What generation of Christian are you?

Misunderstanding about children’s ministry Parents believing we can fix kids in an hour every week.

1/168 hours

Misunderstanding of parents… They are there to serve the children’s ministry goals

There is a big problem… We need everyone… & Parents are the most important person to pass on their faith to their kids!

40% to 50% of church kids who go to college leave their faith… Many of these young people had… – Attending church activities – Attended church outreaches – Attended Christian schools (From Sticky Faith by Kara Powell, c. 2011)

Parents are Primary Dr. Christian Smith (sociologist, University of Notre Dame) recently did a study in the U.S. of 3,290 teens and their families. “When it comes to to kids’ faith, parents get what they are.”

“My parents are very conservative and strongly believe what the Bible says and … they’re not wavering from that, but they’re also very open… if I have a question about something or if I’m questioning what the Bible says, they’re not going to get angry at me for doing that. They want me to do that.” - Alex

“My mom modeled Sticky Faith for me every morning, coffee cup in one hand and Bible in the other.” - Kara

Group discussion What are some things that your parents/grandparents did that were important for the development of your faith? What are some things that you do with your own kids? What are some things that other parents in the church do?

Asaph I Chronicles 16:4-5 I Chronicles 25:2 II Chronicles 20:14 Ezra 3:10

How did Asaph’s family do it?

He ministered together with his 4 sons

Psalms 78:3-8 – Talking the Word of God was Primary

Psalms 73: 13, 28 – Transparency of His faith was Primary.

Psalms 73:15 – Passion for the next generation was Primary.

Psalms 82:3-4 – Care for the those on the fringes of society was Primary.

They had a real faith that was passed down from generation to generation….

Tale of Two Families In the U.S. during the 1700’s there were two families in one town that shed light on the influence of family. ***One father was a preacher ***One father was a notorious criminal

Descendants of the pastor ： *4 university deans 100 university professors 100 lawyers 30 judges 60+ doctors 100missionaries & seminary professors 60writers Many well-known companies include employees from this family

Descendants of the notorious criminal – 300 beggars 400 handicapped (many through crime) 60 professional thieves 130 have spent time in prison 7 murderers (This family costs the government over one million USD per year.)

Jonathan Edwards

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. Abraham Lincoln

Susanna Wesley – 19 children, 1 hour per week, one-on-one

If parents are primary, why do children and youth ministry?

How can the church support the parents and get on board together?

Change our mindset – we are all coworkers for the kids ！

Pray for your families & kids…

Create a great feeling between you and the kids and the parents.

Talk to the parents in person and encourage them.

Make sure parents drop off and pick up kids.

Get all their information the first time. NEXT Congregation, Children’s Registration We hope this registration will help us to better serve your child. Thank you for taking the time to fill it out. We look forward to serving your family. Child’s Name: _____________________ Today’s Date:__________ Age:___Birthday:_________(month-day-year) Grade or Year in School:________ Child’s Primary Language:____________________________________________ Child’s Secondary Language(s):________________________________________ What are some of your child’s favorite activities:__________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Child’s Name: _____________________ Today’s Date:__________ Age:___Birthday:_________(month-day-year) Grade or Year in School:________ Child’s Primary Language:____________________________________________ Child’s Secondary Language(s):________________________________________ What are some of your child’s favorite activities:__________________________ _______________________________________________________________

Call them

Parent meeting every semester…

Give parents tools to help them dialogue God with their kids 1 。 Have parents sign for it. 2 。 Memorize verses. 3 。 Interview parents 4 。 Read portions together 5 。 Pray for something specific

Get parents involved

Visit kids at home.

Have people over your home…

Involve kids in main service…

Kids perform

Introduce great books

Go bless a local school together

Visit an elderly home.

Visit an orphanage…

Make gifts for parents…

Have your kids write a letter to their parents.

Get some fun church traditions

Mother/daughter tea

Father/Son hiking

Family camping

Please note – I hold no rights to the pictures in this ppt. They were all found on the internet. I can verify that I have used them for educational purposes only and have not sold anything that includes these pictures.