THE ROLE OF PARENTS AND SPIRITUAL FAMILY

· Parents are a child’s first D-Group leader.
· Parents provide missional opportunities for their kids.
· Parents bring their children to Jesus.
· The whole community has a role in bringing up godly children.
· The most effective way to bring children into spiritual family is through participation and observation.

We believe that it is a great privilege to raise the children of this generation. We also believe that parents are the primary "disciplers" of their children. The leaders of Norman Community spend time resourcing parents so that they can take ownership of this great call.

Parents are a child’s first D-Group leader. Parents have the great opportunity to invite their children to participate in their spiritual lives. As the parent prays, reads the word and worships, the child can learn from observation and participation in these times. It is in everyday life that the child learns to listen and respond to God. In a movement parents give away what they have to their children knowing the potential for their children to go faster and further than they will personally. It is amazing to see how soon a child begins to share spiritual life with the parent.

Parents provide missional opportunities for their kids. From going on a short-term mission trip to taking sandwiches to the homeless in a nearby city, children must see the hands and feet of Jesus in action. It is in the park, grocery store and McDonald’s (or your favorite restaurant) that they can learn to love the lost, pray for the sick, prophesy, and see people instantly healed!

Parents bring their children to Jesus. Luke 18 tells the story of parents bringing their children to Jesus so that He could touch them. While moms and dads are an expression of Jesus to children, our goal is to help children fall in love with Jesus personally so that they experience His love and presence firsthand.

The whole community has a role in bringing up godly children. This means that everyone supports and challenges parents and children to grow spiritually, relationally, emotionally, and biblically. This takes place in missional communities, during Celebration, in shared meals and everywhere God’s people are gathered. Psalm 145:4 says “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.” Our desire is that both the previous generation and the current generation would exchange stories about the mighty things God is doing every day!

The most effective way to bring children into spiritual family is through participation and observation. There is an old adage that says some things are more “caught than taught.” We think it’s both. When they see how to lay hands on the sick, they learn how to pray for the sick. When children live in an environment where the adults and peers around them are passionately pursuing Jesus, they have an open door to nurture that pursuit personally. We are committed to including children in every aspect of church life.