FAMILY EMPOWERED EVENThwcdn.net/d3u9i9g7/cds/tru/SamplesPage/FEE_GROW_Sample.pdf · the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it,

FAMILY EMPOWERED EVENT

COORDINATOR’S GUIDE

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© 2013 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.

FAMILY EMPOWERED EVENT: GROW

Published by David C Cook

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission of Zondervan.

All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com.

©2013 David C Cook

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INSPIRE

EQUIP

SUPPORT

Grow PARENT EVENT

PHILOSOPHY & VISION

PREPARING FOR THE EVENT

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

Grow FAMILY EVENT

PHILOSOPHY & VISION


TIMELINE OF EVENTS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT IS IN THIS RESOURCE

This resource includes step-by-step outlines for you to host two events: a Grow Parent Event

and a Grow Family Event. In each of the two sections of the guide, you will find the values

and vision for the event, what you need to prepare, and a sample timeline you can use as a

guideline. In the included Resource Folder, you will find promotional materials, pamphlets,

slides, videos, and more to bring each event to life.

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INSPIRE, EQUIP, SUPPORT

INSPIREOn the back of the pantry door in my mom’s kitchen is a series of lines, names, and dates. What

may look like a mess at first glance is actually a record of months and years in the lives of our

family members, each line marking our height as we grew older and taller. It has been a tradition

for as long as I can remember to “measure” each other on this door at various family gatherings—

so long, in fact that I can now see where my own children are in comparison to where I was at the

same age.

The marks on the pantry door are a physical reminder to me, not just of what has passed, but

of what is yet to come. Each mark is a reminder that my children are constantly growing and

changing. But growth is not limited to the physical. Over the next few years, my children will

mature and make decisions about spirituality that will impact eternity. In the same way that I

have a responsibility to nurture and provide for my children’s physical needs, I am responsible for

cultivating an environment that allows them to build a healthy spirituality—one where they are

deeply connected with Christ.

Grow is an opportunity for the families in your ministry to learn how to create an environment in

their homes that will help cultivate healthy spiritual growth. Grow is an experience that will equip

parents to help guide their children toward a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Alyson Crocket

Tru Team

EQUIPSpiritual growth is a foundational principle to the Christian life. In the same way that our physical

bodies must grow to maturity, we are exhorted in Scripture to grow our souls, rooted deeply in

the life-saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. In Luke 8, Jesus speaks to His followers in a parable that

emphasizes the importance of healthy spiritual growth:

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it

was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the

plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up

with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a

hundred times more than was sown.” (Luke 8:5–8)

When the disciples questioned Jesus regarding the story, His response to them was as follows:

“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the

ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they

may not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word

with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of

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testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go

on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But

the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain

it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:11–15)

God has chosen family as the primary place to grow faith (see Psalm 78:2–8). It is the role of

parents to prepare “good soil” for their children. This happens when we create environments in our

homes that God can use to grow deep roots of vibrant faith in Christ. As we create these spiritual

spaces in our everyday lives, our children can grow to maturity and ultimately bear fruit that has

the potential to change not just their own generation, but the ones to come.

SUPPORTFor this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and

understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please

him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being

strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance

and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the

inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion

of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption,

the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9–11)

Paul wrote the book of Colossians to teach and encourage growth among those who were part of

the church at Colossae. At the time, many in the church were being drawn away from truth and

falling prey to Gnosticism and other pagan practices. Paul recognized that the solution to their

problem was spiritual growth. He recognized the part the Holy Spirit plays in the spiritual growth

of believers and prayed for the Holy Spirit’s activity in the lives of those who were part of the

church.

Growing ministries are led by growing leaders. As you prepare for your Family Empowered Events,

spend some time meditating on the areas of your life where you may need the active presence of

the Holy Spirit to spur you on to growth. Spend some time asking God to show you the areas of

your own life where growth is needed and pray for the Holy Spirit to do a work in your heart as you

prepare these events for those you are ministering to.

FAMILY EMPOWERED PARENT EVENT

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THE Grow PARENT EVENT

PHILOSOPHY & VISION OF THE Grow PARENT EVENTWhen the parenting focus is solely on controlling behavior and dealing with the daily grind,

parents and caregivers often find themselves disappointed and exhausted. God’s call is not to

mold the smartest, most athletic, and most compliant children but to create an environment

God can use to transform hearts. As parents learn to shift their focus from the physical “here

and now” to the nurture of their children’s hearts and faith, parenting becomes an exciting and

rewarding experience. There is nothing more beautiful than watching God grow the heart of a

child.

The goal of the Grow Parent Event is to equip parents and caregivers with a perspective of nurturing

their children’s faith for the sake of God’s big story and letting “the things of earth grow strangely

dim in the light of His glory and grace” (“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” Helen H. Lemmel, 1922).

WHY GROW?The Grow Parent Event is designed to equip parents as the spiritual leaders of their homes. Some

of your parents may be new to the idea of spiritual parenting (see Spiritual Parenting by Michelle

Anthony) and the Grow Parent Event offers a great entry point into understanding what it means

to create space for the Holy Spirit to nurture their children. For parents who have been through the

Spiritual Parenting class or who have read the book, the Grow Parent Event is a fresh encouragement

offering further equipping as they walk out their role as parents. Through a variety of mediums

and fun learning experiences, parents and caregivers will learn what it means to change their focus

from looking for approval and advice from those around them, to looking up and seeing how God

is working in the lives of their children every day.

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Special ConsiderationsWhat day should we hold our event? The Grow Parent Event can be held at any time during the

year. Try to choose a day of the week that works best for your families. Generally speaking, a

weekend morning, afternoon, or evening will work best for families with young children if your

church plans to provide childcare. A weeknight can also work well if you expect parents to secure

their own childcare.

Where should we hold our event? Choose a location that will accommodate your church group.

For some, that might be your church sanctuary or a multi-purpose room. For others it could be

a community center or other venue. Be sure to consider a location for childcare if you plan to

provide this service to your parents during the event.

What time should we hold our Grow Parent Event? Our Grow timeline suggests an evening from

7:00 to 8:30 p.m. When planning your event, consider your audience. If you have young families

and you plan to provide childcare, it might be best to start earlier in the evening to accommodate

early bedtimes, or maybe choose an afternoon.

Our sample also includes dessert, but you may choose to provide dinner or ask parents to

contribute to a potluck. You know your audience best, so do what will be most fun and helpful for

your particular community!

Who should we invite to the Grow Parent Event? The Grow Parent Event is appropriate for all of

the adults in your faith community. The information presented in the event is relevant for those

who are parents, parents-to-be, considering having children, or who are grandparents looking to

encourage their own adult children as they navigate the waters of parenting themselves.

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BEFORE YOUR EVENT 3–6 MONTHS AHEAD

• Reserve and book the room or location where the event will be held.

2 MONTHS AHEAD• Recruit teams from within your staff or ministry to help with various aspects of the event.

1 MONTH AHEAD• Send out invitations to parents (see the Resource Folder for promotional materials).

• Begin advertising for the event in the church bulletin, website, and email updates so parents

can prepare and get excited.

• Announce the event in church in adult services.

3 WEEKS AHEAD• Pass out fliers in weekend services to remind parents of the upcoming event (see the Resource

Folder for promotional materials).

DAY OF THE EVENT Set Up

Set up tables and chairs. Use decorations as desired to create a comfortable atmosphere.

Place “Dear God …” cards, sticky notes, pens, and poster board on each table along with Grow

pamphlets for each person.

Supplies• Poster board, divided and marked for “lower story” and “upper story”

• Sticky notes

• “Dear God …” cards (see the Resource Folder for printable copy)

• Grow pamphlets (see the Resource Folder for printable copy)

• Pop Goes the Culture game cards and slides for host (see the Resource Folder )

• Ice Breaker Question slides (see the Resource Folder )

• Cataclysm Video (see Resource Folder)

• 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 slide (see Resource Folder)

• Follow up postcards (see Resource Folder)

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TIMELINE OF EVENTSThis is a suggested timeline of events. Some segments may run shorter or longer by a couple of

minutes, the time frames given are approximations. Feel free to use the outline as is or adjust the

schedule to fit the personality and needs of your particular group.

7:00 p.m. Arrival

Be sure to have enough volunteers available to greet your attendees. If your church has chosen

to provide dessert, direct guests to the dessert and coffee table. Allow your guests to mingle

with one another and invite them to use the ice-breaker questions to get to know those they

are sitting with.

7:05 p.m. Welcome

Welcome your guests and give them an overview of your event.

Welcome to the Grow Parent Event. We’re excited to have you here and we’re looking forward

to the ways we will grow as individuals and as spiritual parents and caregivers through our

time together this evening.

In Luke 8, Jesus told a story about growth. He spoke of a farmer who scattered seed. Some

of the seed, He said, fell along the path and was trampled. Other seed fell on rocky ground

where it withered. Some fell among thorns and was choked out. But some of the seed fell on

good soil. The seed in the good soil thrived—yielding an incredible crop, a hundred times

more than what was sown.

Tonight’s event is about cultivating healthy spiritual growth in our families. We are going to

learn about the call on our lives to cultivate “good soil” for our children so their hearts may

be prepared to receive the Word of God. Our hope is that you will leave here this evening

with the tools to create space in your home for the Holy Spirit to deeply root the hope of the

gospel in the hearts of your children.

Lead everyone in an opening prayer.

Sample Prayer:God, we thank You for what You will do in our midst this evening. As we look to You to

cultivate healthy spiritual growth in our families, we ask You to guide us and direct each part

of our time together this evening. In Jesus’ name, amen.

7:10 Cataclysm video

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7:15 The Gospel Message and Spiritual Growth (Upper and Lower Story)

The gospel message is a beautiful story of redemption. It is God’s story worked out in each of

our lives. It is the story of what happens when we allow our hearts to be like the good soil of

Luke 8. When God’s message of hope and salvation is rooted deeply in our hearts, it changes

our perspective on everything. Growth happens when, as the author in the video aptly stated,

the “terrestrial and celestial coincide”—when we begin to view our circumstances through

the lens of God’s purpose and plan for our lives. Author and pastor Randy Frazee talks about

it in terms of an “upper” and “lower” story (The Heart of the Story: God’s Masterful Design to

Restore His People. Zondervan 2011.)

His idea is that, basically, to understand the Bible, you need bifocal lenses, because two

perspectives are involved. The “lower story,” our story, is actually many stories of men and

women interacting with God in the daily course of life. The “upper story” is God’s story, the

tale of His great, overarching purpose that fits all the individual stories together like panels

in one unified mural.

Lower story parenting focuses on circumstances and external behaviors. It is concerned

with the daily grind—packing lunches, breaking up sibling squabbles, and getting Johnny

to do his homework. When we parent from the lower story alone, the temptation is to want

our children to look and act a certain way. Our goals for our kids come from the culture and

opinions around us; we can drive our kids to be number one in everything, perform, succeed,

look good, and sound good. Unfortunately, what can often happen is that we ignore our

children’s hearts and allow them to navigate the fallen world around them on their own—

never imagining that God may have something larger planned for them. Many children who

are only parented from the lower story will grow up with hearts of rocky ground, never

growing deep roots of faith.

To foster healthy spiritual growth in our children, we must do our best to parent through the

lens of God’s upper story, never losing sight of the fact that God is at work in the lives of

our children. Upper story parenting emphasizes God’s overarching narrative in each of our

lives—one that provides opportunity for grace, hope, peace, and reconciliation.

When we parent through an upper story lens, we take time to delve behind the behaviors into

the hearts of our children. We spend time listening—both to our kids and to the Holy Spirit.

Our focus is long-term and big-picture. We are helping our children find their place in God’s

grand narrative and nurturing an identity rooted in far more than their own performance.

7:20 p.m. Table Exercise – Upper/Lower Story Parenting

Family life lived in the upper story looks very different from life in the lower story. On your

tables you have some sticky notes and a poster board marked “upper story” on one half

and “lower story” on the other. Working with those at your table, think of some words to

describe ideas that are often reinforced in the lives of our children when we parent from

these perspectives. Write those words and phrases on the sticky notes and attach them in

the lower or upper story portion of the poster board.

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Example: Lower: look good, succeed, be happy and comfortable, perform, win or fail,

judgment, doubt, anxiety

Upper: there’s a bigger story, there’s grace, someone cares about who I am, my life

is about something bigger than being happy and comfortable, freedom, purpose,

acceptance

7:25 p.m. Debrief Table Exercise

“What are some of the words or phrases you came up with for life in the lower story?” (Allow

answers from the floor, prompting when necessary.)

“What is different about parenting with an upper story focus?” (Again, allow answers from

the floor and prompt if necessary.)

7:30 p.m. Ambassadors

Take a second look at the words that represent the impact our parenting focus can have

on the spiritual growth of our children. Many of the lower story words represent worldly

“wisdom” and ultimately, bondage. God’s call is for us to be messengers of His upper story

in the lives of our children.

With your table, read 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 (see the Resource Folder for a slide of the passage).

Spend a few minutes discussing the following questions:

• What does this passage say about God’s upper story?

• What happens when we are in Christ?

• What important job does God give us once we are in Christ?

• How does this relate to our lives as parents?

After each table has had time to discuss their answers to these questions, debrief answers in

the large group.

7:45 p.m. Pop Goes the Culture Game

A critical part of being gospel ambassadors is understanding the culture of those we are

ministering to. As spiritual parents, preparing “good soil” for our children requires first

understanding the “lower story” in which they live.

This game is a fun way to connect with the current state of the world our children are growing

up in. This game can be modified to fit the needs of your specific gathering.

We’ve provided some questions as samples. Consider writing your own pop culture quiz questions for added relevance and fun!

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For a men-vs.-women game, ask for one or more male volunteers and one or more female

volunteers from your audience. Explain that you are going to play a trivia game. Provide the

contestants with paper or index cards and a pen to write down their answers. Or you may

choose to just have them speak answers in front of the audience, alternating between questions.

Questions:1. How many people make up the band “One Direction”? Five: Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam

Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson

2. What was the 2013 Oscar winner for best picture of the year? Argo

3. What popular children’s show features a colorful cast of characters who go by the names

Muno, Plex, Foofa, Toodee, Brobee and DJ Lance Rock? Yo Gabba Gabba

4. According to Forbes.com, who is the highest paid professional athlete of all time? Tiger

Woods, making $115 million in just one year

5. How many text messages does the average teenager send per month? 3,839

6. What does the acronym YOLO stand for? You Only Live Once

7. According to a 2011 study, what is the average age for kids to get their first cell phone? 7

8. What best actress nominee starred as “Katniss” in the Hunger Games movie? Jennifer

Lawrence

9. What popular television show features a time machine spacecraft that doubles as a police

call box? Dr. Who

10. Which popular teen book and movie franchise features a love triangle between a girl, a

vampire, and a werewolf? Twilight

11. How many tweets are sent every day? 290 million

12. Who is the host of American Idol? Ryan Seacrest

13. What is the longest running Disney channel show of all time? Wizards of Waverly Place with

106 episodes

14. How old is Justin Bieber? 19: born March 1, 1994

15. How many hours are spent per month on You Tube? 2.9 billion—that’s 325,000 days!

This pop-culture quiz provides helpful insight into the world our children are growing up in

and the messages they receive from the media and entertainment industry on a regular basis.

8:00 p.m. Table Talk: Family Is Primary

We know from Scripture that God has ordained family as the primary place of spiritual

formation. It is not just a joy and an honor to lead our children toward faith, it is our

God-given responsibility.

Partner with one or two people around you. Read Psalm 78:2–8. What does this passage say

about our role as parents? What is God’s desire for faith in the context of family?

Allow time for table discussion.

God’s desire is for faith to be generational. Our job as parents is to weave the upper story of

God’s overarching plan into the everyday lives of our children through our conversations and

experiences. We must be living examples of what it means to live in the light of the gospel

message. As we do this, we embrace our role as spiritual parents—the great call on our lives

to prepare “good soil” in the lives of our children.

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8:15 p.m. Response

On your table are some response cards. The top of the card says, “Dear God …” Now is your

chance to take a moment and unpack some of what God is teaching you about spiritual

parenting. As you think about the lower story your children are living in, what can you do to

keep God’s upper story central to your family life? Take a few moments and write a response

to God.

Allow a few minutes for writing of responses.

(Resource: “Dear God” cards)

8:30 p.m. Closing & Blessing

Thank you so much for being a part of our Grow Parent Event. I encourage you to leave your

response card in your Bible and regularly pray through God’s upper story for your family.

If the idea of parenting from an upper story perspective is new to you, we have some resources

listed on the back of your handout that will help you as you cultivate an environment for

healthy spiritual growth in your family. Highlight the resources most applicable to your

ministry.

As we close our time tonight, may the seeds of your own faith continue to grow. May you

continue to prepare “good soil” for your children—impacting your family with the hope of

the gospel message, and keeping your eyes fixed on God’s upper story of grace, hope, peace,

and redemption in a fallen world.

FOLLOW UPSupplies• Follow-up postcard (see the Resource Folder)

Send a follow-up postcard from the Grow Parent Event to remind families to continue to focus

on God’s upper story as they cultivate their children’s faith.

Documents

FAMILY EMPOWERED EVENThwcdn.net/d3u9i9g7/cds/tru/SamplesPage/FEE_GROW_Sample.pdf · the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it,