If you are a parent, I am sure you do not disagree that your role in your child’s spiritual development is critical.Youth Ministry, therefore, ought not neglect this important partnership. See, Fields, Purpose Driven Youth Ministry at 251 (“Youth Ministry that excludes parents is about as effective as a Band-Aid on a hemorrhage.”).
To that end, this school year, BtO aims to have more parent resources included in the curricula units. The idea is not to just spiritually feed the youth, but to equip parents to reinforce the concepts at home.
Read more about our Fall Line-up and what else is in store for BtO this year!
As a parent, I often struggle with how to navigate raising my kids up in God’s character and not worrying so much who we offend. I wish I had a little of my dad’s moxie for pushing that envelope. True - his sense of humor didn't "age" very well, but he always emphasized character over substance.
I suppose that is why with my own kids and my Church’s Youth Ministry, I’m really big on something we call the “252 effect.” What’s that, you ask? (Or maybe you didn’t – but just humor me). It comes from Luke 2:52 and it is the moment when the world was astonished with the amazing character, wisdom, and stature of a 12-year old Christ. Isn't that what we want for our kids? Let's mirror our Youth Ministry off that blueprint - no dad jokes required.
