Resources — parents

“Can I help you?” I looked up to see nine-year-old Josh smiling at me, eager to assist. His mom had brought him to my Sunday afternoon seminar on “Partnering with Children.” Throughout the seminar Josh was always the first to volunteer for activities, he enthusiastically participated in discussions, and at the end of the seminar he asked, “How do I sign up to help you do what you do?” This young man was ready to be used by God. Earlier, during the morning worship service, the pastor had taught about evangelism. All the adults were given a special wristband with...

The church, or faith family, plays an active role in the spiritual formation of children. The tool of spiritual benchmarking provides a critical piece to the formation puzzle. These markers help parents and faith families walk alongside children as they grow in Christ. We call them GrowthRings®. We’ve taken twenty years of GrowthRings and grouped them into five-year phases. The church can develop practices that contribute to the faith formation of young people in each phase. In this issue, we focus on ages eleven through fifteen. This phase broadens the focus of loving God and loving others, giving the church...

The church, or faith family, plays an active role in the spiritual formation of children. Teaching classes and building community through games are common ways we serve. These opportunities, along with following a curriculum and providing safe environments, are all pieces in the larger faith formation puzzle. Spiritual benchmarking provides another critical piece to that puzzle. These markers help parents and faith families walk alongside children as they grow in Christ. We call them GrowthRings®. We’ve taken twenty years of GrowthRings and grouped them into five-year phases. The church can develop practices that contribute to children’s faith formation in each...

Teams are most successful when working together, and the faith-forming team of church and home is no exception! The church, or faith family, plays an active role in forming children. Teaching classes, providing snacks, and holding babies in the nursery are common ways we serve. These opportunities, along with following a curriculum and providing safe environments, are all pieces in the larger faith formation puzzle. Spiritual benchmarking provides another critical piece to that puzzle. These markers help parents and faith families walk alongside children as they grow in Christ. We call them GrowthRings®. We’ve taken twenty years of GrowthRings®and grouped...

Children are naturally curious about others who are different. Although their initial reactions can seem rude or embarrassing to parents, children need to know it’s okay to ask questions. In the book God Made Me Unique, author Chonda Ralston shares how one Sunday School teacher helps students learn the value of every person regardless of their appearance or ability. Chonda and I served together as editors and contributors on numerous Joni and Friends resources over the past decade. This picture book is part of a series from Joni and Friends with New Growth Press. I wrote the adult study, The...