This ministry year we tried something new. We moved a bunch of our programs including children's ministry, youth ministry, and adult education to one night. Here is why:
Wednesday Night Alive was formed to help families in two ways:
- To engage the whole family in spiritual growth at the same time.
- To unify the family’s church schedule to create more community and family time.
If you missed out on Wednesday Night Alive this week you MISSED OUT! Bring your family to Bridgeway this Wednesday Night at 7pm (Click Here For More Info on WNA). But that isn’t what this article is about. This article is about the time that we hope Wednesday Night Alive has helped to create in your family’s schedule.
Set time aside to spend as a family
Families are busy. There are so many good opportunities in our community for our children to be involved in. In addition to school there are sports, and dance, and tutoring, and the list goes on. My hope is that Wednesday Night Alive may have created some space in your life that you can use to invest in FAMILY TIME.
Even if WNA has not created more time for you I want to challenge you to take a look at your schedule and find time to focus on your family. Finding time for your family is not easy and must be done intentionally. Odds are you will not have significant chunks of time fall from heaven into your family’s schedule. It will take planning ahead, coordination of schedules and discipline. Once you have created family time you will need to make sure you set boundaries and guard it, because it will drift away quickly if you don’t.
Why family time?
Children need family time to provide a nurturing environment where parents invest in their children and their family’s identity. Children need a sense of belonging. God has given families as the primary place for children feel like they belong. Children will let you know when they don’t have enough of this quality family time by their actions and attitudes. Some will communicate it by words, but words are often a last resort.
What is family time?
Family time is any time set apart for the family to connect with each other in meaningful ways. This could include quality conversations, meaningful activities, or significant events like rites of passage or celebrating accomplishments. This quality time will provide opportunities for your kids to learn from you primarily through your actions as a parent. Keep in mind that as parents we are the ones that are primarily responsible to disciple our children through our example and words.
Take the time while you have the time…
A new born has approximately 918 weeks till high school graduation.
A kindergartener has approximately 577 weeks till graduation
A 5th grader has approximately 316 weeks till graduation
A 9th grader has approximately 159 weeks till graduation
A 12th grader has approximately 2 weeks till graduation
Comments
Post a Comment