Group Life and our children

Of all the things I love about group ministry, I think what I love the most is the opportunity groups provide for the whole family.

I witnessed this on display Saturday afternoon at Journey’s gathering at the Schoeppners. Earlier in the day, several of the older kids and adults participated in the triathlon at Cook Forest. It was cool to hear these kids share their experience with folks who in turn congratulated and cheered them on. Some of the time children played in the pool and hung with each other while parents engaged with conversation around the pool and other times whole families played and interacted with each other. The day ended with teens and parents sitting around a fire enjoying community with one another.

This is what community is all about. Think about all the important life lessons every parent wishes to pass onto their children that was communicated Saturday with out a single “lecture”. The wisdom of healthy friendships, the privilege of praying together and the blessings of biblical community… just to name a few.

In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Moses instructed, “Write these commands that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children.” (the Message) As a dad, this responsibility begins with me. That said, it sure is good to be doing life with others who encourage, pray for and help me model what it looks like to wholeheartedly follow Christ.