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We believe that God has called both the church and home to raise up the next generations to know, honor, and treasure God through Jesus Christ. We believe this is best accomplished through a strategic, loving partnership between the church and home. This partnership affirms the role and responsibility of church leadership to provide encouragement and training for parents, and also to provide formal instruction for children and youth. This partnership affirms that parents by proximity, opportunity, and God’s design, bear a unique responsibility for nurturing their children’s faith. Our resources and ministry philosophy are designed to foster this partnership.
It is helpful if there are clear, distinct roles for both church and home, and that both work together to pursue one main goal for our children. However, for that partnership to happen, these roles need to be clarified and expectations need to be articulated. For example, a few basic things that the church could tell parents to expect:
The church will…
One very strategic way our resources foster a partnership between church and home is through the inclusion of Growing in Faith Together: Parent and Child Resource Pages (GIFT pages) for every lesson in our curricula. After children have received formal weekly instruction in the classroom, GIFT pages provide parents with a tool that will assist them in taking the biblical truths learned and guiding their children to personal application. Parents have the greatest opportunity for “teachable moments,” situations that arise in everyday life that can be opportunities to apply the truth of God. Real heart application of biblical truth, which changes lives, usually takes place in the context of relationship and everyday life.
GIFT pages provide parents with the following:
Download GIFT Pages Sample (PDF)
We strongly encourage children’s ministry leaders and Sunday school volunteers to make these pages easily available to parents. Furthermore, it is important to educate parents regarding the importance of these pages and seek ways to motivate and assist them if necessary.
A very tangible and practical way for the church to partner with parents is to encourage parents to become more acquainted and involved in their child’s classroom experience. Here are a few ideas for doing this:
Another important way for the church to partner with parents is to share with them the church’s vision for family, youth, and children’s discipleship. Too often—albeit unintentionally—parents are not informed of the bigger picture regarding children’s and youth ministry. Truth78 has a variety of video and print resources that communicate the vision, mission, and values that undergird our ministry, curricula, and other resources. Here are some suggestions to share with parents:
The church can serve parents by recommending and making available excellent resources to help parents disciple their children.
Practical advice and encouragement for discipling your children.
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An interactive family devotional that shapes the mind, heart, and will.
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Address your children's deepest need—to know, love, trust, and treasure God through Christ!
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