 Ministry and support to parents
"It is imperative that we understand God's expectations of how children should be nurtured. The local church is crucial in the process but a child's family is central. Gaining a proper perspective on the partnership between parent and church in the mutual effort to raise God-loving and God-fearing children is paramount." George Barna (Transforming Children into Spirtual Champions)
An integrated family ministry
Many parents won't have experienced any spiritual nurturing in their home as they grew up and so have no model as to how to raise God-loving and God-fearing children. But churches shouldn't just assume the role on their behalf. Church, children's ministry and youth ministry leades should work together to develop a strategy that encourages and supports parents in their responsibility for the spiritual maturation of their children.
A new baby: encourage and support
The birth of a baby often turns the thoughts of families to the church. It may just be the desire for a traditional Christening ceremony, or it may be a spiritual awakening resulting from the miracle of a new life or a focus on our own mortality when we suddenly have the responsibility for caring for a helpless baby.
Many first-time mothers find themselves in a new and unfamiliar role, often without their family close by and, if she has just given up work, she will have lost a network of colleagues and may know very few people – especially ones who are at home during the day – in the area where she lives. they are searching for new friendships and support groups. The church has an opportunity to reach out and support new parents as well as providing for their children.
A parent and toddler group will be eagerly anticipated. Most secular groups are self-managed so the group only consists of carers (usually mothers) and their babies and toddlers. Church groups have the advantage of an opportunity to involve older members, who may be grandparents or even great-grandparents. Support relationships can develop outside the organized group between the young family and the older person.
Midweek groups for carers and preschoolers can also include, or be supplemented with, informal services and/or talks about parenting issues.
As mothers and families are supported and made to feel welcome by the church they will become open to invitations to other events – especially all-age activities – which may be social or could be more evangelistic in nature.
A better parent: encourage and support
There is a growing awareness that many new parents need help and training in the art of parenting. A church can provide parenting support at a variety of levels. Occasional speakers, addressing a specific parenting issue, could be invited to a carer and toddler group or advertised more widely. A parenting course can be promoted and offered to the community at large, or to families that the church is already in contact with. Alternatively, or additionally, a course may be offered to help parents introduce Christian teaching and truths at home.
Parenting Children course (based on Christian principles but aimed at Christian and non-Christian parents)
Parenting Teenagers course (based on Christian principles but aimed at Christian and non-Christian parents)
Revolutionary Parenting course (aimed at parents who want help to build a foundation of Christian faith in their children)
The Gifts of Baptism (aimed at parents and godparents wishing to present a young child for Baptism)
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