Building Framework

Part of our vision for Family Life Ministries leaders is to "Show FRAMEWORK of a Christ follower."
This speaks of engaging and connecting with kids and parents. Building a foundation in the lives of families will help them connect with Jesus better and impact the world more.

As a newer parent I've learned that I value the truth regarding my daughter. Whenever she spends time with others or we pick her up from a baby sitter the first things we always ask, or at least what's always told to us, is normally about how she behaved.
We want to know was she fussy, did she throw a fit, did she listen well, etc. We're aware that she is often good and sweet, and that she can name lots of animals and often won't stop talking. Those are great things and we love hearing about them from other people.

But, mostly we want to hear about her actual attitudes and behavior to know what we can improve on. If you were to tell me that she was acting poorly or bit you three times these are things we need to work on at home.
In the same hand when she uses her manners and eats decently we want to praise her for being good.

As a leader in Family Life Ministries you can show love through giving parents these tiny details about their kids. They'll appreciate that you paid attention to their kids and care about their family.
If you notice that a kid was really interested in a story or paid attention well let them know. When their kid used their manners or helped a friend out. These are great things parents want to know.

Sometimes communicating bad behaviors can seem difficult depending on the situation and your relationship with the parent. I would advise to simply stick to the facts, don't let your emotions or opinions interfere. Their parenting style may be something completely different than your views on what may work for their kid.
Your role isn't to discipline a child, it's to connect with them and their parents.

The foundations built in this relationship will be truth, trust, and care. Your helping to show that this framework as a Christ follower is valuable in their lives.

We love each of you much and pray that your week goes well.

Showing Up

Hello amazing team, 

Let me start by saying Family Life Ministries simply does not happen without you.

Joe and I can plan, and create, and design, and work all week long. But at the end of the day - it's not until you SHOW UP that God begins working on hearts and families are blessed. 

Ministry is more than just SHOWING UP though. When you arrive to serve in Family Life Ministries you're helping to Impact Future Generations for Jesus and making a difference in little lives and their families. You're serving in a role designed to teach and inspire our most precious people. 

But SHOWING UP is often . . . not enough. As leaders your best tool is to be ENGAGED!

When I get home from work as often need 20-30 minutes to relax and regroup. But Piper hasn't seen her daddy all day and rotates around me like the moon around the earth. She follows me as I take off my shoes, as I go grab water, and when I finally sit she's not satisfied with sitting directly next to me. She has to be right on top of me and begging for me to pay her 100% attention. 

These are such critical moments in her life. If I chose to ignore her for 5 minutes when she most wants to be near me it can leave a lasting impression on her that I'm disengaged. 

Serving is all about ENGAGEMENT. How you respond and communicate to kids may not seem like a big deal at the time. But kids are going to connect with leaders who ENGAGE in them rather than just SHOW UP. When they grow up they may not remember every detail of the lessons you taught or be able to recite the entire "Lord's Prayer." But, they will remember a leader who was kind at all times, when someone was interested in them, and when someone showed them love. 

These lasting impression give them the best example of what a Christ follower should be like. They'll base so much of their walk with God on what they experienced in these early years. 

When you walk through the doors of Family Life Ministries we're expecting you to ENGAGE. 

Families depend on it. Think of this one hour as your chance to leave such an impact in these little lives that they desire to walk closer to God. How do you accomplish that? ENGAGE in them. 

Thanks again for all you do. We love you much and pray for you often!