I had an opportunity yesterday to attend the “Journey” Sunday School class at Liberty United Methodist Church in Liberty, Missouri. I attended with my sister and family. Their class is using the “Making Children Mind without Losing Yours Video Series” by Dr Kevin Leman, which is based on his book by the same title. Their class is mainly for parents, and has a great format: Discussions in class, frequent fellowship events, and group mission activities. They have purchased an inexpensive apartment which they maintain as a class and lease to (usually) a single parent with children living in their area. What a unique mission project!
Here are a few notes I jotted down yesterday in class which I thought were both thought provoking and worth sharing.
Rules without relationship lead to rebellion
Super parent syndrome says: “I own my children”
– they are gifts, we don’t own them
The Christian home is not a military bootcamp
Misused verse: spare the rod and spoil the child (that is not the verse)
Proverbs 13:24
Quote from El Guapo: “I know you like I know my own smell” (from movie “Three Amigos”)
Don’t be afraid to do things that are counter cultural, you want your kids to be different
– Kids who aren’t different are married 7 years (before divorce) and have 1.7 kids
Research question: Do kids behave better on a playground with fences or without? With fences
Being counter-cultural is a big issue
God lets me choose right or left, he does not force us to be good
– are you good at letting your children choose and make decisions?
Letting our kids make choices is SO important
– good idea to take your kid’s picture when they dress themselves, and when you pick your clothes for them (this worked for parents who wanted their daughter to realize what she looked like sometimes when she chose her own outfits)
Do you want your home to be a cage or a nest?
[END OF NOTES]
Earlier this year the Sunday school class used the “Fireproof Your Marriage” curriculum, and my sister said it was great as well.
I do enjoy teaching 5th grade Sunday school, and this will be my 4th year to teach it at our church in Edmond. I miss opportunities like this Sunday school class to discuss parenting, family and personal issues with others however, and to go to a Sunday school class with my wife. Their “Journey” class is a very warm, welcoming group and clearly a great outreach ministry of their congregation.
If you’re involved with or leading a church class for parents, you might check out both the curriculum options I’ve linked in this post. Both sound great for Christian parents to use! And, if you happen to live in or near Liberty, Missouri, consider visiting Liberty United Methodist Church and the Journey Sunday School class!
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