We recently celebrated Baptisms at LifeChurch.tv. My passion centers around equipping parents for the long haul, so I lean toward providing ‘tools’ for them rather than just doing it myself. I love the idea of mom/dad having a rich God-conversation on the playground… like baptism. If I can give them the right questions to ask along with the right responses to look for, they can make a determination regarding their child’s readiness for these milestones.
The last baptism weekend was touching when a dad approached me right before his daughter’s baptism. He said,
Three weeks ago my 8 year old asked about salvation. I was able to go to LifeKIDS.tv, find information about salvation, have a great conversation with my little girl then lead her through a prayer to ask Jesus into her life. Last week she wanted to know about baptism. Again, I went to LifeKIDS.tv and found information about baptism. Today I’m baptizing my daughter because she wants everyone to know what God has done. I want you to know what you have done. You empowered me to have conversations with my daughter I never thought I could have. Thank you
That was amazing. And he has no idea how much that meant to hear.
I need to learn more…
As a parent, what additional tools can your kids ministry leaders put in your hands?
As a ministry leader, what tools do you offer your parents?
May 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I would identify that as a solid WIN!
May 4th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I love it. You're challenging me here. Dang… I need to step it up.
May 4th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
That is a great story, well done. This is a huge part of CM. If we aren't preparing parents to lead then we almost just teasing kids with the gospel. Something that we just launched (still in experimentatl stage) is the idea of T-Mobile “whose in your top 5″. We want every volunteer that holds a baby, cares for a toddler, invest in a pre k, or disciple an elem student to pick 5 kids/families that they will love on, encourage, equip, support, and pray for. I think your story is great but most parents I've been around don't feel “qualified” to teach their kids. Our goal through relationships is to help parents understand they do have what it takes. We want to provide tools but more importantly we are seeing our parents need a nudge and someone constantly screaming you can teach them about God. So far this is going good but like i said its an experiement. Hopefully it works. Thanx for the post i look forward to hearing other ways we can support families.
May 4th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
We have tried lots of different things but I am stuck right now mostly on the small group leaders building relationships with the whole family. Then that seems to open up conversations and we really get some needs we can help with. It takes lots of effort on their part, but it has been sooooo worth it.
I will still keep trying any other thing I hear about though, it all helps someone.
May 4th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Dustin's comment about “teasing kids with the gospel” kicks my butt.
May 4th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Dustin,
I love this idea. Especially the thought that volunteers are intentionally praying for specific families in your ministry. Great leadership.
Sandy,
We are doing much of the same thing. I agree with you. I'm very stuck on it. I love the reality of the small group leader being so involved with the family. These are the relationships to foster. Our newest shift is leading these small group leaders and their families to do local mission activities together.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
The idea from Dustin is great! It's something we encourange our small group leaders to do – but this really puts it in an easily identifiable way. Thanks for convicting and inspiring me.
kidspastorcathy
May 4th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
This is something that we actually struggle with, most of our life group leaders are quite you and they feel unqualified to support parents in any way! Perhaps for us one of the best things that we can do is get parents of older children to help support families as well. Any ideas on how we could facilitate this?
May 4th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
OK, that is WAY too practical to have put on your website… I… um… have to go… um… wash my hair… (sneaking off to go add those things to our children's ministry online pages)
May 5th, 2009 at 9:30 am
I love this! Great ideas about equipping families!