Building Faith Together: Church and Family Collaboration
Summary
### Summary
Growing up, faith wasn't a significant part of my family life. It wasn't until elementary school that I was introduced to church, initially drawn by the promise of fun and free food. My faith journey truly began in middle school when I got baptized and started serving in the church. High school brought a pivotal moment as I joined a kids ministry internship, igniting my passion for the next generation. This passion was fueled by the church's influence and my desire to see kids grow in their faith as I did.
The church and family must work together to nurture the faith of the next generation. On average, ministry leaders have about 40 hours a year to impact a child, while parents have roughly 3,000 waking hours. This stark contrast highlights the need for collaboration between the church (yellow) and the family (red) to create a powerful synergy (orange). Encouraging kids to participate in ministry programs is crucial, as these programs are designed to engage them in ways that regular worship services might not.
Our family ministry is intentional about making learning fun and engaging for kids. We constantly adapt our methods to meet the changing needs of children, ensuring that our programs are both theologically sound and developmentally appropriate. As a parent of three boys, I understand the importance of adapting to their ever-changing needs and interests.
Establishing family rhythms that incorporate faith is essential. Simple practices like praying before school or bedtime and having meaningful conversations at the dinner table can make a significant impact. Building a strong relationship with your children is crucial for them to be receptive to spiritual guidance. Additionally, being part of a supportive community is vital. The people we surround ourselves with can profoundly influence our children's spiritual development.
As we approach a new school year, it's important to reflect on our strategies and routines. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or educator, our goal is to help your family have the best year yet by fostering a strong partnership between the church and home.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Early Faith Experiences: Early exposure to church and faith can set the foundation for a lifelong spiritual journey. Even if initially motivated by social or material incentives, these experiences can evolve into meaningful faith commitments. [15:39]
2. Collaborative Impact on Faith Development: The church and family must work together to nurture the faith of the next generation. While the church has limited time, parents have ample opportunities to influence their children's spiritual growth. This collaboration can create a powerful synergy that significantly impacts a child's faith journey. [16:18]
3. Intentional and Engaging Ministry Programs: Ministry programs designed specifically for children can be more effective in engaging them in their faith. These programs are tailored to be fun and educational, making it easier for kids to connect with and understand the gospel. [17:59]
4. Establishing Faith-Based Family Rhythms: Simple, consistent practices like praying together and having meaningful conversations can significantly impact a child's faith. These rhythms don't have to be time-consuming but should be intentional and integrated into daily life. [20:59]
5. The Importance of Community: Surrounding your family with a supportive, faith-based community can profoundly influence your children's spiritual development. The people you interact with regularly can serve as role models and reinforce the values you want to instill in your children. [22:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:39] - Early Faith Journey
[16:18] - Church and Family Collaboration
[16:51] - Time Investment in Faith
[17:27] - Encouraging Ministry Participation
[17:59] - Engaging Ministry Programs
[18:31] - Intentional Fun and Learning
[19:01] - Adapting to Children's Needs
[19:29] - Personal Parenting Experiences
[19:59] - Holistic Child Development
[20:31] - Building Family Rhythms
[20:59] - Practical Faith Practices
[21:32] - Building Relationships with Kids
[22:01] - Importance of Community
[23:02] - Reflecting on New School Year Strategies
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." [20:59]
### Observation Questions
1. What were the initial reasons that drew the pastor to attend church as a child? [15:39]
2. How many hours a year, on average, do ministry leaders have to impact a child compared to parents? [16:18]
3. What are some of the ways the family ministry makes learning fun and engaging for kids? [17:59]
4. According to Deuteronomy 6:6-7, when should parents teach their children about faith?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for the church and family to work together in nurturing a child's faith? [16:18]
2. How can intentional and engaging ministry programs make a difference in a child's faith journey? [17:59]
3. What does Deuteronomy 6:6-7 suggest about the role of parents in their children's spiritual education?
4. How does being part of a supportive community influence a child's spiritual development? [22:01]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own early faith experiences. How did they shape your current faith journey? [15:39]
2. How can you, as a parent or guardian, better utilize the 3,000 waking hours you have each year to influence your child's faith? [16:18]
3. What are some practical ways you can make learning about faith fun and engaging for your children at home? [17:59]
4. How can you establish simple, consistent faith-based family rhythms in your daily life? For example, what specific times of the day could you incorporate prayer or meaningful conversations? [20:59]
5. Think about the community you and your family are part of. Are there ways you can strengthen your connections with faith-based role models? [22:01]
6. As the new school year approaches, what new strategies or routines can you implement to foster a stronger partnership between the church and your home? [23:02]
7. Identify one specific way you can build a stronger relationship with your child to make them more receptive to spiritual guidance. [21:32]
Devotional
Day 1: The Foundation of Early Faith Experiences
Early exposure to church and faith can set the foundation for a lifelong spiritual journey. Even if initially motivated by social or material incentives, these experiences can evolve into meaningful faith commitments. Reflecting on one's early faith journey can reveal how God has been at work from the beginning, shaping and guiding one's spiritual path. This foundation is crucial as it often determines the trajectory of one's faith life, influencing decisions, values, and relationships.
The importance of early faith experiences cannot be overstated. These initial encounters with faith, whether through church activities, family traditions, or personal moments of revelation, lay the groundwork for a deeper, more mature relationship with God. They provide a sense of belonging and identity within the faith community, fostering a connection that can grow and strengthen over time. [15:39]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: Think back to your earliest memories of faith. How did these experiences shape your understanding of God? How can you create similar foundational experiences for the children in your life today?
Day 2: Collaborative Impact on Faith Development
The church and family must work together to nurture the faith of the next generation. While the church has limited time, parents have ample opportunities to influence their children's spiritual growth. This collaboration can create a powerful synergy that significantly impacts a child's faith journey. The church provides structured teaching and community, while the family offers daily reinforcement and practical application of faith principles.
Parents and ministry leaders should view themselves as partners in a child's spiritual development. By working together, they can create a consistent and supportive environment that encourages children to explore and deepen their faith. This partnership is essential because it leverages the strengths of both the church and the family, ensuring that children receive a well-rounded and holistic faith education. [16:18]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: How can you actively collaborate with your church community to support your child's faith journey? What specific steps can you take this week to strengthen this partnership?
Day 3: Intentional and Engaging Ministry Programs
Ministry programs designed specifically for children can be more effective in engaging them in their faith. These programs are tailored to be fun and educational, making it easier for kids to connect with and understand the gospel. By creating an environment that is both enjoyable and spiritually enriching, children are more likely to develop a genuine interest in their faith and a desire to learn more about God.
Engaging ministry programs are crucial because they meet children where they are developmentally and emotionally. These programs use age-appropriate methods and activities to convey biblical truths, ensuring that children can grasp and apply what they learn. This intentional approach helps to foster a positive and lasting relationship with the church and with God. [17:59]
Matthew 19:14 (ESV): "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: What are some ways you can support or get involved in your church's children's ministry programs? How can you help make these programs more engaging and impactful for the kids?
Day 4: Establishing Faith-Based Family Rhythms
Simple, consistent practices like praying together and having meaningful conversations can significantly impact a child's faith. These rhythms don't have to be time-consuming but should be intentional and integrated into daily life. Establishing these practices helps to create a family culture that prioritizes faith and spiritual growth, making it a natural and regular part of everyday life.
Incorporating faith into daily routines can be as simple as praying before meals, reading a Bible story before bed, or discussing a sermon during dinner. These small but consistent actions reinforce the importance of faith and provide opportunities for children to ask questions and express their thoughts. Over time, these practices can help to build a strong spiritual foundation and foster a deep, personal relationship with God. [20:59]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What simple faith-based practices can you start incorporating into your family's daily routine? How can you make these practices meaningful and engaging for your children?
Day 5: The Importance of Community
Surrounding your family with a supportive, faith-based community can profoundly influence your children's spiritual development. The people you interact with regularly can serve as role models and reinforce the values you want to instill in your children. Being part of a community provides accountability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, all of which are essential for spiritual growth.
A strong faith community offers a network of support and resources that can help families navigate the challenges of raising children in the faith. It provides opportunities for fellowship, service, and spiritual growth, creating an environment where children can see faith in action and learn from the experiences of others. This communal aspect of faith is vital for developing a well-rounded and resilient spiritual life. [22:32]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you become more involved in your faith community? What steps can you take to ensure your family is surrounded by positive, faith-based influences?
Quotes
1. "On average, a ministry leader or volunteer has 40 hours in a given year to impact a kid or teenager. And if you're anything like me, you see a number and you want to kind of figure out how you got there. So let me do that quick. If you go to church once a month, that's 12 hours in a year our ministry team has to influence the faith of your kid. If you guys go twice a month, that's 24 hours, and three times is 36." [16:18] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Meanwhile, in a year, parents have roughly 3,000 waking hours for you guys to invest in your kids. And of course, there's school happening next week, believe it or not. That's going to take quite a bit of that time. And the practices and those things are still existing, but I hope it allows you to see the drastic difference between the two." [17:27] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So what does working together look like? What does it look like for the light of the church and the heart of the home to come together to create something incredible? That means we, one, want to encourage our kids and our students to show up to ministry-minded programming. I don't know about you, but the reality of us growing up in all different churches and denominations is there." [17:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It's why we change the things that we change constantly because I don't know about you, but sometimes my kids change. If you don't know, I'm a mom of three boys, so I like to say it's basically wrestling mania at our house all the time. Here's a photo of what they look like from our latest trip to Branson. They have Cooper in the back behind the bear, Jack is on my left, and then right is Owen. They'll all be going to school this year. It's going to be a new adventure." [19:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Ensuring your family is connected is just one way that you guys can partner alongside of us. Another way is by thinking about what your rhythms are in your family. Ensuring your family is connected to a church community is just one way, but establishing rhythms is the big deal here. And I wanted to say that again, and here's why. Because in Deuteronomy it says this, and these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children." [20:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "For me, I always thought that these rhythms meant that I needed to read the Bible for my kids for three hours every night, and I've quickly learned that that is not one, always feasible, and two, probably the best approach. But what would it look like if before our kids got on the school bus or before the kids got out of the car to go into school, what if we prayed with them? Or what if we prayed before we went to bed? Or what if it shifted the way we looked at our conversations with our kids throughout the day or the dinner table?" [21:32] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Let's be honest, too, if you don't have a relationship with your kid, your kids are not going to hear you. That's something I've had to learn, too. They can sniff out when you're not being serious or you're not being relational and meaningful with them. So what are you doing to build that relationship with your kids and your students? The last point is this, and it's we need to be connected to a community. We were created for community. The Bible tells us this, right?" [22:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Who are the people that you've put in your life that your kids are unintentionally or intentionally following because that is who's being modeled in front of them? Who are the people you go out to dinner with? Or the people that they hear you talking on the phone to? Are the people that are closest to your family the ones that are being a positive spiritual influence in your life? Who could potentially change the way your kids see and hear from God?" [22:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We talked about this idea of the church being yellow and the red being home, the heart of our home. And together these things create orange which is our strategy and why I absolutely love getting to do what I do because I love partnering with people that are spending way more time with their kids than we have the opportunity to do so. So as school approaches this year, what's your strategy? What's going to be different? How are we going to get these new routines set?" [23:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "What are the hours that we have with our kids this year and do something different with them? Whether you're a parent, a grandparent, an educator, our prayer for you is that this information allows your family to have the best year yet." [23:31] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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