HomePointe founder Kurt Brunner has identified 10 major concerns for
parents. Over the next few weeks I will be talking about each one in my blog. I would encourage you to check out the HomePointe website at drivefaithhome.com as we continue on this journey. I’ve worked with kids and families for over 35 years now. Throughout my ministry I’ve have engaged in hundreds of conversations with parents about their children. One thing that has been consistent is that regardless of nationality, race, economic or social status, most parents want their kids to understand something about the spiritual world. When asked about what their wishes are concerning the level of spiritual understanding their kids receive, I get a variety of answers. When asked if they have a plan for leading their kids in this journey, most are willing to pass off the responsibility to others. This is a dangerous decision for the parent and especially for the child. If you never understand anything else I write, please understand this; “It is the responsibility of every parent to become the primary faith teacher of their children.” This is consistent with The Bible and has been proven as the most successful way to help children grow into responsible God- pleasing adults. Of course, pastors, teachers, good Christian books, and the church are there to assist parents in this challenging endeavor. Guiding this next generation is a task that stretches us to depend on God and His Word. Keep in mind that your kids are learning about your beliefs concerning spiritual things on a daily basis by hearing what you say, and watching what you do. Kurt Brunner says, “What you do today directly influences the multigenerational cycle of family traits, beliefs, and actions for good or bad.” So passing a strong faith to our children begins by having a strong faith ourselves and modeling the Gospel in our marriages and to those we relate to daily. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 tells us that, as parents, we are to integrate spiritual teaching throughout each day. Our family runs an after-school kids club in a small town in Alabama. It is interesting to me that a majority of the kids who come daily to the program we provide don’t attend church regularly. However, their parents are totally fine with us teaching them Christian songs, Bible stories, memory verses, and Biblical principles. Parents give that responsibility to our team without question. We love that this happens but the roles are reversed. In most cases, the kids go home teaching their parents about spiritual things. Don’t be the parent that gives this responsibility away totally to others. Recognize that it is a blessing to teach your child about God and His love for the world. It is your responsibility to model godly living. It’s also a God-given privilege and honor to lead your children in this way. Here are a few ideas:
Bottom-line: Look for ways to have spiritual conversations. Blessings on your family, Ric Callahan, Pastor of Families, Westwood Baptist Church, Alabaster, AL
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HomePointe Founder Kurt Brunner is doing everything in his power to
help churches “drive faith home.” The organization was designed to help local church leaders create a culture of strong Christian families. This would be accomplished by challenging parents to take on the role as the primary faith teachers of their children. His website and ministry helps churches worldwide educate parents and families on how to better serve and glorify God in their homes. I would encourage you to check out their website at drivefaithhome.com. HomePointe has identified 10 major concerns for parents. Over the next few weeks I will be talking about each one in my blog. My goal for today is simply to give you a list of the top 10 concerns as identified by the HomePointe team. 1. Spiritual Development of Children 2. Technology use and abuse within the family 3. Parent/Child Communication 4. Integrity at home and beyond 5. Peer Acceptance and Positive Relationships 6. Self Image, Gifts, and Talents 7. Making Grades, Working Hard, and Being Self Disciplined 8. Sexual Knowledge-What do your kids need to know and when 9. Financial Awareness and Responsibility 10. Apathy, Procrastination and Independence I believe that the next 10 weeks will help all of us who are parents better understand our role as the primary faith teachers of our children. Ric Callahan Pastor of Families Westwood Baptist Church, Alabaster, AL |
AuthorRic Callahan has served the Church as minister to youth, children, and families for 37 years. He and his wife, Carla, have a passion for motivating and encouraging parents to activiely pursue Godly leadership in their homes. They have raised two daughters who use their gifts in minsitry as well. Archives
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