Raising Christ-Centered Children, One Parent at a Time: Part Two

If you lead a children's ministry or pastor a church I would encourage you to consider this approach to the children's ministry. The following is a sample document, outlining focus areas for such a ministry.

Our Mission
The children’s ministry exists to cultivate Christ-centered parenting.

Our Process: The Three R’s
We reach out to families, raise up parents and reinforce teachings so that our children will believe, grow and lead.

The Parents’ Role
In Deuteronomy 11:18-21 Moses instructs God’s people on what to do with the godly teachings he taught them. He clearly assigns parents with the godly instruction of their children, not the religious leaders of the day.

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.” Deuteronomy 11:18-21

It is for this reason we believe the time parents spend with their children is the primary place for discipleship. As an integral part of the discipleship formula, parents are a cornerstone of the children’s ministry.

The Church’s Role
Reach Out! (Reaching Out to Families)
We seek to connect with families in our community by reaching out a hand of friendship. We desire to remove any hindrances from accomplishing this goal and are committed to making as many community connections as possible.

Raise Up! (Raising Up Christ-Centered Parents)
We desire to equip parents as they seek to accomplish instruction and incorporate God in their family’s daily life. We are committed to providing various parent enrichment opportunities, focused on godly parenting skills and resources parents may use from home with their children. Finally, we desire to develop support networks for parents as they navigate the challenges of raising Christ-centered children.

Reinforce! (Reinforcing Godly Teachings)
When the children meet for church gatherings we seek to reinforce parental instruction in hopes of accomplishing our shared goal of developing children who will Believe, Grow, and Lead. In addition, we desire to make a positive contribution to the children’s spiritual development by providing opportunities that their parents cannot provide at home. These opportunities include corporate worship, peer group interaction and ministry service through the local church.