I Was Once Part of an Evening Session Aimed at Helping Ordinary People Share Their Faith

I was once part of an evening session aimed at helping ordinary people share their faith more easily with those around them; neighbours, friends, work colleagues. I was the only person in the group who was in a ministry role and when I raised my hand to ask a question, the facilitator jokingly said, “Wait a minute, you’re supposed to have all the answers! You’re the professional here!” Everyone laughed, and it was quite funny, but it got me thinking about faith ‘professionals’.

I use professionals all the time. When my hot water heater started leaking, I called a plumber. When my van broke down, I took it to a mechanic. I go to a doctor when someone is sick or injured. My life is full of outsourcing to professionals when I know that I can’t do something as well as someone else and I want it done right! So what happens to regular parents who want to share their faith? What happens when their heartfelt desire is to pass on their faith and God’s Word to their family, but they don’t believe that they can do it right. If parents aren’t confident, they outsource by sending their children to Sunday School where they expect the job will get done. That’s not to say that none of our church families feel confident, but research has shown that if we don’t count saying grace around the table, only about 10% of church going families pray or read the Bible with their children at home.

What a motivation to make our time with children the best in can be! But at the same time, it also drives me to ask what we, as faith communities, can do to help support, resource and encourage families to pass on their faith to their children in their own homes. Imagine the impact that families will have as they intentionally raise up a faithful and Godly generation!

One of my passions is to help our parishes journey alongside our families as they pass on their faith. Many people are already involved in serving and strengthening families in New Zealand and around the world. Faith4Families (Faith Box), Mark Holmen (Faith Begins at Home) and Reggie Joiner (Think Orange) are just some of the amazing resources available that can help us help our families (and all available from the StraNdZ library). In 2012 I’d like to invite you to work together in your churches and communities to reach out to our families. I’d love to hear what you’re doing in your place in Aotearoa!

Smiles

Julie

Words of Inspiration & Insight

5year old girl said...

"I follow my dreams. Some of them are from God!"

How wise are our young ones!

Goals are dreams with deadlines

What goals can we achieve this year and in what time frame do we give them?
How often do you meet with your soul friend to keep you inspired to reach your dreams?

An insight gem from the Living Wisdom course...

"If the parents never taught it, initiative can still be learnt by practising L.O.F.O. (Look Out For Opportunities)”

What opportunities are in front of us with the children and families we know?
What obstacles stop us from putting these opportunities into action?

Speed networking...

On a November evening 12 women from six churches who run ministries for preschoolers and their parents/caregivers (music and playgroups) got together for a time of sharing and encouragement – and coffee and cake!

It was organised along the lines of speed dating, which I have since learned is called ‘speed networking’! A long table was set with flowers, candles and chocolates and the women sat opposite each other, six each side. They were welcomed and the rules of engagement were explained: they would be given a topic to discuss and after five minutes a bell would ring and they would be called to order(!), one side of the table then moves along a seat and the next topic is discussed. They were encouraged to talk about; their ministry – what it is and how a session runs, their vision/big dream for their ministry – i.e. if they could do anything (unlimited finances andpeople!), what would they like to see happen, their challenges – what limits them or frustrates them and finally, what they were planning on doing for their group/community for Christmas.

Well, it was like letting horses out of a starting gate! The roar of animated conversation was deafening! Stories and ideas were shared, everyone was hugely encouraged and conversation continued over coffee and cake. I think it’s safe to say a great time was had by all!

SusieSchruer

Nelson

Carey Baptist College Training

Children’s Ministry Course 672, 772 with Dr Scottie May

25th – 29th June in Auckland

For details visit

Other courses available......

MM677The Family in NZ Society

MF504Children & Family Ministry Field Education

MF604Children & Family Ministry Field Education 2

Contact Registrar for more information: or (09) 526 0340

School Term Dates 2012

For primary and intermediate schools

Term / Start date / End date
1 / Between
Monday 30 January & Tuesday 7 February / Thursday 5 April
2 / Monday 23 April / Friday 29 June
3 / Monday 16 July / Friday 28 September
4 / Monday 15 October / No later than Thursday 20 December *

* Or to a day in December which ensures that the school has been open for instruction for 388 half-days in 2012.

For secondary and composite schools

* Or to a day in December which ensures that the school has been open for instruction for 380 half-days in 2012.

Upcoming Events……

There’s lots happening over the next few months so mark your diaries.

March

Children’s Day

Sunday 4th March

This year’s theme is “love and affection”. Have you checked out the website or started planning what you will do? Take a look at to see what others are planning or to register your event.

Unlimited Conference at Spreydon Baptist, Christchurch

Friday 9th& Saturday 10thMarch

For info and register online visit

Way2Go (Scripture Union Children’s Ministry Conference)

WELLINGTON
9.30am – 4pm Saturday 10th March

Elim International Church, 22 Tennyson St, Te Aro

AUCKLAND

9.30am – 4pm Saturday 24th March

Elim Christian Centre, 159 Botany Road, Howick

DUNEDIN

9.30am – 4pm Saturday 31st March

Mosgiel Presbyterian Church, 11 Church St, Mosgiel

Messy Conference in Auckland

March 24-25, details soon

April

Palm Sunday1st April

Good Friday6th April

Easter Sunday 8th April

Training Event – “Flannelgraph in the 21st Century”

Creating engaging multi-media presentations simply.

Saturday 21st April

Auckland – venue TBC

May

Mark Holman(in NZ with Willowbank Association & Focus on the Family)

AUCKLAND

6th & 7th May

Pakuranga Baptist Church & Columba Presbyterian

HAMILTON

8th May

Gateway Christian Centre

NEWPLYMOUTH

9th May

Venue – TBC

CHRISTCHURCH

13th & 14th May

Spreydon Baptist Church, Hornby Presbyterian & Grace Vineyard