Every January I enjoy previewing the upcoming year in Family Ministry. Through a variety of means, FM will periodically update the Apex body about our efforts to minister to children, students and their families. In the coming weeks we will present information about things like Apologia, Summer Camps, Dad-Daughter Dances, House Church Resources, Family Mission Trips, Parent-Child Dedications, Operation Christmas Child, Mission Clubs, PJ Purity Party, Revolve Tour, Service Projects, Underground Church, VBS and a host of other things.
All of those things are designed to present the Gospel to our families, our neighbors and our world. We believe that these efforts are valuable in that they encourage, educate and motivate our families to share the Gospel to those God has placed in their households and life path.
Ultimately, it is the duty of Parents and Guardians to share the Gospel to the children or students in their care. It will always be on my mind and in my heart, to provide support to those seeking to share the Gospel with the Kids and Teens they care about the most.
2012 will present a unique cultural backdrop to which families will live out their lives. In a year where so many messages will permeate our homes and the minds of those we love most, we must not cease presenting the “Gospel” to our families. If we are not vigilant, our households will hang on the words of those who are cross, instead of the words of the one who hung on “the” cross. We must teach our children to trust and have confidence in God, not mankind.
Developing a Child’s Confidence in God
Psalm 27:1-3 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Through a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise up against me, in this will I be confident.
The Bible is an inexhaustable source of strength and advice, Psalm 27:1-3, is just one of many scriptures that directs us to trust in God and not to be afraid. A family that will memorize and meditate upon this verse will have a solid biblical point of reference when life seems threatening.
A Simple Daily Plan
The book of Proverbs contains many principles that clearly speak to questions and scenarios that face all family members. I would humbly suggest that many of the questions that will be posed in 2012, are answered in these 31 chapters. Read one chapter a day, chapter 1 on the 1st, chapter 2 on the 2nd and so forth. Repeating this every month will provide opportunity to focus on a different verse or two within each chapter. Let me offer this last bit of advice . . .
If there is an “ant” mentioned in a verse – READ THAT VERSE TWICE!
This blog post was written by Kevin Bowman, Team Lead for Family Ministry.
