Connections, consistency and Christ

What do the car, bedtime, doorways, dinner table and board games have in common?

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of attending the top kids/family pastors conference in North America. Yes, it was in a sunny place, and the temperature was a lot nicer than here, not to rub it in…. Yes, I was able to have a bit of fun while I was there. But it was so much better than I even expected. As my role has completely shifted here at CPC this was a great start to help me in the dreaming process of what is to come.
 

In 3 days, there were 5 General sessions all focusing on Unending Hope. It was so encouraging. At one service, I felt that Jesus was speaking to my heart directly. I started to journal, and that barely happens. There were 6 breakouts, these were my favourite part for sure. I will tell you about one a little further on. We started the conference with a worship and prayer experience that gave multiple ways to encounter Jesus. I was so encouraged by the experience that I hope to use some of the ideas here at CPC.

I wanted to share about a breakout session called" 5 Ways to Help a Parent Win" by Dr. Ron Hunter from D6 Ministries. I had heard great things about Dr. Hunter and wanted to hear what these 5 points were about because he was speaking my language. He shared 5 points from ONE verse!!!

Deuteronomy 6:7, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

The verse starts with the word ‘impress.’ The word ‘impress,’ is to make a mark or design using a stamp or seal, or imprint. Love this! How can we make a mark with our children or grandkids when we are around them? Showing Jesus to them when we are around them. To ‘impress’ is to be repetitive. The three things that kids need most from parents are

1) Connections, someone to hear them out and listen. Last week my daughter had a moment with my wife and me where she said, "All I need you to do is listen and hear me out". It was a great reminder that she does not just need us to tell her what to do, our kids need to be heard.

2) Consistency. Discipleship in the home takes time and needs repetition. Kids can spot our integrity and hypocrisy.

3) Christ. Take everyday opportunities as they come for teachable moments. Kim and I are in the process of teaching our youngest how to drive.  There are many teachable moments just like there are in everyday life. What everyday experiences do you face?

So where can we impress our faith in Jesus on our kids?

• Car:
  1. Maximize car time
  2. As you get in the car, tell your kids before you jump on your phone, can you connect with me first?
  3. When you ask questions and you get one-word answers, don’t be afraid to ask, “tell me more about that.”
  4. Play a game called Glad, sad, mad. Ask," What made you mad? What made you sad? What should have happened?"
• Bedtime
  1. When Your kids procrastinate in going to bed, utilize that time
  2. Read a book, bible
  3. Buy a large bed for each child so you can fit on the bed to spend time with them
  4. Pray, thank you God for….
  5. Give chances to recap the day
  6. This is a great chance for 1 on 1

• Doorways
  • Take 30 seconds with your kids before they go out
  • Pray together before kids go out
  • Encourage them to be Jesus to someone
  • Affirm them, saying "I love this about you….".
• Dinner table
  • Michigan university polled a large group of students, “What do you remember most about your childhood?” The answer is dinner time with family
  • Strive to have at least 2 table times together a week
  • Focus on discussion
  • Have a question, discussion starter jar in the middle of your table
  • Maybe this is a time for family devotions
  • Share your personal devotions
• Board Games
  • Pick a day of the week that is designated for family time.
  • This is a good entry point for discussions
  • This encourages quality family time

Thanks for reading! Praying for you!

Pastor Trevor

trevor@cpclife.com