Supernanny Parenting Discussion Guide – Week 8 (Introducing Your Kids to Christ)
Week 8 – Introducing Your Kids to Christ
Icebreaker Question: In groups of four to six, spend 15 minutes talking about fun ideas that you have tried with your families. This could include holiday traditions, vacations, games, free time activities, etc. Spend the last few minutes in your groups coming up with a top 10 list of family fun ideas to share with the group as a whole.
The activity above was a real hit with our first group. After a busy 8 weeks of learning together, it’s great to have fun. Similarly, it’s important to have fun with our kids. The fun times we have with them now make for memories that will last for a lifetime.
What a blessing it has been to spend time together working on our parenting skills and learning from each other. This week, we will talk about ways in which we can introduce our kids to Christ. As with previous discussions, sometimes we just need to hear what has worked or hasn’t worked for other parents.
Here are some of the key points for this week’s conversation:
– As parents, we are in a key position to introduce our kids to the creator of the universe.
– We are examples for our kids – good and/or bad. We must decide to live our lives for Christ first.
– Above all else, the Bible should be our go to guide-book for parenting and for life..
– Consistency is critical.
– Through discipline, we have an opportunity to teach our kids about God’s grace.
No Supernanny DVD clips this week. Hopefully, you’ll survive. Instead, we want to focus on a few key passages that will kick us into our conversation. As part of this introduction, I have also included some foundational information on salvation from our church’s website.
From www.moviechurch.com
Salvation
We believe that a human being’s central purpose for existence is to have a close and personal relationship with God. Originally created for that purpose, humans defied God, choosing to go their own independent way, and were thus alienated from God. This “Fall” took place at the beginning of human history, and all individuals since have suffered these consequences and are in need of God’s forgiveness and mercy. A person can be forgiven by God and have that close, personal relationship restored by believing that Jesus is God’s Son, repenting of their sin, and being immersed for the forgiveness of their sins. (John 3:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 3:23, 10:9; 1 John 1:9)
……………………………………………………………………………
More explainable for your kids:
Admit your sin and ask forgiveness. (Romans 6:23)
Believe in Jesus and that he died for your sins. (John 3:16)
Choose to make Jesus your forever friend by getting baptized. (Acts 2:38)
Key Verses for Discussion:
“These commandments that I give you are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“The Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
“’Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and Me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in. ’Then, gathering the children up in His arms, he laid His hands of blessing on them.” Mark 10:14-16 (The Message)
1. What observations can you make from these verses about introducing our children to Christ?
We have done lots of things to help our kids learn about Christ. I especially have to give credit to Leanne who has been an incredibly diligent teacher. Starting to read Bible stories to your kids at bedtime or at mealtimes is a good starting point. Using the holidays (like Easter and Christmas), talk to your kids about the “real” meanings as they relate following Christ. Taking your kids to church seems obvious but many parents miss the boat on this. Our kids have learned a lot by being part of age appropriate Bible teaching. Finally, it’s important as parents to available to our kids. They need to know that they can come to us when they have questions. If you don’t know the answers to their questions, you can investigate and learn together.
2. What things have you done in your own home to encourage your children to get to know Christ?
3. What questions do you have when it comes to introducing your kids to Christ?
4. Reflecting on the past 8 weeks, what things do you have to be thankful for and what things would you appreciate prayer for specifically when it comes to parenting? Take time to pray together as a group.