equip families? What are some anchors you have used?
Family Discipleship Path 