CONNECT TO WHĀNAU AND FAMILY

ConnectTO WHĀNAU

AND FAMILY In Rachel Turners book, “It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent” she highlights for us that “Children need to be discipled in the ordinary way of life.”

ANDREA LUKIN | SUNZ Children and Families Gone are the moments in the week Consultant where the emphasis was placed on the Church to provide the Spiritual framework and instructions for the children and that parents could simply send them along for their weekend priority of faith formation. We have now moved into an area of asking a lot of questions about, how do we shape and nurture the faith of families when we compete with society's daily demands of parents? For families it creates a huge load to even try and think about how to have faith conversations. Rachel Turner talks about “Finding God in the ordinary everyday boring bits of life.” As we reflect on the passage from Deuteronomy 6:6-9 we find that the centre of children’s discipleship is not what happens on a Sunday morning, but in the ordinary, everyday, mundane activities at home. “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”— Deuteronomy 6:6-9 When we think back to the Way2Go seminars that were held around the country few months ago, we should continue to search for ways that are going to make faith thrive for our families and whānau, whatever shape that might take. How can we, as a church, offer support in ways in which to help and aid parents to be the faith builders in their homes? What ways of encouragement can we give then around the ordinary mundane, every day, boring bits of life? Ways that they can engage together about life and faith wherever they are when they are sitting at home or walking along the street, when they are getting up in the morning over breakfast and when they sit together at dinner time. There are so many stresses that are placed on parents, so how can the church help to alleviate some of that pressure? We need to approach each family/ whānau group with an attitude of “I am here for you, let’s see and find out what works for you in your space! You are unique and we affirm you.” We need to remember that faith thrives when it is: • Family and whānau who are intentional about faith formation in their homes.

How do we begin each day with faith and wonder questions? Where might

we find a God gem throughout the day today? What might we see on God’s creation as we walk to school? • Churches actively support family and whānau in their vital role of forming the faith of their children and young people.

What tools and tips can we offer to parents taking in their own uniqueness and family needs? How do the children learn effectively and what tools can we help with for parents to share faith? • The church operates as the family of

God and becomes a positive spiritual family for all. As a church, show up intentionally to events such as a kid’s sports game, or when someone is achieving an award. These are places where people might not expect the church’s presence but will certainly appreciate it. • Church programs and services for children and young people connect with their wider families. How do we engage and gather as an intergenerational community? How do we do this not as silo ministries but all together across barriers and generations? • There is a positive partnership between the church and home, where families can serve and contribute to church life.

Where is the whole body of church is seen working together? Faith formation is not seen as an added component but a part of working together in collaboration. Parents are perfectly positioned and perfectly equipped to daily and easily show children the reality of a day-to-day life with God, so let’s engage and support our families in every way possible to make this achievable.