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A brand new term
As September approaches and the summer holidays draw to an end, we often find ourselves as church leaders naturally re-evaluating the first half of the year, and looking ahead to the autumn term.
One of our key messages at the Kitchen Table Project is about encouraging parents to be real and model authenticity in their homes.
And this time of year can be good for us as church leaders and children and family workers, to take the opportunity to be real with those around us. To pause and think about what works in our lives and ministry or any changes we’d like to make in the year ahead.
There may be many families in our congregations who at the end of a busy summer might feel a little frazzled and would probably love someone to come alongside them, to listen to their hopes and dreams for their children and families in the months ahead.
Sometimes they may just need that vulnerability modelled to them by their leaders, giving them the courage to reflect and dream.
As Brené Brown, author of Rising Strong says, “Vulnerability is not weakness; it is our greatest measure of courage.”
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
This month’s email looks at different ways we can encourage ourselves, parents and our ministry teams to take the time to rest and reflect on what we would like to see in our homes and in our ministries.
We pray you enjoy the rest of the summer and feel inspired to launch into this new season ahead.
Blessings
Claire and the Kitchen Table Project team
Host a parent commissioning service
Hosting a parent commissioning service at the beginning of term is a wonderful way of showing parents how valuable they are.
Taking time in your service to pray for the parents and children in your church helps model unity and brings the whole church together in support of strong and healthy family life.
Strengthening your team
As the new academic year approaches, this may be a good time to meet with your team of children’s workers.
Providing a safe place to share honestly can create a valuable opportunity to reflect on the highlights of the year and explore ways to tackle some of the challenges that come their way.
It also allows time to encourage one another’s gifts and provide any needed support – which really can make a difference in building a strong team and igniting passion and vision.
Giving parents a voice
The beginning of the new school year is a great opportunity to meet with parents.
We can find out about the challenges they face getting their children to church and the questions their children are asking about God and faith.
Parents know their children so much better than we do, and listening to their views affirms that. It also enables us to tailor our programmes to help meet their children’s needs.
We would love to hear about the different ways churches are encouraging parents in this journey so that we can share these ideas with other churches. If you would like to share your ideas please contact us.
