We just wrapped up a series called Upper Hand with the Middle school this past weekend. We looked at authority in terms of our relationships at home (for the most part). This series really set the tone for how students and kids in general should respect authority. Now let me say right up front that there is a big difference in Bible-based authority and being a parental dictator.
We ended this series with an incredible opportunity for parents. Last night we held an “XP”…or experience. This is how we bring the church and home together. We had a stellar panel of parents ready to answer any questions with respect to authority. The students will get their chance to ask questions this coming Sunday. I have been really excited for this opportunity all month long. Early this week I was literally punched in the face with respect to what was happening in our student ministry. We asked our Middle School students to submit any questions for our parent panel to discuss. As expected, we got the general questions about why the students can’t stay up later, why they can’t be on Facebook, and even a few about alleged preferential treatment of siblings type of questions. What I am about to share blew me away and my prayer is that it would serve as a wake-up call to some of us.
In addition to some of these questions about authority, we received many other questions with common themes. I am going to spend the rest of this post talking about these questions and offer some possible solutions. Here are the questions/statements in no particular order:
- Do you regret having kids?
- Why does mom ignore me when she is on the computer?
- Why does my dad just watch TV when my mom has to do everything?
- When my dad gets mad at my mom, why does he do things that are not nice?
- Why don’t we hang out any more?
I know perspective is everything and these questions don’t paint a full picture of what is actually happening…but the real issue is that there ARE real issues.
If you stop reading this post…or never listen to a word from anyone in the Family Ministry, please know that we WANT to partner with YOU so that together we can raise up this next generation. I suspect that every parent who might read this (including myself) would probably say (privately of course) …”this could be my child”. Listen… no one expects perfection…that’s the WHOLE story of why Christ came. Our kids are watching everything …EVERYTHING we do. Authority is built on love or encouragement. Our kids are precious gifts from God….please don’t take your time with them for granted. Teach them, love them, encourage them…if you don’t know how or are stuck, let us partner with you. We want to make your family stronger in Christ.
I know not every parent could make it out last night for our parent panel. The good news is that we will be having more. Stay tuned to the Southbrook Church Facebook page or look for the flier when your child comes home from Middle School service.