No Images? Click here Strengthening parents as they disciple their childrenParenting is one of the most amazing experiences in life, but in today’s fast paced-culture it can also be one of the most challenging. There will be one hundred and one things on most parent’s to do lists – from the practicalities of arranging lifts to football practice and preparing packed lunches, to helping children form good friendships and keeping them safe in the online world. It is no wonder that the amazing opportunity to talk to their children about their faith sometimes gets missed. The Kitchen Table Project is not about adding to parents’ already busy to do list, but helping them to see that they can bring God into the everyday life, whether that’s while they’re on the go, or in the occasional moments where life is a little slower. It’s about reminding parents that God has positioned them and equipped them with everything they need for discipling their precious children and that the Holy Spirit wants to help them moment by moment. So, in this month’s email we wanted to look at some ways we, as church leaders, can encourage and strengthen parents in this important ministry. "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 4:16-19 Maybe you could strengthen parents by praying for them, equipping them with inspirational resources or involving the wider church community in offering them support. We’ve read in this verse that God wants to strengthen parents from the inside out, with his ‘glorious riches’, or as the New Living Translation puts it, ‘his unlimited resources’. And we may just be a small part of that endless supply of resources God wants to use – helping parents to encounter God’s love for them so that it overflows into their children’s lives. Blessings Claire and the Kitchen Table Project Team Pray God loves to hear our prayers and we know that there is power in prayer. If as a church you pray regularly for those leading various ministries, why not include praying for parents in that – recognising the importance of their role in discipling their children. Or maybe you could arrange a regular prayer meeting, where parents can come and pray for their children. Sharing concerns and celebrations with other parents can really empower parents as they remember they are not alone. Have you seen our book yet? Why not provide parents with resources that will help to strengthen and equip them? Raising Faith by Katharine Hill and Andy Frost is is a magazine-style book, packed with bite-sized articles and helpful ideas to try out even in the busyness of family life. It’s full of real life stories, practical advice and encouragement, which will dispel guilt and help parents to feel enthused and confident to nurture faith in their children. The books are £4.99 each but churches can purchase 20 copies at a discounted rate of £50. Church toolkitInvolve the wider church. Maybe you could use one of our downloadable sermons from the Church Toolkit to help your congregation to recognise how valuable they are in supporting and encouraging the parents in your church community. 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. |