WHAT IS IT?
This simple, two-step guide provides everything you need for spiritual, mental, and emotional rejuvenation. It includes two sections to be done consecutively.
HOW DO I USE IT?
Copy/Paste the email below.
Subject Line: Spiritual Blessings and How to Give One
Dear (Insert Parent Name Here),
A spiritual blessing is one of the most powerful tools of a parent. What is it? How do you give it? In our brief parent video, we give you practical tips on what to do, even if you didn’t receive one yourself.
To view the video, click the link below.
https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/443203878/0356a8de8d
If you need anything or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
(Insert Signature Here)
Copy/Paste the email below.
Subject Line: How To Speak A Spiritual Blessing Over Your Child
Dear (Insert Parent Name Here),
A spiritual blessing is when a parent or a significant person in your life offers to be a mirror to your soul, where they show you who you are based on how God made you. They give you an idea of what it looks like when God looks at you.
Blessings are a powerful and significant tool for a parent. To learn more, check out our brief, encouraging video just for you.
To view, click the link below.
https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/443203878/0356a8de8d
We, as a church, are here to support you in the parenting journey. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
(Insert Signature Here)
We have a new parent video for you! Check your inbox for more information!
Why are spiritual blessings for children important? Check your inbox for a brief, encouraging video just for parents.
We have a powerful and inspiring parent video for you. Just check your inbox for more information on how to spiritually bless your child.
If you didn’t receive a spiritual blessing, but you want to give one to your children, check out our brief, encouraging parent video. Look in your inbox for more information!
When I was a kid, when people would talk about a blessing, I thought that was something that we said before we ate our dinner or something like that. But as I’ve moved forward in my faith journey, people began to teach me about a spiritual blessing and just how important it is to have the blessing, not only of God but of your parents. But as I begin to teach that to other parents, I was shocked to learn that a lot of folks that were considering giving their spiritual blessing to their kids felt like they were paralyzed. Like they couldn’t give their blessing away to their kids. In fact, I remember one dad introduced this to me in a real way. He said, “Listen, Jeremy, I never received the blessing of my parents. I never received a spiritual blessing from them. How can I give to my son or my daughter something that I never received?”
I wonder if that might be a place where you find yourself. Well, first of all, let me teach you what a spiritual blessing is. You might not even know whether or not you received it because you don’t know what it is yet. So let’s talk about that. A spiritual blessing is when a parent or a significant person in your life that you trust offers you like a mirror to your soul, where they show you who you are based on how God made you. They give you an idea of what it looks like when God looks at you. You see, the power and central idea of a blessing is when someone that you trust looks at you and says, “God made you to be …” And then fill in the blank. And whatever that uniqueness is that God made you to be. If it’s from someone that you trust like a parent, it really begins to become a part of your identity because you see it’s powered by God when it’s connected to God.
So what that means is, as parents, we have something akin to a spiritual superpower that we can offer our kids. It’s one of the best things we can do for them is to give them our blessing. And that’s not just blessing their performance. Like you’re a really good basketball player, or you’re a really good cheerleader, or you play the trumpet really well. It’s not that. It’s blessing their identity. It’s more about this is who God has made you to be. This is your purpose. This is what life is all about. And by giving you my blessing, I’m unleashing you with not just my approval, but with saying, “God will be with you as you go into this world and what he has made you to be and what he has called you to do, you can do with his power and not your own.”
You see how wonderful that is. A lot of you know exactly how wonderful it is because it was given to you by your parents. Some of you, though, you may not have received it like that. And you would love to give it, but you didn’t receive it. Well, let me go back to that dad who kind of presented that problem to me after a parent seminar, I was doing. And he said, “I’ve never been blessed before. How am I going to bless my kids?”
You know what? A few weeks later, he solved his own problem. He gathered a few people that were significant in his life, and he just said, “Hey, would y’all come have dinner at my house. And would you just, all I’m going to ask is for you to just fill in this sentence, God, we see that God has made you to be. Then answer that question with a unique characteristic that you see in me that God has made in me.” He did that. The folks who loved him came and did that. And when I saw him again, his face was beaming, and he was filled. You could just see with that desire to not only live out the blessing that was given to him but to share that with his kids.
Now, if you find yourself in a place where you don’t really know how to give a spiritual blessing, maybe because you didn’t receive it, it’s not too late to ask some of the people in your life, maybe to write it in a note or an email or even a text, or maybe come and like that gentleman share a dinner, either way. Maybe you might want to ask others to bless you so that you feel more free to bless your own kids. I promise you this- the blessing of God funneled through parents into the hearts of kids is one of the most powerful privileges we get to have in this journey of parenting.
As summer comes to a close, school hangs in the balance across the globe due to a global pandemic. Will they start on time or delay? Will they meet online or in-person? Uncertainty is the uncomfortable guest that never seems to leave. So how are the children?
Nick Mobley, one of M2P’s authors, created an “End of the Summer: Parent Check-In” that helps parents discern how their kids are doing.
If you’re a leader…
Copywriting for Parent Instructions:
Nick has served in student ministry for 20 years and currently serves as Family Pastor at Northside Baptist in Middle TN. His passion is helping families show and share their faith from house to house. He and his wife Courtney have 3 children, Samuel, Sophia, & Asa. They love ice cream, the outdoors, and think that Dauphin Island, Alabama, is one of the coolest places to spend a vacation.
We’re excited to offer M2P Members this exclusive graphics package from our friends at Creative Hat Agency!
Creative Hat Agency exists to help churches create original content unique to their congregation and branding. They are perfect for the church that values originality and creativity, but may not have the resources to pay a full-time creative arts director, graphic designer, and video creator.
WHAT IS IT?
This resource includes graphics, promotional material, and videos for a sermon series themed on the family.
HOW DO I USE IT?
Countdown Video
Introduction to Series Video
Message Background Graphic
This graphic is for use in Keynote or PowerPoint.
Lower Third Graphic
This graphic is for use in Keynote or PowerPoint.
Main Logo Graphic
This graphic is the main logo and can be used in print or digital.
FB Banner Graphic
Save this file to your computer and upload it as the Cover for your group’s FB page.
Instagram Graphic
This image is for promotional material on social media.
WHAT IS IT?
One common struggle parents express is that they feel inadequate to have spiritual conversations with their children. Here are some direct quotes from parents:
So we created an ebook that takes the biggest LOVE STORY of all time and summarizes it with nine pictures. Parents can read this for themselves, read to their kids from an e-reader as they tuck them in bed, or gather together as a family and read aloud.
Your M2P Membership permits you to share with others in your organization, print or digital.
HOW DO I USE IT?
Choose your option below.
Option 1: Send a direct link straight to parents. Copy and paste the copywriting below.
Option 2: Print the PDF and give it to parents.
Copywriting for Parent Email
Parents,
Did you know that Children Ministry Leaders from across the world share one collective parent experience? Many of their parents have expressed they think they are inadequate to have spiritual conversations with their kids. Here are some direct quotes from parents:
If you have had these thoughts, you are not alone!
So, here is a simple, easy-to-use Story about God. In 9 pictures (!), families learn about the “big picture” of the Bible. You can read this for yourself or gather together as a family and read aloud. Just click on the link below.
https://www.ministrytoparents.com/wp-content/How%20to%20Understand%20the%20Bible.pdf
We believe in you as a family. No matter your story, God’s Love for you is BIG. We hope you experience it, individually and, as a family, with How to Understand the Bible (with 9 pictures).
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
[INSERT YOUR SIGNATURE HERE]
P.S. One fun tip! If you are a techie and have Apple TV, use Screen Mirroring. Put the book on the television and read as a family.
EMAIL 1
Dear Parents,
As you begin your spiritual conversations with your child, we have 3 simple tips to help you start those discussions. From the “big picture” to practical resources, in less than five minutes, you receive a basic starter kit for a spiritual dialogue with your child.
Click the link below to view.
https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/433835008/45cd823342
We believe in you and your family. If you ever need anything, please let us know.
[INSERT SIGNATURE HERE]
EMAIL 2
Dear Parents,
Have you ever wanted to start a conversation with your child, but don’t know where to start? Do you wonder what you need to know?
We have a brief parent video that gives 3 simple tips on a basic understanding of the Bible. With these foundations in place, step into those spiritual conversations with God-confidence. Just click the link to get started.
https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/433835008/45cd823342
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
[INSERT SIGNATURE HERE]
VIDEO
SOCIAL MEDIA SWAG
Have you ever wanted to start a conversation with your child, but don’t know where to begin? Parents, we have a brief video that gives 3 simple tips to help you get started. Check your inbox for more!
Parents! It’s that time!!! We have your new Video!!! Check your inbox for more information.
As you think about spiritual conversations with your child, we have 3 tips to help get you started. Check your inbox for more!
Spiritual discussions are most effective at home. Prepare for the parenting journey with these 3 simple tips. Check your inbox for more!
VIDEO SCRIPT
Have you ever wanted to talk to your kids about the Bible, but you don’t know where to start? Do you look at your Bible and think I’m so confused, or I am so overwhelmed and you know what, I’ll just leave this to the professionals, or I need a degree to understand this. And if you think that way, I want you to know you’re not alone. The majority of parents struggle in knowing how to read and study the Bible and then how to pass that down to their children. And one of the things in God’s love story, the scriptures in the book of Deuteronomy chapter six, he asked parents to pass it down to their children. And so many parents long and want to know how to do that, but they just don’t know how to get started. So today, I’m going to give you three simple steps to get you started in understanding the Bible.
And think about it like kindling, my husband and I, the other day, we’re trying to start a fire. And as we were trying to get the fire going in our fire pit, one of the things that occurred was we needed a lot of kindling to get going, to get the fire set and so that we could begin to start our smores process. Well, think about it like this. These three tips will help you get started, very basic.
So number one, the whole Scripture is a love story. It is God’s love story of how he is pursuing mankind. Started in the Garden of Eden, he created human beings, and he wanted to build a relationship with them. Then when the fall occurred, and they began to choose what they thought was the better way, a separation occurred. And then God began to put a love story, a rescue story in place. He said, “I’m going to send my son Jesus to save them so that we can come back into a relationship together.” And the scriptures tell of this story, and that is the overview. There’s a lot of other sub-themes to it, but the main theme is that it’s a love story. It is a love story of how God loves you about how God loves your children.
Number two, it’s important to know the context of the verses that you study. Here’s what I mean by that. Have you ever had someone repeat what you said, and they took it out of context? There’s nothing more annoying in the whole world, right? Because you’re like, “Come on. That is not what I meant to say.” Well, that’s a lot like the scriptures. It is said within the context of a love story. So it’s important to know the context of when it was written, how it was written, who wrote it and why they wrote it. And that’s why you see people engaging Bible study tools. It’s one of the reasons why people engage paraphrases, like The Message or the Jesus Storybook Bible. And another reason why it’s important to know the context is because sometimes there are others who can bring in what I call spiritual misrepresentation, and they can begin to use the scriptures out of context. And so for you to be equipped, to know when that is occurring when you study the context of the scriptures, you can also teach your children this. They can recognize when someone is misusing those scriptures.
And third, the first was, know that it’s a love story. Two, know that it’s important to understand the context, and three, know that it’s written from a different time period and in a different language other than English. So because of that, if you feel like it’s like trying to understand Shakespeare, you’re okay. That is a normal thought- that sometimes the “thee’s” and “thou’s” and the words that have five syllables- can feel so overwhelming.
And you got to think; I want you to be kind to yourself for a little bit, because if I plop down a poetry book, which much of the Bible’s in poetry, Book of Psalms especially. If I pop down a poetry book in front of you, it might help if you had a poetry teacher come and teach you about poetry. This is why it’s important to help find someone who can maybe teach you a little bit about the Bible, to teach you about the context, to teach you about the time period, and to teach you about the language in which it was written. It doesn’t mean that you don’t know and that something’s wrong with you; it actually just is you taking a step of faith into studying the love story. You’re pursuing this love story that God wrote for you.
So I hope that today, in this brief little time together, that you are encouraged because you’re not alone if you feel that passing down God’s scripture can be frustrating. But I want to encourage you for a second. If you’re watching this video, that means you have the heart behind it. That means you want to do it, and that’s half the battle. And so I just want to say, Good Job”. And so these are your first three steps to get you started. Know it’s a love story, know that it’s important to understand the context and spend some time with someone that they can help you understand the language and the time period in which it’s written. And I hope and encourage you as you seek to pass down God’s love story to your children.
WHAT IS IT?
34% of U.S. homes are single-parent homes. 67% of single parents don’t attend church because they feel judged and out of place.
This ebook offers simple ways for you to reach the single parents in your community. Whether they are parents of the kids in your church or just a single parent you know, let your single parents know you see them, love them, and welcome them into your church community.
Thank you to Solo Parent Society for giving our M2P Members I See You, an ebook that offers simple ways for leaders to reach their community’s single parents.
Solo Parent Society helps single parents raise healthy kids by encouraging, equipping, and empowering them. They create resources to facilitate single parent support groups in local churches and the US military. They have a podcast, free resources, app, and an online community.
Visit SoloParentSociety.com for more information. Make sure to check out Facebook and Instagram too!
HOW TO USE IT?
I SEE YOU EBOOK (Click to Download)
WHAT IS IT?
This resource is an all-in-one party kit to help families host a small gathering in their home as they slowly re-emerge into socializing. It gives parents creative ideas, organizational tools, links for budget-friendly items, and planning material. We also included a promotional graphic!
Whether it be their neighbors, friends, or parents from their kid’s soccer team, you can help your parents reconnect with their community while building and strengthening your parent ministry.
HOW DO I USE IT?
There are three ways to use this resource.
To get started, download the two items below.
WHAT IS IT?
Is your church planning for new ways to reach families who are staying at home? We understand that it’s overwhelming as a church leader to adjust your ministry in these unique times. Here is an easy way to help families in your community!
Connect Ministries is giving all M2P Members “20 Family Activities to Do at Home” to download for free! A very BIG thank you to Connect!
HOW DO I USE IT?
https://www.ministrytoparents.com/wp-content/20%20At-Home%20Family%20Activities.pdf
Connect Ministries creates remarkable experiences that help churches meet new people. Their team has put on over a thousand weeks of camp across the country to serve well over 350,000 campers and more than 2,000 churches and communities. As the hosts of Centri-kid, Student Life for Kids, Crossings Ministries, and many other camps, they have a passion for connecting churches with their local community to make the name of Jesus known.
Our coaching director, Jeremy Lee, recently led a training that taught the importance of helping parents create spiritual milestones. This session took place during the quarantine of COVID-19, so Jeremy also gave some tips on how parents can lead spiritually through that as well.
More about Jeremy Lee:
Jeremy Lee is the founder of Ministry to Parents, co-author of Pass It On, and has more than twenty-four years of ministry experience. He is passionate about helping ministers create strategic plans for connecting with the parents in their church. He lives outside Nashville, Tn with his wife Elisabeth and two sons. You can contact Jeremy at www.ministrytoparents.com.
