G.R.O.W. for Children
GOD’S WORD
Jesus still speaks to us today through the Bible. Here are some suggestions on how to make reading God’s word a special and engaging time for children:
- Find a Bible that is age-appropriate
- Pray before you begin
- Read together with your child or have your child read to you
- Tell the story to younger children
- Keep it short
When you and your children are also involved in a discipline ministry of the church, it equips and reinforces what you are doing in your home. Read God’s word with the expectation that you will meet God through it.
- Have children retell the story to you
- Ask wondering questions about the story (e.g., “I wonder how Jesus felt when…”)
- Have children imagine being in the story (e.g., “What would you smell, feel, taste?”)
- Act out the story
- Draw a picture about the story
- Pray about the story
RELATIONSHIPS
One of the best ways to get started as a spiritual mentor is to spend time with your children at bedtime. Talk with them, read to them, ask them what the happy and sad moments of their day were. Lift these things up to God in prayer, then pray for your children.
- Exercise love (1 John 4-12)
- Be gracious and forgiving (Luke 11:4)
- Model fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22f)
- Pray for and with children (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- Practice positive communication (Ephesians 6:4)
- Practice constructive discipline (Proverbs 19:18)
- Read and discuss God’s word (Joshua 1:8)
- Play with children (Proverbs 22:6)
Parents can help foster a relationship with God by:
- Acknowledging God’s presence
- Putting God first
- Encouraging children to G.R.O.W. – God’s Word…shaping our actions and our lives. Relationships…nurturing our growth; Obedient Living…using our gifts in witness and service; Worship…interacting with and experiencing God
OUTWARD ACTION
Some ideas for serving with your children in order to encourage outward action are:
- Contribute to food pantries
- Pray daily for your neighbors and others
- Initiate communication with your neighbors
- Bring a treat to your neighbors
- Offer to assist with a household task
- Invite a neighbor for a meal
- Invite a neighbor to your church
- Visit a nursing home
- Study other cultures and become familiar with the whole of God’s kingdom
WORSHIP
Model faith daily through acts of kindness:
- Pray together
- Have regular conversation with your child about faith/life issues
- Read the Bible together
- Walk through your day being attentive to the continual presence of God
- Serve others together
- Worship with others in the church and at home
- Be enthusiastic and excited about worshiping God, the one who gave you and your children life
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