When reading a book I am not only looking through the eyes of someone who is passionate about children's ministry, but also as a mom of three boys. You see I am not only looking to apply new and innovative ideas at our church, but I also want to bring them into our home. That is the beauty of Collaborate - it is all about connecting the family and church.
There were two chapters that impacted me on both levels so greatly that I am still thinking, praying, and talking about them and more importantly making changes because of them.
The first chapter was written by Carey Nieuwhof as a senior Pastor's view on family ministry. He wrote about how most parents have lost sleep wondering if their children would be alright. Most parents are searching for partners from the time they find out they are pregnant. These two questions he asked are disturbing me still.
- What would it take for the average unchurched family in your community to
look to you as a potential partner?
- What if you leveraged all that God has given you and embraced family ministry
to the point where those families no longer have to wonder?
The second chapter was written by Jim Wideman on developing a biblical worldview in your children. He wrote on how important it is for both the family and the church to foster a love for the Lord and His Word. How both working together can help our children grow up to become doers of the Word. He stated that children can't live what they can't remember, and they can't remember what they don't understand. That makes our tasks as parents and teachers even more important. His "Top Ten List" is invaluable to all and I have printed a copy to hang as a reminder to me.
It all goes back to these verses for me which resonate through the chapters in this book.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 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.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
I highly recommend Collaborate to...well basically EVERYONE! Parents, teachers, pastors, worship leaders, volunteers, etc. can all learn so much from the wealth of information contained in this wonderful book that was written and now read through the eyes of love.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Minister's Label for the purpose of being a part of the book blog tour. All opinions stated are truly my own.
Thanks for reading, and posting a review! I'm currently skipping back and forth through the book myself!
ReplyDeleteI to am totally enjoying this book. It is one of the few books you get as much out of it no matter what chapter you start reading and what chapter you finish reading. I am loving it.
ReplyDeleteGreat review and great questions to ponder! I, too, like Cary's chapter. While working with parents can be a challenge in CM, the truth is that most parents ARE looking for partners and we need to put ourselves in a position to be one of those partners.
ReplyDeleteIt was also great to have a chance to see ministry through your eyes gentlemen!
ReplyDeleteJonathan I really enjoyed your chapter on family-friendly events! Looking forward to planning one in the future for families to just spend time having a good time!
Sam I also enjoyed your chapter on building ministry! Bridging the gap between children's ministry and student ministry is something that we are working on diligently now to prepare for our kids that are getting ready to "graduate" to the youth program soon!
Loved both of your insights on these subjects! Thanks for sharing!
Wow I love those things that you are chewing on about the unchurched family. With this whole idea about parents teaching their children we still need to bring the unchurched in and equip them with the tools to raise up their children even if they did not grow up in a Christian home. I look forward to drawing my own conclusions on what family ministry looks like at our church.
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