Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Things Every Kid Needs

My sister-in-law is a children's pastor at Harvest Hills Alliance Church in Calgary. She is reading a stunning book called Think Orange: Imagine the Impact when Church and Family Collide by Reggie Joiner. I'm dipping into it. Inspired. Challenged. Sobered. Joiner’s main emphasis is that life should be about God and that the church (yellow) and family (red) should work together (orange) not against each other, and that the chief end of each should be helping people get to know God. I'm excited to share some of the principles with people I know ... and to implement them.

Joiner includes several summary lists called “Slices.” Here’s one from page 98:

A REALLY BIG GOD they can trust no matter what.

Kids should grow up knowing that God is big enough to handle whatever they may face.

SOMEONE ELSE who believes what they believe

Kids need friends who will encourage them to grow in their faith.

ANOTHER VOICE saying the same things parents say

As children grow older it becomes more important to have other adults in their lives as spiritual mentors and leaders.

UNCOMMON SENSE to help them make wise choices

God’s point of view and His truth should become the filter for how kids view life and make decisions.

NOSY PARENTS who know where their kids are spiritually

Kids need parents who will be intentional about spending time together as a family and staying actively involved in their children’s spiritual growth.

Think Orange cover

Think Orange: Imagine the Impact when Church and Family Collide by Reggie Joiner. Hardcover: 272 pages. Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (June 1, 2009)

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