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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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
May 2018
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