FBC Odessa
Monday, September 06, 2010
We're more like a big family than a large church

Stuff for Parents

  

 















The World of Student Ministry is constantly evolving and growing! One of the biggest challenges to Student Ministry across the country is trying to better equip parents to be the primary discipler in the home. As a parent, your role is so very critical to the spirtual development of your teenager. We have parents ask all the time how to better involve their teenager in the student ministry here at FBC, and one of the answers we give most is this; "if it's a priority to you, odds are it will be a priority to your teenager." We know it may not always be smooth sailing in your house, but we are committed to praying for you and with you as you seek to raise Godly teenagers!

 
"4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 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. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-8 NIV

  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Each week, parents receive two 20-minute Bible study devotionals via e-mail. These studies, authored by Dr. Richard Ross, contain solid Bible teaching presented in a warm, interactive format. In addition, the devotions are set up so that students and parents alike are involved, with each given specific things to say or do. A meaningful way to pray as a family is also included at the conclusion of each study.
 
Heart Connex devotionals are designed for very busy families. The head of the household can print the studies and make preparations in only about five minutes. In most cases families can complete the studies in 20 minutes.
 
Because of LifeWay’s strong commitment to teenagers and to families, the Heart Connex devotionals are available to families free of charge. Families simply need to enter an e-mail address in order to begin receiving the devotionals (LifeWay never shares e-mail addresses with other entities.).
 
The National Study of Youth and Religion has heavily documented the fact that parents are the number one influence in the lives of teenagers. Student ministers now know for certain that parents who teach the Bible to their teenagers will make a visible, lasting difference in their spiritual transformation.
 
For too long church parents have assumed their responsibility for the biblical training of their children was limited to taxi runs to church. With Heart Connex student ministers can give them a higher calling - teaching their own children at home - while providing the tools to easily begin as well!
 

 

Helpful Resources:

Being a Relevant Parent - by Josh Hatcher

Raising Media-Wise Teenagers - by Bob Waliszewski

Seven Habits of Highly Relentless Parents - by Joe White and Jim Weidmann

Invading Your Teens World, Without Invading Their Space (Part 1 of 3) - by Michael Ross

Invading Your Teens World, Without Invading Their Space (Part 2 of 3) - by Michael Ross

Invading Your Teens World, Without Invading Their Space (Part 3 of 3) - by Michael Ross

Parenting Teens: Interview with Dr. Richard Ross (Part 1 of 2)

Parenting Teens: Interview with Dr. Richard Ross (Part 2 of 2)


Recommended Reading for Parents:

The 5 Love Languages of Teens
Author: Gary Chapman

7 Solutions for Burned-out Parents
Author: Dr. James C. Dobson

Why Christian Kids Rebel
Author: Tim Kimmel

Life Coach Your Teens
Author:Roger Cross

Parents Guide to Teen Health
Publisher: Focus on the Family

How to Parent Your Teen Without Losing Your Mind
Edited by: Christian Parenting Today & Campus Life

Parents Guide to the Top 10 Dangers Teens Face
Author: Stephen Artburn & Jim Burns

Growing Pains- Advice for Parents of Teens
Publisher: Focus on the Family

Adolescence isn’t Terminal
Author: Dr. Kevin Leman

Boundaries with Kids
Author: Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend

Dad’s Everything Book for Sons
Dad’s Everything Book for Daughters
Author: John Trent & Greg Johnson

Mom’s Everything Book for Sons
Mom’s Everything Book for Daughters
Author: Becky Freeman