Growing in Christ

Fostering Spiritual Formation in Children Part Two

Scriptural References

• About 75 scriptures found without looking too hard, repeating 10 concepts or commandments

• These ten commandments of parenting are repeated in the 78th Psalm in just 8 verses

• These eight verses explain the why, what and how we should instruct, counsel and minister to our children

• These are the basics in spiritual formation (growth and development of children)

• Resources- scripture guide; spiritual formation sheets; parent bytes; kids, parents and faith pamphlet

5 Simple Ideas for Holy Habits

• Review Sunday school take-home papers. Do the activities together. Talk through the recommended discussion questions. Ask them what they learnt in class or church.

• Pray daily with and for your children. • Memorize one verse together each week. • Read Scripture together, even just a small passage.• Be with your children daily—talking, listening,

and applying Bible truths to your lives and theirs.

Partnering with the Church

• Review Sunday school take-home papers. Do the activities together. Talk through the recommended discussion questions. Ask them what they learnt in class or in church.

• Be a participant, be involved. • Take advantage of the resources the church

provides for you- including family service opportunities and programs (Sunday School, Mid week, parenting classes and seminars)

Praying with and for your Children.

• Prayer Baskets

Keep all your prayer tools together in one place for easy access.

Morning uses- scripture in your pocket, morning prayer and devotions

Bedtime uses- blessing, ministering to their needs, or devotions and journaling

Grace- table top reminders

Resources- prayer cards, prayer guidelines, and how to’s

Memorizing verses together

The Obvious…

• Verses assigned at church programs

For Specific Needs…

• Character Development Verses

• Prayer Jar Verses

• www.mypocketscripitures.com

Devotionals

• Read Scripture together, even just a small passage.• Bedtime Stories• Love and Devotion Calendar• Family rules- seeking God for life choices• Pick a plan (daily, weekly, monthly- stick with it)• Devotion comes in different packages • Resources- web sites, reusable devotional

calendar, life application charts

Life Style Choices• Be with your children daily—talking, listening,

and applying Bible truths to your lives and theirs. Make the time.

• Family Games or Movie Nights, Road Trip Songs, Teachable Moments (chores and cooking), Tree of Life Lessons

• Family Traditions and Holidays, Scrap Booking • Worship and play, celebrating the day of small miracles.• It doesn’t have to be complicated- but it should

be something that becomes a natural way of life

Understanding Learning

There are five parts to learning:

1) Don't have a clue

2) Data: the ability to remember information

3) Knowledge: knowing and understanding what it means.

4) Application: to have some practical experience not only on what scripture says, but begin to learn how to apply it.

5) Wisdom: which is having the information, knowing how to use it, being able to apply it in our own lives so we can help others.

How to Assess Learning

1) Don't have a clue When your children can not answer

questions based on what you just shared with them you need to …

• Repeat key points again checking that you have not used vocabulary beyond their age or understanding

• Research it, try another method, and try try again

2) Data: the ability to remember information

If your children can not repeat what you just said you need to…