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LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS, MAKE DISCIPLES

Partnering Church and Home

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Navigate the Plan

IntrotoDiscipleshipPathway………………………………………………………3

OurAim……………….…………………………………….………………………………4

4Stages.………………….…………………………………..……………….………………5

FamilyDiscipleMakingPathwayGraphic………..…...………………………..6

Stage1,Birthto5years…..……………….…………………………………………..7

Stage2,KindergartentoGrade4…….…………………………………………….8

Stage3,Grades5&6.………………………………………….……………………….9

Stage4,Grades7through12.………………………………………………………10

CollegeMinistry……..……………………………………………………………….....11

Milestones……………..………………………………………………………...…………11

Baptism………….……..……..……………………………………………….…………...12

Communion…..……..…………………………………….………………………………13

FamilyWorship……..….…………………………………………………………….....16

SingleParents…………………………………………………………………………….18

Training…………..…………………………………………………………………………19

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Itisourhearttowalkwithfamiliesastheyexperiencesomeofthegreatjoysandchallengesofgrowingchildren.RaisingchildrentoknowChristrequiresaprayerfulandintentionalplanforparentsatMillcreekCommunityChurch.MCCenvisionsachurchandfamilypartnershipthatleadstothemakingofdisciplesforthegloryofGod.

TheMCCFamilyDiscipleMakingPlanpartnershomeandchurchin4simplestagesfrombirthtocollege,aswetogetherseektoLoveGod,loveothers,andmakedisciples.Itisourdesiretoseethisplanofferunderstandinginimplementingspirituallyhealthy,Christhonoringchange.Thispartnershipwillbeevidentinthefollowingobjectiveswhicharewarrantedbyscripture:

• Trainingandresourcingthatequipsparents.• Celebratingmilestoneswithfamilies.• Aimingchildren/teenstowardstheDiscipleshipPathwayatchurchandhome.• Communicatingwellwithparents.

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What is our Aim?

Ourgoalistoseedisciplesthatmakedisciples.Thishappensinthecontextofrelationship.Tobemorespecific,ithappenswithinafamily.Itisrestructuringofthechurchesprocessestoexpectdiscipleshipateverylevel.Deuteronomy6:5-7givesaclearcalltoteachandmodelthegospeltothenextgeneration.AtMCCweseeboththechurchandhomeasfamily;bothcommunitiesaredesignedbyGodtodeclareHisnamegreatamongthenations.Thisincludespersonsfromeveryageandsocialbackground.

Howisthisdone?Asweraiseourchildrenandteens,wepointthemtowardstheDiscipleshipPathway.Disciple-makingisanintentionalinvestmentinpeoples’livestoseethemloveGod,loveothers,andmakedisciples.WerecognizethatinGod’ssovereigntyindividualscomeintosavinggraceatvaryingagesandstagesintheirlives.Forthisreason,theplanalsoaddressesBaptism,Communion,andWorship.OurhopeisthatMCCandparentswalkinobediencetoproclaimthegospeltofuturegenerationsasfoundinPsalm78:6-7.

Proverbs22:6tellsusto“Trainupachildinthewayheshouldgo.”Identifyingourtargethelpsustofocusouraim:toseediscipleswhomakedisciples.OurprayerandhopethroughthisplanistoleverageourtimeandresourcesatchurchandhomeinaimingourchildrentowardsChrist.WeechothewordsoftheapostleJohnin3John1:4,“Ihavenogreaterjoythantohearthatmychildrenarewalkingintruth.”PrayerfullyjoinwithusasweholdthisFamilyDiscipleMakingplaninanopenhandbeforethesovereignGodoftheuniverse.

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Stage1Stage2Stage3Stage4

Birthto5yrs.K–Grade4Grades5-6Grades7-12

4 Stages of Development EachStageincludes:

MinistryPrimaryTruthsTrainingsResourcesEachministrywithinastageisdesignedforeachagegroupinmind.These

ministriescenteronGod’sWordandaimingourchildren/teenstowardsChrist.ThebasictruthsfocusonTheStory;alsousedbyadultsatMCCtoknowand

communicatethegospel.Inadditiontothesebasictruths,curriculumisalsolisted.Eachstagecommunicatesweeklylessonstoparentsthroughhandouts,emails,andinparenttrainings.God’sstoryofcreation,fall,redemption,andconsummationshouldframeeverypartofafamily’sexistence.Parentsareabletoseetheirchildrenassonsanddaughters,andaspotentialoractualbrothersandsistersinChrist.Inadditiontothebasictruths,MCChasanalignmentinteachingfrombirththroughtheadults.Beginninginthefallof2016,wewilltakeajourneythroughthescripturesfromGenesistoRevelation.Everyonewillbeonthesamepage,learningeachweekthesametruthsfromaselectionofscripture.

MCCmakesapromisetothoseparentswhohavetheirchildrendedicatedtocomealongsidethemandpartnerwiththemintheprocessofteachingandmodelingChrist.Ongoingtrainingopportunitiesareavailabletoequipparentsthroughthevariousstagesofparenthood.Eachtrainingwillequipparentstoliveinredemptivecommunity.

Parentsarealsoabletoutilizetheresourcesavailablefortheseformativeyearsoftheirchildren’slives.Therearemanygospel-centeredresourcesavailable,andwehaveputtogetherourrecommendationsforeachstage.

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MCC FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP PATHWAY

TheFamilyDiscipleMakingPathwayisavisualreminderofourconstantaimtomakedisciples.Together,homeandchurchcanaimchildrenandteensaliketowardsChrist,makingdisciplesthatmakedisciples.Parentsofchildreninallstagesquicklyrecognizethatthepathisnotaneasyonealone,buttogetherwecansharethegospelwithourchildrenandteenstoloveGod,loveothers,andmakedisciples.

DISCIPLESHIPPATHWAY

The

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Stage 1 – Birth to 5 years

Youprobablyhearoverandoveragaintojustenjoythisstageoflife,right?It’squitecommontofeelthatyouwillnevermakeitthroughtheextremeexhaustionofsleeplessnightsoramobiletoddler.Hanginthere,togetherwecanmakeit.Atthisstageoflife,basicandfundamentaltruthsarethefocusasachilddevelops.Birthto5canbeastrategictimetoestablishroutinesandfamilyhabitsthatthenbecomethenormforfutureyears.Introducingyourchildtotimesofprayer,Biblereading,andsingingareincrediblyvaluable.Somethingassimpleasacoloringpageorcraftcancommunicatebigtruthstoachild.However,thegreatestbenefitforyourchildisforyoutobematuringinyourownfaith.Wecannotstressenoughhowimportantitistobeconnectedwithotherbelieversandespeciallyotherparentswhoareyourpeersandonestageaheadofyouwiththeirchildren.Familyworshipisimportant,butknowthatyoucanalsomodelthistothemthroughyourpersonaldevotions.Wanttocommityourselftotheprocess?ConsidertakingtheEarlyYearsclassandhaveyourchilddedicatedatMCC.Ministries-Nursery,KingdomCrittersBasicTruths

1. Godmademe.2. Godhatessin.3. Godlovesme.4. GodgaveustheBible.

Trainings-

• TheEarlyYears(fulfillstherequirementforchilddedicationatMCC)Resources-

• TheBigPictureStoryBible• ShepherdingaChild’sHeart• RaisingChildrenGod’sWay• RaisingaModernDayKnight,RaisingaModernDayPrincess• RightNowMedia

Interestedinotherresources?Contactkaren@millcreek.org

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Stage 2 – K to Grade 4

Asyourchilddevelops,youmaygettosleepmore…youhope.Inthisstage,yourlittleonehasdevelopedintoastudentandhasmorecognitiveskills.Oneoftheirgreatestachievementsinthisstageistheabilitytoreadandcomprehend.Asaresult,MCCrecognizestheimportanceofFamilyDevotionsandtheimportanceofstudentsreadingtheBible.MCCblesseseverykindergartenstudentwithhisorherownBible.TreasuringGod’sWordmustbepracticedandmodeledathomeandchurch.MakeeveryefforttofindwaystoinstillalovetoreadGod’sWordinyourchild’sheart.SearchingthescripturesisafocusinKidConnection.

Whilesomeparentsthinkit’stooearly,weseeitnecessarytobeginspeakingabouthealthysexualitywithyourchildrenatthisage.It’sbesttohavetalksaboutsexualitythanthedreaded“TALK.”Pleasedon’tthinkwearegoingtogotherewiththechildrenatMCC,howeverwewouldliketoequipyouforwhatcanbediscussedathome.Ministries-KidConnection,kidsAlive(GroverClevelandSchool)BasicTruths

1. GodcreatedmetoworshipHim.2. Isin.Godhatessin.3. GodsentHisson,Jesus,tosaveus.4. WecanbewithGodforever.5. God’sWordistrue.

Trainings-

• EarlyYears(fulfillsrequirementforchilddedicationatMCC)• Openhouse

Resources-• InstructingaChild’sHeart• PeacemakingforFamilies• TheJesusStorybookBible• BigTruthsforYoungHearts• 52CreativeFamilyTimeExperiences• RightNowMedia

Interestedinotherresources?Contactkaren@millcreek.org

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Stage 3 – Grades 5-6

Growingupcanbetoughsometimes,especiallyrightbeforeoraroundpuberty.MCChasaministrydesignedforwhatcanbeaprettyawkwardstageoflife.Ithinkmanyofushideour5thand6thgradepicturesforgoodreason.It’stoughfeelinglikeyouareonthelinebetweenbeingakidandateen.Anyways,thisstagecontinuestogodeeperintothescriptures.Atthesametime,it’simportantthatthesestudentsdevelopaheartfortheircommunitiesandtheworldaroundthem.Itiseasyforanychildorstudenttobecomefixatedonhimselforherself,andisverycommonatthisagetobe“me”focused.OurhopeistoprovideopportunitiesforthisstagetoserveothersandtoliveoutMatthew22:36-40.

Ministries-Club56BasicTruths

1. IamcreatedinGod’simage.2. Wedeservepunishmentforoursins.3. Jesus’bloodwashesawayoursin.4. EternitywithGodbeginsthedaywefollowChrist.5. God’sWordistrustworthy.

Trainings

• LifeofServiceResources

• EveryYoungMan’sBattle• EveryYoungWoman’sbattle• UnderstandingYourYoungTeen• 5ConversationsYouMustHavewithYourSon• 5ConversationsYouMustHavewithYourDaughter• AgeofOpportunity• RightNowMedia

Interestedinotherresources?Contactshawn@millcreek.org

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Stage 4 – Grades 7-12

Parent’softenfeelunequippedanddisengagedfromtheirteenagers.Nowmorethanever,thisisastageoflifewheremanagingtimebecomesverydifficult.It’sparentsinthisstagethattellstage1parentstoenjoythoselittleoneswhileyoucan!Teensarebusywithwork,school,andrelationships.Establishingafamilydevotiontimecanhappen,butyouhavetobewillingtofightforit.Inthechaosofthisstage,thereishope.Knowingthatyouarenotaloneisanexcellentfirststep.Teensandparentsfocusoncommunityinthisstage.Theyneedtobetoldthattheyareavitalpartoftheirschools,homes,andchurches.Communityisawordthatgetsusedquiteoftenhere.Iftheydonotfeelliketheybelong,theywillfindanotherplacewheretheycanfitin.Thisisthetruechallengeofthisagegroupbutalsocanbethegreatestaccomplishment.Theycraverelationship,andourgoalistopointthemtoChristandaimthemtowardstheDiscipleshipPathway.Theywillembarkononeoftheirgreatestadventures,goingoutontheirownasyoungadultsinschoolingandvocations.Thetimewegetwithourchildrenseemstoflybysoquickly,sotakeadvantageoftheselastfewyears.Communicatewellandoftenwithyourteensandprovideanenvironmentwheretheycanbeheard.Ministries-CommunityGroups,7th-9thand10th-12th,MonthlyOutreachEvents,ConnectMillcreek,(releasedtimeprogramwithIntermediateandMcDowellHighschool).BasicTruths

1. Godiscreatoroftheheavensandtheearth,andIammadeinHisimage.2. Ideservedeathbecauseofmysin.3. ItisonlythroughJesusdeathonthecrossandresurrectionthatoneissavedby

faiththroughgracealone.4. GoddesirestobewithHispeopleforalleternity.Hisplanisforrestoration!5. God’sWordguidesusthroughlife.

Trainings-

• FamilyRetreat

Resources• 31VersesEveryTeenagerShouldKnow• ThePurityPrinciple• TheMostImportantThingYou’llEverStudy• StayingConnectedtoYourTeenager• DiscipleLikeJesusforParents• WalkasJesusWalked

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• BoundarieswithTeens• RightNowMedia

Interestedinotherresources?Contactshawn@millcreek.org

College Care Ministry Inanefforttostayconnectedthroughthecollegeyears,MCChasdevelopedaministrythatreachesouttoencouragestudentsthroughprayer,communication,andcarepackages.Inadditiontoencouragingstudents,thisministryalsobringstogetherparentsforprayerandencouragement.Studentsareencouragedtofilloutastudentsurveytotakepartinthis.Interestedinservingorhavequestions?ContactConnieatcfaluszczak@gmail.com YoumayhavenoticedthattheCollegeagestudentsarenotconsideredastageorbrokendownintothevariouscategoriesasotherstages.Itisimportantthattheseyoungadultsfindtheirplacewithinministry.

Milestones WhatexactlyareMilestones?Milestonesareexpressionsofourstudent’sgrowth

anddevelopment.Theyarebothmomentsofcelebrationandpointsofentryintoanewseasonoflife.MCCisachurchthatlovesfamiliesanddesirestopartnerwiththem,it’snosurprisethatweareexcitedtoseehowGodisatworkthroughtheFamilyDiscipleMakingPlan.Belowaredetaileddescriptionsofeachmilestonethatcelebratesourpartnership.

ChildDedication/ParentCommissioning-oneofthemostvisiblepartnershipsof

churchandhomeoccursatthechilddedications.Asaprerequisitetothechilddedications,parentswillberequiredtotakeeithertheEarlyYearsortheNextStepsTraining.Thisoccurstypicallyinstage1or2.Notonlydoesthisprovideanopportunitytothinkthroughparenting,itgivesparentsmomenttoreallydiveintothisplananddevelopastrategyforthecomingyears.BothparentsandMCCgetanopportunitytoaffirmtheirpartnershiptogetheronaSundaymorning.

Salvation/Baptism-thefirstresponseforanystudentthathasrepentedoftheir

sinsandisafollowerofChristisBaptism.MCCcelebratesstudentsthathavemadethiscommitmentandbearevidenceoftheSpirit’sworkintheirlife.SeveraltimesayearMCChasBaptismsinthesanctuaryandalsoatPresqueIsle.Thisisoneofourgreatjoys,toseestudentsidentifyanddeclaretheirallegiancetoJesusChrist!ThereisasectionintheFamilyDiscipleMakingPlandevotedtoBaptismandtheMentorGuidemadeavailabletoparentsastheywalkwiththeirstudents.

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StudentoftheWord-allofthevariousministriesandstagesatMCCcenteronthe

truthofGod’sWord.Atanearlyageitisimportantthatchildrenarelearningtoopenandreadthescriptures.InStage2,studentsaregivenachildren’sBible.AlsowhenenteringStage3theyaregivenanESVstudyBible.Thisisreallyimportantaschildrendevelopmentallybecomestudents.RemindthemtobringtheirBibleshomeandopenthemoftentogether.WewanttocelebratewithourchurchfamilySundaymorning,astheybecomestudentsofGod’sWord.

Servant’sHeart-itiseasyinourculturetofocusourattentiononourowndesires

andneeds.InStage3,studentsareencouragedtoserveothers.ThisoccursthroughvariousprojectsandinteractionsthroughouttheyearinClub56.Parentsareencouragedtotakepartinthesemomentstoserve,andtofindwaystocontinuethiswithintheirownspheresofinfluence.ThiswillalsobecelebratedataSundaymorningservice,expressingwhatthekidsaredoinginthenameofChrist.

Graduation/CommitmenttoPurity-comingintoadulthoodcansometimesbea

trickymilestonetocelebrateinStage4.Itisbettertohavemanydiscussionswhileyourchildgrowsanddevelopsthanjustone“talk.”Forthisreason,thereisamilestoneforfamiliestocelebratewiththeirteensconcerningpurity.Thiswillbediscussedspecificallyinthetrainingandisencouragedtocelebratewithinthefamily.MCCcelebratesgraduatesonaSundaymorning.Thismomentofcelebrationrecognizesalltheirhardworkthroughtheirschooling.Italsoisamomenttocelebrateastheyenterintoanewstageoflife.

Multiplier–ourhopeandaimistoseeourstudentsbecomedisciplesthatmakedisciples.AswewalkwiththemtotheDiscipleshipPathwaywearemodelingwhatitlookslikeforthemtodothesame.EarlyonparentswerecommissionedtoraisetheirchildtoknowChrist.Whenastudentbecomesamultiplieritisacommissioningforthestudenttogointotheworldtosharethegospel.Thisisacelebrationofthepartnershipbetweenchurchandhome:toloveGod,loveothers,andmakedisciples.

Your Child and Baptism WhenyouthbecomeMembersofGod’sfamily,baptismistheircelebratedresponse.TheBibleindicatesthatapersonmustunderstandthegospel,repentofhisorhersin,andtrulytrustinChristbeforebeingbaptized(Romans10:9-10).Aswaterbaptismisanexternalsignofgenuineconversion,genuineconversionmusttakeplaceintheheartbeforeapersonisbaptized.

However,werecognizethattheBibledoesnotputanagerequirementonbaptism.

WeunderstandthattheconsiderationofanappropriateageforabelievertobebaptizedisamatternotofsimpleobedienceonanissueclearlysettledbyScripture,butratherisamatterofChristianwisdom;aquestionthatweareoftenaskedbyparents.Webelievethatthenormalageofbaptismshouldbewhenthecredibilityofone'sconversionbecomes

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naturallyevidenttothechurchcommunity.Thiswouldnormallybewhenthechild/youthhasmatured,andisbeginningtolivemoreself-consciouslyasanindividual,makingindependentdecisions,havingleftthechild-likedependenceontheparentsfortheGod-givenintendedmaturewisdomwhichmarksonewhohastrulytrustedinChristandlivesclearlytofollowChrist.Itisdifficulttosetanagerequirementforbaptism,butitisappropriatetoconsiderthecandidate'smaturityandlifestyle.

Twoveryimportantconsiderationswouldbe(1)Hasthechildactuallyrejecteda

worldlysetofvaluesinplacinghis/hertrustinChrist?(2)Doeshe/she,onhisown,seekthescriptures,desiretobewithGod’speopleandopenlydeclarehis/herloveforChrist?Ashe/sheassumesBiblicalresponsibilities,thenpartofthiswouldbetodeclarepubliclyhis/herallegiancetoChristbybaptismandhaveawillingnesstobeinvolvedincovenantcommunityresponsibilityandservice.

Iftheseissuesareresolved,wewouldthenproceedtoevaluatewhetherornotthe

childhasanunderstandingofsalvationbygraceapartfromworks,andwewillseekverificationfromothersthatheorshedemonstratesthefruitoftheSpirit(Galatians5:22)ineverydaylife.Thequestionraisedbybaptismistheabilityofotherstobefairlyconfidentofthatchild/youthhasaskedJesustobeSaviorandLordoftheirlife.Webelieveachild/youthwhocanmeetthesequalificationsisreadytoidentifywithChristandHischurchthroughbeliever’sbaptism.

Ifyouhaveachild/youththatisinterestedinbeingbaptized,pleasecontactPastor

Shawnatshawn@millcreek.orgtosetupatimetodiscusssomeoftheabovequestionsandscriptures.InanefforttocomealongsideParents,MCCalsohasaBaptismMentorTrainingguideavailable.ThisprovidesparentstheopportunitytowalkthroughBasicPrinciplesoftheGospelwiththeirchild.Thiscanprayerfullybeusedtofurtherinstructtheminscripture,providingopportunitiesfordialogue.

Your Child & Communion Thequestion:

Communionisabouttobeserved.Yourchildtriestogetyourattentionwhenasking,"CanItakecommuniontoday?"Youhaveonlyafewsecondstorespond.Whatdoyousay?Whoshouldtakecommunion?Asparents,wemustgivespiritualguidancetoourchildrenbybeingreadytorespondtotheirquestionsaboutcommunionandtheirdesiretoparticipate.WhilethisscenariomayplayoutduringaworshipserviceatMCC,itisourhomesthatprovideasafeplacefordialoguewithourchildrenaboutcommunion. Whoisinvited?

Asimpleanswertothequestionofwhoshouldparticipateis"allChrist-followers",thatis,peoplewho"confessJesusChristasLord."ChildrenwhobelieveandconfessthatJesusisLordhaveanauthenticfaith.However,theymayhavealimitedunderstandingof

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themeaninganddepthofcommunion.Thoughchildrencanparticipate,wehighlyencourageparentstoinsuretheirchildunderstandsitsmeaningandsignificance.Whatdoescommunionmean?

AsChrist-followers,toparticipateintheLord'sSupperistodeclarethatGod'sgiftofgraceandforgivenesshasbeenacceptedandapersonalrelationshipwithChristhasbeenestablished.Participantshavea360-degreeperspectiveofsalvation.Lookingback,weareabletorememberGod'splanofsalvationdescribedinscripture,andourpersonalsalvationstory.Lookingtothefuture,followersofJesusanticipateChrist'striumphantreturn.ParticipatingintheLord'sSupperexpressesthatmemoryandanticipation.In1Corinthians11:23-26,theapostlePauldescribes,"ForIreceivedfromtheLordwhatIalsopassedontoyou:TheLordJesus,onthenighthewasbetrayed,tookbread,andwhenhehadgiventhanks,hebrokeitandsaid,‘Thisismybody,whichisforyou;dothisinremembranceofme.'Inthesameway,aftersupperhetookthecup,saying,‘Thiscupisthenewcovenantinmyblood;dothis,wheneveryoudrinkit,inremembranceofme.'Forwheneveryoueatthisbreadanddrinkthiscup,youproclaimtheLord'sdeathuntilhecomes."HowcanItakecommunion? Thecommonitemstouseforcommunionaregrapejuiceandbread.Oftentimesthebreadisintheformofacracker.Whenafamilyisreadytotakecommunionwithintheirhome,theycanpurchasethejuiceandcrackersatalocalgroceryorconvenientstore.ThecrackersandjuicearenottheactualbodyandbloodofChrist,butratherrepresentthis.Thisisacommonquestionfromyoungchildrenastheyprocesscommunion.Howoftenshouldwetakecommunion?

MCCofferscommunioneveryfirstSundayofthemonthduringbothservices.Atthesametime,communioncanbetakenatCommunitygroups,andbyfamiliesintheirhome.Thiscanbedoneoften,asitisacelebrationandremembranceofChrist!Whatistakingcommunionin"amannerthatisworthy"?

Whileunderstandingthatthemeaningofcommunioninvolvesalookbackwardsandforwards,italsoinvolvesagoodlookatthepresent.Paulwritesfurtherin1Corinthians11:27-29,"Therefore,whoevereatsthebreadordrinksthecupoftheLordinanunworthymannerwillbeguiltyofsinningagainstthebodyandbloodoftheLord.Amanoughttoexaminehimselfbeforeheeatsofthebreadanddrinksofthecup.ForanyonewhoeatsanddrinkswithoutrecognizingthebodyoftheLordeatsanddrinksjudgmentonhimself."AsChrist-followers,wearecalledtoreflectupontheconditionofourrelationshipwithChristandevenourrelationshipswithothers(seeMatthew5:23-24).Thisinvolvesself-examination,confessionofsinandtherecognitionofforgivenessreceived.DoIhavetobebaptizedtotakecommunion?

No,baptismisnotrequiredtoparticipateincommunion.Asachurch,werecognizetheimportanceofbeliever'sbaptismasatestimonytoothersoftheindividual'sdesiretobeaChrist-followerandthechangeintheirlife.IntheNewTestamentaconfessionoffaithwastypicallyfollowedbyimmediatebaptism(Acts8:12;16:29-33).Weencourageevery

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Christ-followertofollowJesusChrist'sexample(Matthew3:13-17)inobediencebybeingbaptizedasanoutwardsignoftheinwardchangeintheirlife.Givingguidancetoourchildren

Therearetimesinlifewhenthebestlearningexperienceisparticipation.Communionisacelebrationthatmaybeenrichedbyopportunitiestolearnbeforeparticipation.Thefollowingaresomebasicstepstoassistyouinpreparingachildforcommunion.Theymovethroughthreestages:observation,involvementandparticipation.Thefollowingdiagramillustratesthisprogression.OBSERVATIONINVOLVEMENTPARTICIPATION

Observation

Themostbasicformofparticipationiswatchingotherstakepartincommunion.Theobservationstageengageschildrenbyraisingquestions(Exodus12:26-27).ObservationmayoccurduringaSundaymorningserviceatMCC,withinaCommunitygroup,oralsowithinyourownfamily.Believingparentsareabletoservecommuniontoeachotherduringatimeoffamilyworship.Thisenvironmentdemonstratesthepriesthoodofallbelievers(1Peter2:9-10)andprovidesanopportunitytosharewhatcommunionmeanstoGodandtoyou.SingleparentsthatarebelieversmayalsoteachtheirchildrenaboutcommunionbytakingthebreadandjuicewhileteachingthroughJesus’wordsatthelastsupper.Involvement

Asobservationincreasesunderstanding,thedesiretoparticipatemayalsoincrease.Makeitapointtoinvolveyourchildrenastheycontinuetolearn.Beforecommunion,leadthemthroughatimeofpersonalreflectionjustasyouwouldengageinself-examinationtoprepareyourownself.Helpthemunderstandboththeseriousnessandthecelebrationofthankfulnessthataccompaniesforgiveness.EncouragethemtoaskquestionstootherChristianssuchaspastors,teachers,andgrandparents.ReadthestoryofJesus'LastSupper(Luke22:7-20)andcommunionscripturesintheNewTestamentwiththem(1Corinthians11:11-22).

Ourhomesareagreatplacetohaveconversationaboutaboutcommunionandthe

timeofreflectionandprayerthatoccursbeforereceivingit.Hereareafewquestionsandthoughtstohaveyourchildrenponderinthistime.

• HowamIlovingGodthisweek?• HowhaveIlovedothers?Myfamily,friends,neighbors?

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• HaveIhurtanyonewithmywordsoractions?• Istheresinthatneedsconfessed?Forgiven?• Takesometimetoprayabouttheabovequestions.• RememberJesus’sacrificeandhowwecanbeforgivenofoursins!

Participation

Achildwhohasbeeninvolvedinthepreviousstageswillhaveshownwhethertheyarereadytoparticipate.Thequestion,"CanItakecommuniontoday?"willnotcomeasasurprise.Youwillbeabletorespondwithconfidencethatyourchildhasunderstoodthesignificanceandmeaningofcommunion.AtMCC,inacommunitygroup,orwithinthehome,theinvitationtoparticipateincommunionisopentoallChrist-followers,youngandold.YouarebestsuitedtodetermineifyourchildisgenuinelytrustinginChristastheirSaviorandLord.Asparents,taketheinitiativetoserveyourchild.Besensitiveandrecognizethatpeerpressuremaybeafactorinwantingtoparticipate,bothforyourchildandotherchildren.Thisissomethingthatonemustalsobesensitivetowithinthehome.Justbecausetheyhavetakencommunionbeforedoesnotdictatewhethertheyshouldtakeitthistime.

HowdoyouknowyourchildisreadyforCommunion?

• HasyourchildconfessedthatJesusisLordoftheirlife?(Romans10:9)• Asaparent,youcanjudgeatreebyitsfruit.Whatevidenceisthereintheir

lifeoftheHolySpiritandthetransformationthatHebrings?(Luke6:43-49)

PrayerfullyaskfortheSpirit’sguidanceinthisprocessasyouwalkwithyourchildren.Answeringquestionscanbedifficult,butiscrucialasyourchildrenareaimedtowardsChristintheremembranceandcelebrationofHissacrificeanddefeatofsinanddeath.

Family Worship AccomplishingGod’sgreatergoalforyourfamilycanoftentimesbedifficultandwill

comewithconflict.Thiswillrequireparentstobeevermindfuloflivingoutthegospelatchurchandhome.Inaddition,yourlifeathomeshouldmatchyourlifeatchurch.Childrenandteensneedtoseeindividuals,specificallytheirparentsstriveforobedienceandliveinredemptivecommunity.Themessagethatalignswithone’sdaytodaypracticeisaverypowerfulone.

SowhenisagoodtimetobringmychildintoSundaymorningcorporateworship?Theansweris–Anytime!Webelievethatfamilyworshiphappensatchurchandhome.ItisimportantthatfamiliesacknowledgethatexposuretoaSundayservicemaydependonthechild’sattentionspan.However,wedorecognizethatitisgoodforchildrentoexperiencewhatitisliketoworshipwithotherbelievers.Sowheredoyoubegin?Plan

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aheadandtalktoyourchildthenightbeforeaboutjoiningyouforaworshipservice.Explaintothemthedifferentthingsthatmighthappensuchaspraisemusic,prayer,readingofthescripture,andlisteningtoGod’sWordfromthePastor.Explaintothemthatthereisanotesheetsotheycanwriteordrawpicturesofwhattheyhear.OnSunday,planonsittingtowardsthebacksoyoucanquietlyexplainthingsastheyarehappening.Ifyourchildisunabletositthroughanentireservice,it’sok!Pleasefeelfreetowalkthemovertothechildren’sministries.Rememberthatthiswilltaketimeandmaydevelopgradually.

ExposuretocorporateworshipisalreadybuiltintoseveraloftheministriesatMCC.

Club56beginstoexposethemonceamonthonSundaymorningstothepraiseandworshiptime.Theyalsoarepartoftheservicesthroughoutthesummermonths.Inaddition,KidConnectionispartoftheserviceforpraiseandworshipduringthesummermonths.YouthgroupisintheeveningsoteenscangotoSundayserviceeveryweekandworshipwiththefamily.Thegreatestwaytoexplaincorporateworshipisthroughyourchildexperiencingfamilyworshipathome.Parentscanexplainandalsodemonstrateprayer,scripturereading,andsingingmuchearlierathomeduetotheflexibilityandinformalsetting.Ephesians5:25-6:4remindsmentoembracethetruththattheyhaveaspecialresponsibilityforspiritualleadershipwithintheirfamilies.Father’sneedtotaketheleadinthistimeoffamilyworship.

Designatingatimeisprobablyoneoffirststepstowardfamilyworship.Justlike

wakinguponaSundaymorning,thinkthroughprotectingaconsistentdayandtimethatyourfamilywillgettogether.Someofyoumaybewonderingifthat’sevenpossible.Itcanbetoughintoday’sbusyness,butitiscertainlyworthfightingfor.Remembertostartsmallandearly.Someparentsdoagreatjobwithhavingabedtimeroutine,ormakeanefforttoeatafewdinnerstogethereachweek.Youareontherighttrack.FamilyWorshipshouldbepartofthenormalrhythmoflifeinyourhome.Beginreadingscripturebeforeorafteryouprayatameal.Canitbeawkwardatfirst?Sure.Whatisimportanthereisthatyoumaketheeffort,andyouarejustasintentionalathomeasyouwouldbewithattendingaSundaymorningworshipservice.

Someparentsarethinkingthatthisisjustsimplyimpossibletodowithmychild..Onemustalsobeawarethattheymaygetsomethingswrong.Bewillingtoadjusttoanever-changingcontextanddevelopingchildren.Parents,specificallyfathersremainthemostsignificantinfluenceonchildren.Nowforjustamomentaskyourselfhowyourfamilyalreadyinteractswell.Isitwatchingamovietogether?Maybeit’sacrafttime,orrunningthroughthesprinklerinthesummertime.Whateveritmaybe,lookforopportunitiestoincorporateGod’sWordintotheseactivities.Olderchildrenandteenagersmaybeabletositdownandreadsomescripturesandhaveatimeofdiscussion,butsometimesit’simportanttogotheextramilewithouryoungerchildren.Whenyouareintentionalaboutreadingscriptureinyourhome,itbeginstomakesensetoachildthatscriptureisforeverydayliving.

Rememberthatgodlygrowthissometimesslow,andoftenhidden.ButitisalwayscenteredonJesusandthegospel.MakeGod’swordcentraltotheteaching.Earlyon,narrativesseemtoworkgreat,butasyourchildgrowsyouwillnoticetheirabilitytograspotherdeepertruths.TheyshouldnotbesurprisedthatachurchservicecentersonGod’s

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Word,wheninfactworshipathomedoesexactlythesame.Otherkeyareastofocusonaresingingandatimeofprayer.IncludingtheseintofamilyworshipshowsachildourneedandappreciationofbeinginHispresence.Whenachildexperiencesworshipathomeitoftentimesmakesforasmoothertransitionintocorporateworship.Italsohelpsstudentstoseetheconnectednessofchurchandhome;thattheirfaithisintegraltoallareasoflife.

Remember,FamilyWorshipcanbeexciting.UnderstandingwhatinterestsyourchildandhowtheybestcommunicatewillhelpmakeyourFamilyDevotionsinteractiveandexciting.Therearesomanytoolsandresourcestogetyoustartedintherightdirection.Inordertoseechurchandhomepartnership,MCChasdevelopedtrainingsforeachstagethatwillfocusonfamilyworship/devotions.TheseexcitingtimeswillbeanopportunitytogrowtogetherthroughteachingofGod’sWord.Thereisanaddedbenefitthatyouwillsharethistrainingwithothersinthesamestageoflife,providingopportunitiesforcommunityandconnection.

Practical suggestions for making it work:

• Readinacircle(greatforchildrenlearningtoread)• Beflexibleandallowtimeforquestions• Haveaplanforscripturereading.ReadtheProverbthatcoincideswiththedateor

readthroughagospel.• Singtogether,youwouldbesurprisedhowmuchfunthisactuallyis!• Encourageconfessionandforgivenessamongstfamilymembers.• Givethemalisttoprayfrom.Makeaprayerposterorkeepafamilyprayerbook.• Eliminatedistractions.(Example-turnofforplaceelectronicsonsilent).• Striveforconsistency.Sometimesthisisatimeorplace.Itmaybeatamealor

dinnertable.• Keepitbrief;youcanalwaysaddmoretimeastheygrow.

Single Parents Extendingleadershiptochildrenthatdonothavebelievingparentsisourpriority,

foreachofushasbeenadoptedintoGod’sfamily.SometimessingleparentsfinditdifficulttodoFamilyWorshipathomeandchurch.

Oftentimesthisistheresultofmanagingaveryhecticscheduleofwork,schoolactivities,takingcareofthehome,andgivingattentiontoyourlittleones.Werecognizethedifficultyofbeingasingleparentandalsotheobstaclesthataretheresultoftheabsenceofafatherormother.InanefforttocontinuetosupportfamiliesatMCC,itisclearthattherearechildrenthatwillrequiregodlymenandwomenplacedintheirlife;theyneedChrist-likeexamplesastheycontinuetogrowanddevelop.Again,wecannotcommunicateenoughtheimportanceforadultstogetconnectedinacommunitygroup.Thesesmallcommunitiesareabletobeagreatencouragementtoasingleparent.Therearesmallgroupsthatofferchildcare,andprovideaconnectednesswithgospelcentered

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community.Inthiscommunityyouwillbeencouraged,strengthened,andchallengedalongsideotherbelieversthatwillwalkwithyouthroughtherhythmsoflife.Wewanttoseeyousucceedinyourparenting,andforthisreasonwehavechildcareatmostofMCC’sactivitiesandservices.ItisimportantthatyoucontinuetogrowandmatureinChrist,rememberingthatyourchurchfamilywillbepresentasyouparent.YourgrowthinChristisstrategicinyourfamily’sgrowth.HavingacommunitythatiscommittedtoaimingyourchildrentowardsChristwillbeinstrumentalinyourparenting.Ifyouareasingleparentlookingforagodlymanorwomentodiscipleyourchildalongsideyou,pleasecontactPastorShawnatshawn@millcreek.orgtodiscussopportunitiestohelpestablishthisrelationshipforthem.

Parent Training Theprimarypointofresistanceinmanyparent’sdisciplingoftheirteenswasthat

churchesdidnotadequatelytrainthem,andthesecondaryreasonisthattheysimplydidnotmakethetime.Inanefforttoinvestintofamilies,thereisaparenttrainingeachyearthatfocusesonequippingparentsineachstage.Atthesetrainings,parentswilllearnhowtoutilizeresourcesandtoolsatchurchandhome.Specifically,thesetrainingswillbemomentstocheckinwithfamiliestoseehowthealignmentofteachingatMCCisbeingtransferredintothehome.Asaresultofthisengagement,wehopetoimproveandstrengthourpartnershipasweaimourchildrentowardsChrist.Therewillalsobeanopportunityforeachfamilytofocusontheirspecificchildrenanddevelopaplanforthecomingyear.ThiswillbedoneinthecontextofcommunityandalongsidethestafffromMCC.Itisanopportunitytocontinueourpartnershiptogetherinadditiontogrowingpersonally.MCCrecognizesthatthebestwaytoseegrowthinyourfamilyisforparentstogrowandmatureinChrist.It’salsoagreatwaytoconnectwithotherfamiliesandtolearnfromGod’sWordandotherswhohavebeenwhereyoucurrentlyare.ThistrainingwillalsofocusonFamilyWorshipstrategyandresourcesforeachspecificstage.Eachparent/smustaskthemselves,“DoIhaveaplanofdisciple-making?”Pleaseconsidertakingthetimetotakepartinoneofourstagetrainingswherewewillgathertogethertodiscuss,brainstorm,anddevelopuniquedisciple-makingstrategiesforourhomes.

Stage1-EarlyYearsTheEarlyYearsclassisathree-weektrainingonchurchandhomepartnershipforparents.

ThisistheprerequisitefortheChilddedication/ParentCommissioning.

Stage2-OpenHouseParentsareencouragedtoattendaKidConnectionopenhousewiththeirchildren.Atthistraining,parentswillbeencouragedtoengagetheirchildreninfaiththroughouttheweek

andlearntoutilizetakehomematerials.

Stage3-LifeofService

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ServetogetheratoneofMCC’scommunityministries.Thiswillencourageyourfamilytofindwaystoservetogetherandincorporateintotherhythmsoflife.

Stage4-FamilyRetreat

TheFamilyRetreatisdesignedtogetawayfromthebusynessanddistractionsofeverydaylifeinourhomes.FamilieswillmakeChrist-centeredmemorieswiththeirteensandbe

equippedforfamilydevotionsathome.

Pleasecheckoutwww.millcreek.orgformoreinformationontheGospelstoryteachingscheduleforallages!