Category Archives: Uncategorized

Making and Marking Moments

This month, we want to encourage you, as a ministry leader, to be intentional about creating and recognizing the milestone moments that kids within your church reach. As a leader, you have a unique and powerful opportunity to guide children through spiritually formative experiences that help shape their faith and character. You also have the opportunity to invite and involve parents in these significant events.

While traditional events like baptism and moving up to a new grade offer wonderful opportunities for celebration, we also need to pay attention to the “unscheduled” moments when God is at work in the hearts of young people. These moments of personal growth, spiritual transformation, or breakthrough may happen quietly, but they are equally significant. Recognizing these instances and marking them as milestones can have a lasting impact on the spiritual journey of the kids in your church.

It’s also essential to equip and encourage parents to be actively involved in these key moments. By empowering parents to lead their families spiritually, you’re not only helping them celebrate these milestones but also providing them with the confidence and resources they need to nurture faith at home. Your role in guiding both parents and children through these experiences is vital as you help to build strong, faith-filled families that will continue to grow together in Christ.

Click the image above to watch the video or click HERE!

Spiritual Milestones Matter

EMAIL 1

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Subject Line: Moments That Matter

Dear Parents,

We wanted to take a moment to acknowledge something: There is a lot happening in your world right now. We know you’re busy and juggling so much with your child as they grow and experience new things. Between school, activities, and everything in between, it can sometimes feel like a lot to manage. As they continue to grow, they’re reaching different milestones and moments that will one day hold special meaning in their lives.

In the midst of it all, we want to encourage you not to miss the moments that will matter the most in the long run. While those natural, everyday milestones are important, it’s even more vital for your child to experience spiritual milestones that will help build their faith. These are the moments that will shape their relationship with God and help them see how He’s been guiding their steps all along the way. We want to help you recognize and embrace those moments, so we’ve put together resources in our Online Parenting Class this month that are designed to support you on that journey.

Be sure to check out the resource called Creating and Celebrating Spiritual Milestones. This resource will help parents think through what spiritual milestones are and how to celebrate them. These are special moments in the life of your child and family!

To watch this month’s video or download the Toolbox Resource, click on the links below.

[ INSERT LINK TO ONLINE PARENTING CLASS VIDEO ]

[ INSERT LINK TO TOOLBOX RESOURCE ]

We are praying for you!

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

EMAIL 2

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Subject Line: Spiritual Milestones – The Foundation of Faith

Dear Parents,

As a parent, you know your child is already involved in so many things in life—school, activities, friends, and family. There’s always something going on, and they’re constantly experiencing new things that will shape who they are as they continue to grow. These moments will no doubt create memories that will stay with them for years to come.

But we know that you want more for your child than just fun experiences and good memories. You want them to have meaningful moments that will shape their faith—spiritual milestones that will become the foundation for a lifelong relationship with God. Part of helping them experience these milestones is making sure they’re in environments where their faith can grow, like church.

This month, we are offering resources to help our parents in celebrating spiritual milestones. These are huge moments in the life of your child and family and we want you to embrace them. Be sure to check out our Parent Toolbox resource for the month called Creating and Celebrating Spiritual Milestones. We’ve also got a helpful article titled, Faith Milestones Matter. There’s some simple but meaningful things you can do as parents to celebrate these monumental moments.

We hope you know that we’re here to support you in guiding your child toward these significant spiritual moments. We want to partner with you on this journey of leading your child into a deeper, lasting faith. Let us know how we can help along the way!

To see this month’s parent video, click on the link below.

To watch this month’s video, download the Toolbox Resource, or read the article, click on the links below.

[ INSERT LINK TO M2P PARENTING ARTICLE ]

[ INSERT LINK TO M2P ONLINE PARENTING CLASS VIDEO ]

[ INSERT LINK TO TOOLBOX RESOURCE ]

Don’t ever hesitate to reach out if we can do anything for you!

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

M2P KIDS November Parent Video Script

So, you’re the parent of a child. They might be a baby or toddler, or maybe your former toddler is in elementary school and plowing towards their teenage years. In reality, your child has a lot more life ahead of them than they do behind them. They already have a lot of great memories, but they have so much ahead of them.

Here’s my encouragement to you today. As you go through the next few seasons of life with your child … don’t miss it! Now, you may have heard some version of that before, some encouragement to make sure you stay present, and you take it all in along the way. That’s not what I mean. You see, your child is going to have a lot of great moments like birthdays and things they accomplish. They’re going to leave elementary school and go to middle school. They’re eventually going to make it to high school and get their driver’s license and then they’ll graduate high school and be off into the world. And all along the way you’ll be there to celebrate them and take pictures and hopefully be really proud. If you get to experience all of that, you likely won’t miss it.

But, if you’re not paying attention, if you’re not intentional in a different kind of way, not only might you miss some things, but your child will too. As the parent of two college students, we have a lot of those memories (along with some memories that aren’t so great). But, if you’re watching this, you likely don’t just want for your kids to get to their young adult years and have a bunch of “good” memories. You want more for them. You likely want them to be able to point to some spiritual milestones that have helped them begin to develop a real relationship with God and grow in their faith in a real way. You don’t want them to just remember going to church, but you want them to develop a faith in Jesus that makes a real difference in their life.

So I would encourage you, as their parent, to position them in a way that leads them to some spiritual milestones. Spiritual milestones are simply significant moments in a child’s walk with God. In order for your child to experience these milestones, you might have to arrange your family life in such a way that fosters faith more than it fosters anything else. You can put your child in situations and environments that will lead them to experience God in a way that creates these milestones that are so important to their spiritual development. The first environment that really matters when it comes to all of this is your home. Make your home a place where faith in God is at the center of all you do. It can’t be an add on or an afterthought, because if it is, your kids will pick up on that. If you, as their parent, aren’t prioritizing your relationship with God and making your home a place where faith is real, your child is less likely to prioritize their faith and experience real spiritual milestones.

The next place your kids can experience spiritual milestones is in your church. My guess is that your church has some milestone moments like giving out Bibles at a certain age, a confirmation class or baptism moments. Your church might celebrate when your child moves from one grade to another. There are lots of opportunities for your child to participate in spiritual milestones at your church. But the only way that your child experiences these milestones at church is if your child is … at church. And I don’t just mean for the moments or events. In order for these milestones to have any real meaning, your child has to have relationships at church that make the moments meaningful. They have to know people who know them, and they have to feel like a part of the community. If you just parachute your kids in for these seemingly significant moments without them actually being a part of something bigger, these moments won’t mean anything to your kids. They may be present for an event, but it won’t really be a spiritual milestone. Make church involvement and participation a part of your family’s life and rhythm and help your kids feel like your faith community is a second home.

And then, when your kids experience spiritual milestones, recognize and celebrate them. Organize special family moments, write letters of encouragement, pray together and pray for your kids as they move from one phase of life to the next. Make a big deal out of the decisions they make and the steps they take and help them see that God is with them on their journey.

Part of what we are trying to do is help our kids develop a faith of their own, and a big part of that for them is going through spiritual milestones along the way. So don’t miss it. Don’t be so focused on celebrating and pushing your kids into the milestones that the world has to offer that you miss something much bigger. Lead them to a real faith in Jesus that is marked by significant milestone moments along the way that they can hold onto for a long time.

10.1.24

Your October Resources Are Here!

As we all move through our ministry life, we encounter all kinds of parents. Parents who have been happily married for decades, parents who might be struggling to stay together, parents who are widowed, and parents who have separated. If we’re honest, for years, the Church has primarily focused on helping and supporting one type of parent – the one who is married. We would never say that married couples are our primary target audience, but much of what we build and most of our language speak to the nuclear family. We certainly welcome single parents (at least, I think most of us do), but our ministries and resources often inadvertently leave them out.

If we look at the landscape of family life, we know that increasing numbers of kids who are a part of our churches are from single-parent homes. Research indicates that at least 1/3 of all kids today live with only one parent who is active in their lives on a daily basis. This family dynamic has huge implications on so many aspects of adolescent development. Kids from single-parent homes face a unique set of challenges that their peers who have both parents at home don’t face. Those of us who lead in the church have to pay attention to what is happening in the lives of those we serve and must consider our approach in ministry to help ensure we are not unintentionally leading our ministry without single-parent homes in mind.

So, what are we to do with the ever-changing landscape of family life? As children’s ministry leaders, how are we to best help, support, encourage, and serve parents who find themselves in this situation? It really all starts with paying attention. We have to broaden our view and make sure we are aware of the situations and circumstances in which our people find themselves. We have to have the eyes to see people where they are and offer the grace and love that Christ offers us all. We have to have empathy for those who are possibly hurting in a different way, and we have to work hard to discern how we can best step in and help them along the way. To be effective in our ministries, we have to know our audience.

In this month’s Coaching Video, we step into this conversation by encouraging you to make sure you are paying attention to not just the kids and parents who come from “traditional homes” but to the families in your church where there is a single parent. There are certain things you can do to help and encourage these families as they navigate what can be a challenging road. This starts with knowing who these parents are and understanding their needs in order to mobilize the church community to provide meaningful support. We give you some practical ideas and suggestions that will help you build a ministry that effectively engages and supports all types of parents.

In our Online Parenting Class, we speak to both single parents and parents who are leading their family with a spouse, and we give each group practical suggestions on how to engage with each other. We encourage single parents to engage with their church community and not hesitate to ask for help. Often, single parents may feel reluctant to seek assistance, fearing they may be a burden when, in fact, many in the church would be eager to help if they just knew how. We remind them that they are enough and that God loves them exactly where they are, no matter their circumstances. The video also challenges parents in two-parent homes to intentionally seek out single parents within the church, build meaningful relationships, and offer support to meet their practical needs.

On Episode 084 of the M2P Podcast, our very own Amy Diller interviews her friend and single mom, Donna Collins. Donna shares her story of raising her son as a single parent, and she offers insight into how leaders in the church can help and support single parents in meaningful and practical ways. In this conversation, Donna provides practical advice from her own experiences. She also has some words of encouragement for any single parents who might listen and talks about some ways she has navigated her journey through the years. Sass and Kerry join in to offer their perspectives, and we’re excited to introduce a new member of the M2P team, Chris Hargrove.

This month’s Parent Toolbox Resource is a devotional exercise called Parenting With Peace. It is specifically designed to help single parents slow down and identify how they can further lean on God as they navigate their situation. This resource could be used by parents who are married and leading together, but it will be particularly helpful for single parents. It starts with a passage of Scripture from Philippians 4 and encourages parents to sincerely offer their requests to God and seek the peace that only He can offer. It includes prompts for reflection, questions to answer, and time for prayer.

This month’s Blog Articles for parents take a different approach to encouraging those who find themselves leading their families alone. These articles come in the form of a letter to single parents, and they offer an apology on behalf of the church. Most of us know that we fall a little short when it comes to supporting single parents, so letting them know that we are aware of the difficulties they face can go a long way. By simply recognizing their struggles and affirming that they are seen and heard, we can begin to bridge this gap. Our Blog Articles for church leaders include the words and pleas of actual single parents and can hopefully give us a different perspective as we seek to help these families in real ways. By paying attention to what is actually happening in their lives, we will be better positioned to offer real help and relief.

As always, we have Social Media Posts that will help elevate the conversation and encourage single parents. We want them to believe that they are enough, God is in control, and He has a plan for them and their children. These posts point in that direction and remind parents that they can find help and support in their local church.

This month’s conversation will hopefully help you step into a deeper level of ministry with parents who really need it. Single parents are in your midst, and you have the opportunity to show up for them in real ways that will meet some of their practical needs and hopefully draw them closer to Jesus.

The M2P Team

WHAT IS IT?

This month, we created a resource specifically for single parents in your church. It’s an exercise called Parenting with Peace: A Time of Reflection and Prayer for Single Parents. It’s a devotion and reflection that encourages parents to read and meditate on a passage from Philippians 4 that will hopefully help them reframe a few things about their lives and circumstances. In the resource, there are reflective questions that will push parents to identify a few ways to invite both God and those in their church community into their journey in helpful ways. Our prayer is that this resource will provide encouragement and strength to single parents as they lean on God’s peace and the support of their church community.

HOW TO USE IT

Download Parenting with Peace: A Time of Reflection and Prayer for Single Parents and post it on your website.
Email parents (specifically single parents) a copy of the resource and encourage them to take some time to engage in the exercise.
Print copies of the resources for parents to grab at church and let them know where they can pick them up.
Share a copy of the resource with your ministry team and discuss it together.

To view or download, click HERE.

When you think about the families you minister to in your church and community, what is the picture you see? We often see the traditional family with mom, dad, 2.5 kids, and a dog. In this month’s Coaching Video, we invite you to broaden your focus beyond the kids and parents from “traditional homes” and recognize the fact that there are a significant number of kids who live in a different environment. Single-parent families within your church face unique challenges, and these families often walk a more difficult road. As church leaders, we are called to provide intentional care and support for every family we encounter.

It’s important to remember that single parents often carry the weight of multiple roles, juggling the demands of both parenting and providing for their families. They may also feel isolated or overlooked in a church community where traditional family structures are the norm. By taking intentional steps to include them, listen to their concerns, and create spaces for them to connect with others, we can foster a sense of belonging and relief for these parents.

In the videos, we offer practical strategies and creative ideas to help you build a ministry that truly serves all types of families, including those led by single parents. Whether it’s organizing groups tailored to their needs, creating mentorship programs, or simply making sure they feel seen and valued, there are many ways you can help these parents thrive. Our hope is that through these suggestions, your ministry can become a source of strength and encouragement for every parent, regardless of their family structure.

To view, click HERE.

In this month’s Online Parenting Class, we emphasize the importance of building a helpful and supportive church community where single-parent and two-parent families engage with one another. For parents in two-parent homes, we encourage them to actively seek out relationships with single parents in the church. It’s easy to assume that these parents are managing just fine, but the reality is that many could use practical help and emotional support. By intentionally reaching out, two-parent families can help create a sense of belonging and ease some of the burdens that single parents carry.

At the same time, we speak directly to single parents, encouraging them to embrace their church community and not be afraid to ask for help. We remind them that there are people in their church who would love to step in and offer support. They often just need to know what’s needed. Most importantly, we reassure single parents that they are more than enough and that God loves them deeply, regardless of their circumstances.

Our goal is to inspire both single and two-parent families to come together, share life’s challenges, and lift each other up. We’re not meant to parent alone, so let’s help parents of all kinds build the relationships they need to effectively lead their families in the faith.

To view, click HERE.

New blog posts coming this month:

For Kids’ Ministry Leaders: “In Their Own Words: What Single Parents Have to Say” by Amy Diller
For Kids’ Ministry Parents: “A Letter to Single Moms and Dads” by Amy Diller
For Youth Ministry Leaders: “The Truth from Single Parents” by Amy Diller and Chris Sasser
For Youth Ministry Parents: “Dear Single Parents” by Amy Diller

To view, click HERE.

Loving and Encouraging Single Parents

This month’s Coaching Video focuses on how churches can better support single parents and their children. With a growing number of children being raised in single-parent homes, it’s crucial for ministry leaders to address the unique challenges faced by these families and adapt our ministries to meet their needs. We have to remember that effective ministry involves not only recognizing these challenges but also taking proactive steps to offer meaningful support and encouragement to those who need it.

The video provides practical strategies for engaging with single parents, such as identifying their needs, offering practical assistance, and creating supportive networks for them and their children. We also talk about the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for single parents, helping them to feel valued and supported within the church community. The video also challenges those from two-parent homes to reach out to the single parents in their midst, to build relationships, and to do what they can to help and support. Finally, we encourage you to help single parents know that God loves them and they are enough. He has a plan and a purpose for them and their kids, and sometimes, they just need to be reminded of that truth.

Click the image above to watch the video or click HERE!

Supporting Parents To Parent Together

EMAIL 1

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Subject Line: Support for Every Parent

Dear Parents,

As we all navigate life, it becomes clear how varied our experiences can be. Despite our shared goals, each of us faces unique challenges shaped by our individual situations and circumstances. Whether you’re navigating your family dynamics with a spouse or partner or as a single parent, our goal is to offer you support and encouragement along the way.

This month, we’re focusing on providing resources for single parents. If this is you, we know that you face unique challenges, and we want to help. We never want you to feel like you are parenting alone, and we want to help come alongside you and your family as best we can. For those in two-parent homes, we encourage you to extend support to your single-parent friends. There are practical ways you can step in and make a difference in their lives.

Our Online Parenting Class this month addresses both single and two-parent families and offers some ideas on how to engage with each other. Be sure to check out our helpful resource called Parenting With Peace. This resource will guide you through a time of reading and reflection from Philippians 4. We invite you to check out the resources available and consider how you can engage and support other parents in your community.

To watch this month’s video or download the Toolbox Resource, click on the links below.

[ INSERT LINK TO ONLINE PARENTING CLASS VIDEO ]

[ INSERT LINK TO TOOLBOX RESOURCE ]

Don’t ever hesitate to reach out if we can do anything for you!

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

EMAIL 2

Copy/ Paste this email into a browser and send it to parents.

Subject Line: Parenting Together

Dear Parents,

One of the phrases you often hear from those raising young children is this: “Parenting is hard!” I’m sure you can relate. We all know that caring for little ones is both a joy and a challenge, and it can feel especially overwhelming for those of you doing it alone as single parents. You’re navigating decisions and responsibilities that others in two-parent households may not fully understand. We want you to know that we see you and we’re here to support you.

This month, we’re offering resources specifically for single parents while also providing insights for those in two-parent homes. Be sure to check out our Parent Toolbox resource for the month called Parenting With Peace. This resource provides you with time for reading and reflection on Philippians 4. We’ve also provided you with a helpful article titled A Letter to Single Moms and Dads. There’s so much we can learn from one another, and together, we can build a stronger community within our church. Parenting isn’t meant to be done alone, and we have the opportunity to lift each other up as we walk this journey.

If you’re a single parent, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to connect you with other parents in our church who can support you practically and emotionally.

To watch this month’s video, download the Toolbox Resource, or read the article, click on the links below.

[ INSERT LINK TO M2P PARENTING ARTICLE ]

[ INSERT LINK TO M2P ONLINE PARENTING CLASS VIDEO ]

[ INSERT LINK TO TOOLBOX RESOURCE ]

Cheering you on as you parent your students!

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

M2P KIDS October Parent Video Script

If you’re watching this video, you fall in one of two categories. You are either part of a two-parent household, or you’re a single parent navigating the ups and downs of life on your own. Well, I want to take a moment to speak to both groups as we all walk through the complexities and the joys of parenting.

Let’s start by speaking to single parents. I want to remind you of something very important—you are a beloved child of God. You are enough. You are not just capable, but you are perfectly positioned to guide your children in their faith journey. I know the world can sometimes make you feel less than or unworthy because of your circumstances, but let me assure you—that’s not how God sees you. He knows you intimately, and He knows that you are exactly who your children need to lead them, love them, and point them toward their purpose in Him.

Remember this: God’s grace is sufficient for you. You don’t need to have it all together or have every answer. What you do need is a heart that’s willing to keep growing, learning, and leaning into God’s strength. He has a plan for your life and your children’s lives, and no situation or challenge can derail that divine purpose.

I also want to gently remind you of this: you don’t have to do it all alone. You are hopefully part of a community a church, and sometimes the hardest thing is asking for help. But asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of living in a healthy, supportive community. Your church family wants to be there for you, but sometimes they don’t know how. Don’t be afraid to reach out and say, “I need help.” Whether it’s with child care, a ride, or even just someone to talk to, there are people in your church who would love to come alongside you.

And for your children, help them be connected to the church community as well. Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, and other church members are there to help, support, and encourage you and your kids. They want to see your children grow in their faith and thrive. Try your best, even in the busyness of life, to stay involved with the church. The more you show up, the more you will find relationships deepening and the more support you will feel in both spiritual and practical ways.

Now, I want to speak to those of you who are in two-parent households. You may not realize it, but there are single parents in your church right now who are carrying a heavy load. They might not always show it, but they need you. I encourage you to look around, find those single parents, and ask yourself how you can serve them. Get to know them. Build real relationships with them. Invite them over for dinner, offer to babysit, or help with everyday tasks. It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives, but Scripture tells us to “look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). You don’t have to do anything extravagant; just being present in their lives and offering a helping hand can make all the difference.

And here’s a practical challenge: pray for the single parents in your church. Lift them up to God in prayer. Ask Him to provide for their needs, give them peace, and comfort their hearts in ways that only He can. And let’s not forget to pray for their children as well—that they would grow strong in their faith, feel loved, and see God working in their lives every day.

Finally, I want to remind all of us of one thing: we need each other. God created us to live in community. Single parents, lean into your church community. Let them in. Let them help. And those of you in two-parent homes, open your hearts and your homes to those who may need encouragement. Together, we can support and love one another through the challenges and triumphs of life. Let’s be the hands and feet of Christ to each other and learn how to build one another up along the way.

9.1.24

Your September Resources Are Here!

You probably already know this, but it’s safe to say that we live in a very broken world. Can you feel it? Sure, there are several good things happening in the world around us, but if we look carefully, we can easily see the hurt and pain that the kids and parents we lead are dealing with regularly. As children’s ministry leaders, you know that for the parents in your ministry, leading a family in today’s world is incredibly challenging. Parents can often find themselves overwhelmed or at a loss for words and ideas as they navigate the complexities of everyday life. They feel lost and uncertain, and sometimes they just don’t know what they are doing.

The odds are that families in your ministry are continually confronted with issues, thoughts, and situations that they are not ready or equipped to handle. Because of this, many parents feel inadequate in their parenting or unsure how to help their children. Unfortunately, this creates an environment where parents pull back, avoid addressing the tough issues, and end up experiencing a different kind of pain as they move through the motions of family life.

As a children’s ministry leader, you have the opportunity to play a unique and crucial role in the lives of families. They look to you for spiritual guidance and direction, and they certainly need you when life is hard. Your presence matters, and you have the opportunity to see families in the middle of their pain, to be with them in their struggles, to encourage them with your words, and to lift them up in prayer. The calling you have goes way beyond the logistics of leading a ministry. It’s much more than that. It’s about paying attention to and supporting families as they attempt to navigate the challenges of this broken world.

In this month’s Coaching Video, we challenge you to look at the ministry you are leading through the lens of people and not through the lens of programs or events. Sure, we all know that people are the ministry, but when it comes to stepping into the pain and struggle that the parents and families we serve are feeling, it’s easy to want to shy away. As ministry leaders, we’re often so busy planning and producing that we can unknowingly or easily walk right past the hurt that exists all around us. In this month’s coaching videos, we encourage you to enter into the difficult situations your families are navigating and offer a few practical things you can do to help parents who are hurting in your ministry.

This month’s Parent Toolbox Resource is from Carrie Bevell Partridge and is called When Parenting Hurts: A Resource for Moms and Dads. It provides parents with a list of things to do when parenting hurts and a list of things for parents to remember as they encounter the inevitable pain and difficulty of family life. It’s full of practical ideas and advice for those hard seasons, and it points parents back to the Bible, encouraging them to lean into their relationship with God as they navigate the difficult situations, emotions, and circumstances of parenting.

Our Online Parenting Class features special guest Carrie Bevell Partridge. Carrie is a wife, mom, author, and all-around encourager. Carrie and her husband, Kevin, have walked a unique and challenging family journey, facing pain and struggle while maintaining resilience and faith. In our class this month, Carrie shares invaluable tips and encouragement for parents who find themselves feeling overwhelmed, and she points us all to the hope we can find in Jesus as we journey through family life. Carrie also joins us on Episode 083 of the M2P Podcast where she shares more of her story. Of course, Sass, Kerry, and Amy share some personal stories of their own and offer some insight for both ministry leaders and parents.

This month’s Blog Articles offer even more ideas and perspectives on how parents and church leaders can work through difficult situations and circumstances in healthy ways. There are some practical things we can do as ministry leaders to move forward in the midst of struggle, and these articles will help give some direction in that area and point to different Bible passages that can sustain us along the way. Finally, we have Social Media Posts that will encourage parents and help them look to Jesus for their strength and guidance.

Our hope is that the resources we provide for parents in your church and the coaching and encouragement we offer you as a leader will help you build the culture and ministry God has called you to lead. We’re honored to serve with you. Let us know what we can do to help!

The M2P Team

WHAT IS IT?

This month, we have a great resource for you to share with the parents of your church. It’s called When Parenting Hurts: A Resource for Moms and Dads and is written by Carrie Bevell Partridge. Carrie is a wife, mom, author, and all-around encourager. When Parenting Hurts: A Resource for Moms and Dads provides parents with a list of things to do when parenting hurts and things for parents to remember as they encounter the inevitable pain and difficulty of family life. It’s full of practical ideas and advice, and it points parents to the Bible, encouraging them to lean into their relationship with God as they navigate the difficult situations, emotions, and circumstances of parenting.

HOW TO USE IT

Download When Parenting Hurts: A Resource for Moms and Dads and post it on your website.
Email parents a copy of the resource and encourage them to take time to read it, process it, and keep it somewhere they will see it often as a reminder.
Print copies of the resource for parents to grab at your church and let them know where they can pick it up.
Share a copy of the resource with your ministry team and discuss it together.

To view or download, click HERE.

When you think about the most important thing you can do as you lead each week, what comes to mind? My guess is you run right to your “to-do” list and focus on all the things you feel like you need to get done. In this month’s Coaching Videos, we challenge you to focus first on the people you need to care for instead of the events or programs you need to plan and lead. Families have a lot going on. In the middle of all that they have going on, there are many families who are walking through hardship, hurt, or pain. As kids ministry leaders, we have the incredible privilege of shepherding those families throughout their lives. While we all acknowledge that people are at the heart of ministry, it’s easy to become so absorbed in planning and executing that we can overlook the pain and struggles surrounding us. Parents need us to see them, be there for them, and offer real and tangible support.

By prioritizing relationships and care, you can build a ministry and a church that genuinely connects with and uplifts those you serve. When we take the time to understand and enter into the struggles of the families in our communities, we reflect the compassion of Christ, and we create an environment where healing and growth can take place. This month’s coaching video is designed to help you bridge that gap, providing practical steps you can take to ensure your ministry is not just about what you do but about seeing people where they are and offering your presence, support, and love.

To view, click HERE.

This month’s Online Parenting Class features special guest Carrie Bevell Partridge. Carrie is a devoted wife, loving mom, accomplished author, and seasoned ministry leader with a powerful story to share. She candidly addresses some of the challenges that parents face and the pain they feel, offering valuable insights drawn from her own personal journey. Carrie’s experience as a mom who has been through several challenging seasons has led her to some timeless and practical advice that points to the Bible as a real source of strength, guidance, and comfort. Her wisdom can give both hope and encouragement to the parents in your church and help them lead their families with grace as they navigate the complexities of life today.

To view, click HERE.

New blog posts coming this month:

For Kids’ Ministry Leaders: “Supporting Parents Who Are Hurting” by Amy Diller
For Kids’ Ministry Parents: “Hope in the Heartache” by Amy Diller
For Youth Ministry Leaders: “Supporting Parents Who Are Hurting” by Karin Sasser
For Youth Ministry Parents: “Parenting When Times Are Tough” by Karin Sasser

To view, click HERE.

Hope in the Hurt

When you think about the most important thing you can do as a children’s ministry leader, what comes to mind? My guess is you run right to your “to-do” list and focus on all the things you feel like you need to get done. In this month’s Coaching Video, we challenge you to focus first on the people you need to care for instead of the events and programs you need to plan and lead. The families in your ministry have a lot going on, and as children’s ministry leaders, we have the privilege of shepherding these families who are often struggling or in some sort of pain. As ministry leaders, we have the incredible privilege to shepherd those families throughout their lives. While we all acknowledge that people are at the heart of ministry, it’s easy to become so absorbed in planning and executing that we can overlook the pain and struggles surrounding us. Parents need us to see them, be there for them, and offer real and tangible support.

By prioritizing relationships and care, you can build a children’s ministry and a church that genuinely connects with and uplifts those you serve. When we take the time to understand and enter into the struggles of the families in our communities, we reflect the compassion of Christ, and we create an environment where healing and growth can take place. This month’s coaching video is designed to help you bridge that gap, providing practical steps you can take to ensure your ministry is not just about what you do but about seeing people where they are and offering your presence, support, and love.

Click the image above to watch the video or click HERE!

Having Hope When Parenting Hurts

EMAIL 1

Copy/ Paste this email into a browser and send it to parents.

Subject Line: What to Do When Parenting Hurts

Dear Parents,

We all know that life can be incredibly challenging, and with those challenges often comes pain. As parents, especially of young children, these challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. The love you have for your child is immense, yet the journey of parenting is filled with moments that can bring heartache and strain. Whether it’s dealing with a tough tantrum, navigating a difficult phase, or simply facing the daily demands of parenthood, parenting can sometimes just plain hurt.

So, where do you turn when you feel the pain of parenting? How do you find the strength to keep moving forward, to make the right decisions, and to navigate the tough moments? It’s important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. We understand the unique struggles you face, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

This month’s Online Parenting Class will offer you guidance on what to do when parenting becomes difficult. We are providing you with a helpful resource titled, When Parenting Hurts: A Resource for Moms and Dads from Carrie Bevell Partridge. Carrie and her husband are parents who have walked a unique and challenging family journey, facing pain and struggle while maintaining resilience and faith. Carrie has provided invaluable tips and encouragement for parents who find themselves feeling overwhelmed. We hope this month’s resources will provide you with practical tools and spiritual encouragement to help you lead your children—and yourself—through these trying times.

Please know that we are here for you, ready to listen, pray, and walk alongside you. Don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can support you along the way.

To watch this month’s video or download the Toolbox Resource, click on the links below.

[ INSERT LINK TO ONLINE PARENTING CLASS VIDEO ]

[ INSERT LINK TO TOOLBOX RESOURCE ]

Don’t ever hesitate to reach out if we can do anything for you!

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

EMAIL 2

Copy/ Paste this email into a browser and send it to parents.

Subject Line: Parenting Through the Pain

Dear Parents,

As you navigate the journey of family life, you will undoubtedly face some challenging and painful moments. Your child might have a difficult day (or two or three), and you’ll find yourself helping them navigate their thoughts and feelings. Relationships that were once lighthearted and joyful may sometimes become strained and challenging. The pressures and brokenness of the world around us can seep into your family, making it feel like you’re caught in a real struggle.

We want you to know that these experiences are a normal part of parenting. In many ways, raising children comes with its own set of hurts. But take heart—there is always hope. God is right there with you, ready to guide you through these tough times. Every challenge in parenting, no matter how overwhelming, is an opportunity for growth and a deeper connection with your child and with God.

This month, we’ve gathered some valuable resources to help you navigate these tough times and equip you with tools to use when the challenges feel too heavy to bear. Be sure to check out our Parent Toolbox Resource this month, which includes a free resource from Carrie Bevell Partridge titled, When Parenting Hurts: A Resource for Moms and Dads. Carrie provides a list of things to do when parenting hurts and things for parents to remember as they encounter the inevitable pain and difficulty of family life. We are also providing you with an article titled Hope In The Heartache that will encourage you on your journey through parenting and remind you that you are not alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further support. We’re here for you, ready to walk alongside you through every season.

To watch this month’s video, download the Toolbox Resource, or read the Article, click on the links below.

[ INSERT LINK TO M2P PARENTING ARTICLE ]

[ INSERT LINK TO M2P ONLINE PARENTING CLASS VIDEO ]

[ INSERT LINK TO TOOLBOX RESOURCE ]

Cheering you on as you parent your students!

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

M2P KIDS September Parent Video Script

Hey parents. One of the things that we know is hard. These little kids we have in our house, they aren’t always perfect, and oftentimes, we can feel some pain and some struggle in the midst of our parenting. Well, this month, we have a special guest who is going to be able to share with you and encourage you. Her name is Carrie Bevell Partridge, and Carrie is a writer, and author, a mom, and a wife, and she has some great resources. She has a book called Growth Spurts that can be really helpful for you. But she has an incredible story, and Carrie is going to be able to encourage you this month as you seek to parent your kids well.

Hi, parents. My name is Carrie, and I just wanted to offer you some encouragement in your parenting journey today. My husband and I have five children between the ages of 17 and 23, so they’re not little bitties anymore, but we are still very much in the trenches of parenting. And I’m here to tell you from experience that there are a lot of days that parenting just hurts. It’s because we love our children so much and when you love someone so much you risk being hurt so much. Sometimes the hurt comes because of choices our kids are making. Sometimes, it’s just because we’re different from them, and sometimes it’s because of circumstances beyond our control. But we are guaranteed that there will be days that parenting hurts.

During those tough seasons here’s a verse that I keep in mind. It’s Romans 12:12. It’s not necessarily about parenting, but I believe it still applies. It says, “Be joyful in hope, be patient and affliction, be faithful in prayer.” I believe that our God is a God of hope. He gives it to us and to our children, and we never need to lose that, and that is where our joy can be found. The second part is “be patient in affliction.” We are guaranteed that there will be affliction. There will be hard days, but we can be patient through it, concentrating on that hope that the Lord offers to us. And the last part, “be faithful in prayer.” Sometimes we treat this as a last resort when it should be our first priority. And we don’t need to wait until things are difficult with our kids before we start talking to the Lord about these things. We should be in constant conversation with God about our children, about our parenting.

I also want to encourage you during these tough seasons to not forget to think about what the Lord has to show you during these times. It’s not just about our kids. I believe that the Lord uses all things. They’re often for our refinement and our growth. So, I want you to pay attention to that too. But most of all, I want you to know that you’re not alone. You have people in your church family. I hope that you have friends, extended family, others you can call on when you need support because you do need this. This parenting journey is tough, and we need each other. So, remember you’re not alone. Remember be joyful in hope, be patient in affliction, and be faithful in prayer.

8.1.24

Your August Resources Are Here!

I don’t know about you, but it sometimes feels like an uphill battle when it comes to influencing our kids today. As children’s ministry leaders, we work hard to build fun and exciting programs and events in our churches that will entice them to join us. We spend time developing solid, biblical content that will help them learn about the one true God who loves them. Now, we all know that one of the most important things we can do is help our kids build the relationships they need that will encourage them in their faith. The culture we live in is trying to push this generation away from knowing and following Jesus. Culture tries to push this generation to chase after fame, fortune, and pleasure. But what if we were able to surround the adolescents in our churches, homes, and communities with a “great cloud of witnesses” that will love and challenge them into a real-life of faith?

In talking about a “cloud of witnesses,” the book of Hebrews tells us that the purpose of having people in our lives who are speaking truth to us is so that we can “Run with endurance the race that is set before us,looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV).” That’s exactly what we want for the parents and kids in our church. We want parents to be equipped to teach and model this at home. We want their kids to learn how to run their race while focusing on Jesus, and they need help doing that. They need many voices speaking to them on behalf of God, helping them process what they are seeing, hearing, and learning along the way.

This month’s Coaching Video encourages you to not only be one of the voices that kids in your church can trust but also to help encourage parents to learn how to place the voices their own kids need into their lives. Life moves fast, and helping our kids build healthy adult relationships can be tough. However, we know that when they have role models that point them to Jesus, it makes a huge difference in their spiritual growth. As children’s ministry leaders, we have the opportunity to develop other leaders and place them in the lives of the children we lead. This month’s coaching videos encourage you to do just that.

We have a great Parent Toolbox Resource from our friend Rich Griffith. Rich is a pastor, professor, author, and parent, and he has a passion for discipling the next generation. In the toolbox, you will find an article he wrote titled Ways to Disciple Your Children “As You Go” which gives parents some practical and insightful ideas on how to lead their children into a deeper faith in the midst of everyday life. Rich’s words meet parents where they are in the everyday hustle and bustle of life and provide everyday moments where parents can disciple their children. Rich also joins us on episode 82 of the M2P Podcast to talk about this idea and his book Voices: Helping Our Children and Youth Listen to Wise Counsel.

Our Online Parenting Class encourages parents to pay attention to the voices that their kids are listening to and helps equip them to surround their children with the healthy role models they need. This month’s Blog Articles come alongside both you and the parents you serve to help you think through how you can help the kids in your church learn how to listen to God through listening to the right voices around them. As always, we have Social Media Posts that will help you reinforce this concept to your parents.

We’re honored to partner with you!

The M2P Team

WHAT IS IT?

This month, pastor, professor, author, and parent Rich Griffith has provided a resource that will help parents think through practical ways they can best guide their children along their spiritual journey. The article is titled Ways to Disciple Your Children “As You Go” and it gives some specific and practical ideas for how parents can disciple their kids in their home, in their church, and in their community to better equip them for a life of faith. Oftentimes, parents can miss out on the everyday moments that God has already given them, and Rich’s insight helps parents begin to understand that this is something they can begin to slowly apply in their own lives. Much of what Rich focuses on comes from Deuteronomy 6 and its encouragement to make the things of God and the Word of God a part of our everyday lives.

HOW TO USE IT

Download the article and post it on your website.
Email parents a copy of the resource and encourage them to set aside some time to read it, process the questions, and even share it with other parents.
Print copies of the resource for parents to grab at church.
Consider ordering some copies of Rich’s book Voices: Helping Our Children and Youth Listen to Wise Counsel and have it available at your church.

To view or download, click HERE.

This month, we are talking to you and your team about the importance of surrounding kids with helpful and healthy voices that will encourage them in their spiritual journey and point them to a real and growing relationship with Jesus. As children’s ministry leaders, we have the opportunity to be more than just someone who runs the programs at church; we are a real voice of hope to the families we get to lead. Our hope is that as we build relationships with kids, they will be more likely to trust us and open up about the real issues they are facing in their lives. When that happens, we have earned the right to speak into their lives and help them process their life, thoughts, and faith. We can also work towards developing a strategy to train other influential people who will be speaking to our kids. When parents see us (and our church) as allies in speaking truth to their own children, the relationships grow, and the ministry deepens.

To view, click HERE.

Here’s the truth: parents need help. Parents need help thinking and dreaming about where and how they might parent today, tomorrow, and in the years to come. More importantly, parents need reminders that they cannot do this alone. They need help from you and others. Parents need to welcome other influential voices into the lives of their kids. Kids are being shaped in so many ways, and parents need what Hebrews calls a “cloud of witnesses” around them as they grow up. These witnesses can have a tremendous influence on the spiritual growth of kids and can model what it looks like to live a life of faith. In order for these voices to be active and present, parents need to do a few things themselves to surround their children with the people they need in their lives. This month’s video gives parents practical tips on how to place positive voices in the lives of their kids and challenges parents to make choices today that will have an eternal impact.

To view, click HERE.

New blog posts coming this month:

For Kids’ Ministry Leaders: “Soak Up God’s Word” by Amy Diller
For Kids’ Ministry Parents: “Filter Out the Noise” by Amy Diller
For Youth Ministry Leaders: “Who’s in Your Cloud?” by Chris Sasser
For Youth Ministry Parents: “Embracing Identity Through Community” by Chris Sasser

To view, click HERE.

Developing the Voices Your Kids Need

This month, we want to encourage you and the leaders of your children’s ministry team to focus on equipping the voices the kids in your church need to develop an authentic faith. Think about these questions: When you think about the kids in your church and what they are listening to as they grow and develop, what comes to mind? Are they listening to people they follow on social media, their peers, or other worldly influencers? Or do they have a few people speaking into their lives who are the healthy voices they need? There is no doubt that we live in an age where there are tons of voices speaking to this generation. As leaders, we certainly want to empower parents as the primary voice of influence for their kids, but as their kids grow and begin to live more and more in the real world, both positive and negative voices emerge. Friends, teachers, coaches, neighbors, and extended family members all have influence over our kids. In order to grow up to be healthy mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, the kids in our church need to hear solid, encouraging voices that can help them build a foundation of faith that can sustain them for the long term.

In this month’s Coaching Video, we talk to you and your team about the importance of surrounding kids with helpful and healthy voices that will encourage them in their spiritual journey and point them to a real and growing relationship with Jesus. As children’s ministry leaders, we have the opportunity to be more than just someone who runs the programs at church; we are a real voice of hope to the families we get to lead. Our hope is that as we build relationships with kids, they will be more likely to trust us and open up about the real issues they are facing in their lives. When that happens, we have earned the right to speak into their lives and help them process their life, thoughts, and faith. We can also work towards developing a strategy to train other influential people who will be speaking to our kids. When parents see us (and our church) as allies in speaking truth to their own children, the relationships grow, and the ministry deepens.

The truth is kids need tons of encouragement, and the best way we can give them the encouragement they need is through healthy relationships that speak truth and love. As they continue to build their identity and settle on who they are, the voices that are in their lives really matter. As children’s ministry leaders, we have the privilege of being a trusted voice and facilitating relationships that can help build other trusted voices that they will need to listen to for years to come.

Click the image above to watch the video or click HERE!