A number of years ago Discipleship Council discerned priorities for ministry with children and youth and their families, inspired by the pledge that we as a congregation make to parents when families welcome children into their homes and into the church. I know not all of you parents or caregivers we here in our congregation when your child came into the world, but the promise extends to all children in our congregation. We covenant and pledge with their families “to walking in the Way of Jesus; living lives of justice, peace, and compassion...to loving these children as beloveds of God, and prayerfully supporting these parents." Not just the kids, YOU, the ones who care for them.
Priorities two and three are about calling out the gifts off young people and building intergenerational connections. But priority number one is Christ-centered spiritual formation for children, youth and their families. I'm interested in learning more about how the congregation - and I as a leader - can be a resource. I'd like to learn what's already going well, and where you need support. What are the questions you have for your own spiritual life that would help you feel more confident as a role model and teacher in disciple-ing your children.
Children learn both by what we tell them and because they notice and mirror the adults in their lives. It's why we try to have healthy eating habits, model the behavior want our kids to learn, keep our potty mouths shut (just me?). Kids of people who read tend to be readers. Parents who are physically active have kids who move their bodies more. Developing a life of faith is no different. Kids pick up the habits and learn from what we do and say individually and together as a family.
In the next few weeks I will be contacting families to set up conversations about your own priorities and hopes for your children. Through these conversation I hope to learn how to best be a resource for developing language and the practices for kids and their adults as we seek together to follow the way of Jesus. I look forward to talking to you!
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Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
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