Leading Our Kids to Love God 2010 Xenos Summer Institute Joe Botti.

Leading Our Kids Leading Our Kids to Love Godto Love God

2010 Xenos 2010 Xenos Summer InstituteSummer Institute

Joe BottiJoe Botti

Leading Our Kids To Love GodLeading Our Kids To Love God

Why are we interested in this Why are we interested in this topic?topic?


A Tough JobA Tough Job““A few decades ago, between 55% & 66% of A few decades ago, between 55% & 66% of

churched young people claimed the church will churched young people claimed the church will play a part in their lives when they leave home. play a part in their lives when they leave home.

Now only 33% of churched youth say that! This is Now only 33% of churched youth say that! This is consistent with what various denominational consistent with what various denominational leaders have confessed to me. Many have leaders have confessed to me. Many have estimated that between 69% & 94% of their estimated that between 69% & 94% of their young people are leaving the traditional church young people are leaving the traditional church after high school... and very few are returning.”after high school... and very few are returning.”

Josh McDowell, Josh McDowell, The Last Christian The Last Christian GenerationGeneration

drugsalcohol

sexual exploitation

worldly achievement

apathy

serving Godserving God


Not an easy Not an easy task!task!


““Train upTrain up a child in the way he should go: a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from and when he is old, he will not depart from it. it. --Proverbs 22:6Proverbs 22:6

– Break and bring into submission a wild horse Break and bring into submission a wild horse by a rope in the mouth.by a rope in the mouth.

– Description of a strategy midwives use to Description of a strategy midwives use to help new borns develop a thirst for breast help new borns develop a thirst for breast feeding. feeding.


Our RoleOur Role

Relationship & InfluenceRelationship & Influence

Withstanding Cultural PressureWithstanding Cultural Pressure

Age Specific IdeasAge Specific Ideas

Our RoleOur Role

Raise our kids to fully commit to the Raise our kids to fully commit to the LordLord

– Enjoy a genuine relationship with ChristEnjoy a genuine relationship with Christ

– Love His word, the BibleLove His word, the Bible

– Learn prayer as a lifestyle Learn prayer as a lifestyle

– Learn to resist damaging sinLearn to resist damaging sin

– Experience God’s power & love through Experience God’s power & love through significant servicesignificant service

Our RoleOur Role

Raise our kids to fully commit to the Lord.Raise our kids to fully commit to the Lord.

Embrace our role, not abdicate itEmbrace our role, not abdicate itAnd you shall teach them (laws & And you shall teach them (laws &

commands) to your sons, talking of commands) to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house, when them when you sit in your house, when you walk along the road when you lie you walk along the road when you lie down and when you rise up.down and when you rise up. -Deut 11:19-Deut 11:19

Our RoleOur Role


Embrace our roleEmbrace our role

““A parent is a partner with God in making A parent is a partner with God in making disciples of their children.” disciples of their children.”

-Chuck Swindoll, -Chuck Swindoll, You and Your ChildYou and Your Child quoted Dr. Henry Brandt, quoted Dr. Henry Brandt, Build a Build a Happy Home with DisciplineHappy Home with Discipline, pg 2 , pg 2

Our RoleOur Role


Embrace God’s role!Embrace God’s role!

Our RoleOur Role


Embrace our role, not abdicate Embrace our role, not abdicate

Gotta live it to give itGotta live it to give it

““Children know if their parents love the Lord, and Children know if their parents love the Lord, and if they serve Him, and if they obey Him, and if if they serve Him, and if they obey Him, and if He is important in their lives. There is no He is important in their lives. There is no substitute for the godly life.”substitute for the godly life.”

——Dr. J. Vernon McGee's Thru The Bible, Psalm 128Dr. J. Vernon McGee's Thru The Bible, Psalm 128

Our RoleOur Role



Gotta live it to give itGotta live it to give it– A study in Xenos A study in Xenos

– 75% of students from committed Christian 75% of students from committed Christian parents were still walking with God thru college.parents were still walking with God thru college.

– Only 35% of students from uncommitted Only 35% of students from uncommitted Christian parents were still walking with God Christian parents were still walking with God thru college.thru college.

Our RoleOur Role



Gotta live it to give itGotta live it to give it– Read Swindoll, pg 44, Read Swindoll, pg 44, “You & Your Child”“You & Your Child”

– This creates thirstThis creates thirst

– Love of God, not legalismLove of God, not legalism


Our RoleOur Role




Relationship & Influence

Everything goes better when the relationship Everything goes better when the relationship is in place!is in place!

– Relationship creates thirstRelationship creates thirst

– ““In raising children, everything depends on In raising children, everything depends on the love relationship between parent and the love relationship between parent and child. Nothing works well if a child’s love child. Nothing works well if a child’s love needs are not met.” “Only the child who needs are not met.” “Only the child who feels genuinely loved and cared for can do feels genuinely loved and cared for can do her best.”her best.”Chapman & Campbell, The Five Love Languages of Children, pg 17Chapman & Campbell, The Five Love Languages of Children, pg 17


Everything goes better when the relationship Everything goes better when the relationship is in place!is in place!

““Having a disengaged parent (even Having a disengaged parent (even though he/she may be physically present) is though he/she may be physically present) is very problematic with regard to early very problematic with regard to early problem behaviors with substance abuse.” problem behaviors with substance abuse.” Randal Day, PhD., The National Longitudinal Study of Youth, 1997Randal Day, PhD., The National Longitudinal Study of Youth, 1997


Everything goes better when the Everything goes better when the relationship is in place!relationship is in place!

““Adults whose fathers had been highly involved Adults whose fathers had been highly involved when they were children were more tolerant and when they were children were more tolerant and understanding and engaged in more socially understanding and engaged in more socially responsible behavior than those with less involved responsible behavior than those with less involved fathers.”fathers.”McClelland, D.C., Constantian, C.A., Regalado, D. & Stone, C., 'Making it to maturity', McClelland, D.C., Constantian, C.A., Regalado, D. & Stone, C., 'Making it to maturity', Psychology TodayPsychology Today, 12, 1978, pp. 42-46; Biller, , 12, 1978, pp. 42-46; Biller, Fathers and FamiliesFathers and Families, 1993.; Biller & Trotter, , 1993.; Biller & Trotter, The Father FactorThe Father Factor, 1994; Block, J., , 1994; Block, J., Lives Through TimeLives Through Time, Berkeley, CA: Bancroft, 1971; , Berkeley, CA: Bancroft, 1971; Appleton, W.S., Appleton, W.S., Fathers and DaughtersFathers and Daughters, New York: Doubleday, 1981. , New York: Doubleday, 1981.


In a study published in September 2002, In a study published in September 2002, researchers at the University of Minnesota found researchers at the University of Minnesota found that teenagers are less likely to start having sex that teenagers are less likely to start having sex when their mothers are deeply involved in their when their mothers are deeply involved in their children's lives and successfully communicate children's lives and successfully communicate their values on sex with their kids. The study was their values on sex with their kids. The study was national and longitudinal, conducting sensitive national and longitudinal, conducting sensitive interviews with several thousand mothers and interviews with several thousand mothers and adolescents separately. adolescents separately.

Robert Blum, MD, Ph.D., professor and director of the Robert Blum, MD, Ph.D., professor and director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Adolescent Health and University of Minnesota's Center for Adolescent Health and Development authored the study. Development authored the study.


Connectedness proved to be more important to Connectedness proved to be more important to kids than what mothers said. In the study, kids than what mothers said. In the study, "connectedness' means, how close teens feel to "connectedness' means, how close teens feel to their mothers, how much they feel mother cares their mothers, how much they feel mother cares for them and how warm and loving mother is, and for them and how warm and loving mother is, and how good communication is with their mother. The how good communication is with their mother. The amount of satisfaction a teen feels toward her amount of satisfaction a teen feels toward her relationship with her mom is also crucial. relationship with her mom is also crucial. Mothers' Influence on Adolescent Sex - How Being Connected to Your Child Mothers' Influence on Adolescent Sex - How Being Connected to Your Child Can Promote Abstinence Can Promote Abstinence by Louise Hajjar Diamondby Louise Hajjar Diamond. .


Characteristics of parents who Characteristics of parents who connectconnect

•Patient listeningPatient listening•Connect on their love languageConnect on their love language•One on one time spentOne on one time spent•Discipline with visionDiscipline with vision•They don’t exasperateThey don’t exasperate

Slowing Slowing DownDown

Creates Creates ThirstThirst

InfluencInfluencee


Old ideas losing tractionOld ideas losing traction– Family dinners most every nightFamily dinners most every night

– Fun Family nights Fun Family nights

– Vacations! Vacations!

– One on one time with each kidOne on one time with each kid

Declined by 10% 1981 to

1997

Declined by 28% 1977 to

1997

Overscheduled Kids, Under Connected Families: Overscheduled Kids, Under Connected Families: The Research The Research William J. Doherty, Ph.D. Family Social Science William J. Doherty, Ph.D. Family Social Science Department University of Minnesota, April 2005Department University of Minnesota, April 2005

Relationship BuildingRelationship Building

Younger(ages 1 to 8)

Mid Range(ages 9-14)

Older(ages 15-18)

Time & Time & energyenergy


Apologize when you are wrongApologize when you are wrong– ““There are three seldom-heard phrases that, if There are three seldom-heard phrases that, if

spoken genuinely, could breach a growing gap spoken genuinely, could breach a growing gap between teens and their parents: ‘I’m sorry.’ ‘I between teens and their parents: ‘I’m sorry.’ ‘I was wrong.’ ‘Please forgive me.’” was wrong.’ ‘Please forgive me.’”

– ““... your show of vulnerability makes you a ... your show of vulnerability makes you a touchable person. It is almost impossible to feel touchable person. It is almost impossible to feel close to someone who insists on always being close to someone who insists on always being right.”right.” Dr. Robert Laurent, “Dr. Robert Laurent, “Keeping Your Teen In Touch With GodKeeping Your Teen In Touch With God


Don’t overindulgeDon’t overindulge

– ““Parents often inadvertently confuse love Parents often inadvertently confuse love with overindulgence. They don’t want their with overindulgence. They don’t want their children to suffer a moment of frustration or children to suffer a moment of frustration or be deprived of any desire.”be deprived of any desire.”

– ““Adults with the greatest emotional Adults with the greatest emotional difficulties were generally over gratified, difficulties were generally over gratified, overprotected, and overindulged as overprotected, and overindulged as children.”children.”

– Marilu Henner, “Marilu Henner, “I refuse to raise a brat”I refuse to raise a brat”

55 66 77 88 99 1010 1111 1212 1313 1414 1515 1616 1717 1818443322

High internal control High independence

High external controlHigh dependence

k

55 66 77 88 99 1010 1111 1212 1313 1414 1515 1616 1717 1818443322

k


High FreedomHigh independence

55 66 77 88 99 1010 1111 1212 1313 1414 1515 1616 1717 1818443322

High external controlHigh dependence


High FreedomHigh independence

k

Leading Our Kids To Love God

Our RoleOur Role




1.1. Resist “accomplishment” frenzyResist “accomplishment” frenzy– Old fashion play & relatingOld fashion play & relating



1.1. Resist “accomplishment” frenzyResist “accomplishment” frenzy

Overscheduled Kids, Under Connected Overscheduled Kids, Under Connected Families: The Research Families: The Research

by William J. Doherty, Ph.D. Family Social Science Department William J. Doherty, Ph.D. Family Social Science Department University of Minnesota, April 2005University of Minnesota, April 2005

Studies conducted between 1981 to 1997Studies conducted between 1981 to 1997

Decline in kids free timeDecline in kids free time12 hr decline per week for ages 3-1212 hr decline per week for ages 3-12

Increase in structured sportsIncrease in structured sportsDoubled from 2 hrs, 20 min per week to 5 Doubled from 2 hrs, 20 min per week to 5 hrs 17 min per week for ages 3 to 12hrs 17 min per week for ages 3 to 12

Increase in studying by 50%Increase in studying by 50%


3 yr. old: 3 yr. old: 9 weeks 9 weeks summer summer camp! camp!

Decline in religious participationDecline in religious participation40% decline in hours per week in children's 40% decline in hours per week in children's religious participation for kids ages 3-12.religious participation for kids ages 3-12.

24% decline in high school students. 24% decline in high school students.


Busy KidsBusy Kids

Hothouse KidsHothouse Kids: : How the How the Pressure to Succeed Pressure to Succeed Threatens ChildhoodThreatens Childhood

The OverAchieversThe OverAchievers: : The The Secret Lives Of Driven Secret Lives Of Driven KidsKids


A scholarship or entrance A scholarship or entrance to a prestigious college.to a prestigious college.

Goal is material success. Goal is material success.

Everyone is paying the Everyone is paying the price.price.


The Price of Privilege: The Price of Privilege: How parental How parental pressure and material advantage are pressure and material advantage are

creating a generation of disconnected creating a generation of disconnected and unhappy kidsand unhappy kids


““But those who want to get rich fall into But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.”themselves with many a pang.”

-Paul, 1 Timothy 6:9-10-Paul, 1 Timothy 6:9-10


1.1. God won first God won first placeplace

2.2. Spiritual growth Spiritual growth was intentionalwas intentional

3.3. Withstood Withstood cultural pressurecultural pressure


1.1. Resist “accomplishment” frenzyResist “accomplishment” frenzy• Barna found two main outcomes Barna found two main outcomes

sought by most parents. sought by most parents. Pg 46Pg 46

Honing SkillsHoning Skills

Grasping informationGrasping information

Character development ?Character development ?

Character development!Character development!

Honest Compassion Love

Kindness Patience Joy

Gentleness Self-Control Loyalty

Reliability Consistency Perseverance

Encouragement Humility Justice

Mercy Integrity Stability

Discipline Trustworthiness Sincerity




““Every single Revolutionary Parent we Every single Revolutionary Parent we interviewed agreed that the most interviewed agreed that the most important focus of their children’s training important focus of their children’s training was the development of godly character.”was the development of godly character.”

George Barna, George Barna, Revolutionary Parenting, Revolutionary Parenting, pg. 46pg. 46

Gut Check: Gut Check:

What do you desire in your kids?What do you desire in your kids?State tennis champion or a loyal State tennis champion or a loyal

follower of Jesus Christ?follower of Jesus Christ?

““Straight A” student or an average Straight A” student or an average student who shares his faith?student who shares his faith?



Can’t we have both? Can’t we have both?

““No one can serve two masters. For you will No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money cannot serve both God and money (mammon).” (mammon).” --Jesus Christ, Matthew 6.24 Jesus Christ, Matthew 6.24


2.2. Disconnect from the screenDisconnect from the screen

““Families moved from living rooms filled with Families moved from living rooms filled with dialogue to family rooms dominated by dialogue to family rooms dominated by electronic devices. As a result, conversations electronic devices. As a result, conversations became unlikely. Now we have rooms full of became unlikely. Now we have rooms full of machines that pour noise and images into machines that pour noise and images into homes and wipe out personal interactions.”homes and wipe out personal interactions.”

– Glenn & Nelsen “Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World” Glenn & Nelsen “Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World” Pgs 6-7Pgs 6-7



2.2. Ideas on disconnecting from the screenIdeas on disconnecting from the screen Specific screen time hoursSpecific screen time hours

Daily allotment of screen time hoursDaily allotment of screen time hours

Resist buying video game unitResist buying video game unit

Use as rewardsUse as rewards


““Just to chime in with some of my personal experience with this Just to chime in with some of my personal experience with this issue. My son is only 8 years old, but we made a mistake in letting issue. My son is only 8 years old, but we made a mistake in letting him get a game cube at age 5. I felt conflicted over this for a him get a game cube at age 5. I felt conflicted over this for a number of reasons. He became obsessed with it and rarely ever number of reasons. He became obsessed with it and rarely ever wanted to play with his sister. I noticed him moody, grumpy and wanted to play with his sister. I noticed him moody, grumpy and angry when asked to transition from the game to another activity. angry when asked to transition from the game to another activity. The game system broke several years ago. It was not replaced. The game system broke several years ago. It was not replaced. As a result, we saw such a change in his overall attitude and As a result, we saw such a change in his overall attitude and behavior. behavior. He is imaginative, plays with his sister, climbs trees and does not He is imaginative, plays with his sister, climbs trees and does not ask for it anymore. The video games are very influential on some ask for it anymore. The video games are very influential on some kids, leading to a variety of issues especially shorter attention kids, leading to a variety of issues especially shorter attention span, poor relational skills and a short temper. I've seen this at span, poor relational skills and a short temper. I've seen this at work as well. I am a child art therapist. Many boys have come to work as well. I am a child art therapist. Many boys have come to counseling who are overly attached to video games and showing counseling who are overly attached to video games and showing the above mentioned behavioral symptoms. I have seen many the above mentioned behavioral symptoms. I have seen many boys change in their behavior and attitude from one simple change boys change in their behavior and attitude from one simple change at home: greatly reduced video game time and more 1:1 time with at home: greatly reduced video game time and more 1:1 time with parents”parents”


1.1. Resist “accomplishment “frenzy”Resist “accomplishment “frenzy”


3.3. Be givers, not takersBe givers, not takers




3.3. Be givers, not takersBe givers, not takers Do your children see you live this out in

your home? That God & people matter, not things.


Field Trip To The DumpField Trip To The Dump::

““Show them all the piles of Show them all the piles of “treasures” that were formerly “treasures” that were formerly Christmas and birthday presents. Christmas and birthday presents. Point out things which cost Point out things which cost hundreds of dollars, things which hundreds of dollars, things which children quarreled about, children quarreled about, friendships were lost over, honesty friendships were lost over, honesty was sacrificed for, and marriages was sacrificed for, and marriages broke up over. broke up over.


““Show them the miscellaneous Show them the miscellaneous arms and legs and remnants of arms and legs and remnants of battered dolls, rusted robots, and battered dolls, rusted robots, and electronic gadgets that now lie electronic gadgets that now lie useless after their brief life span. useless after their brief life span. Point out to them that most of what Point out to them that most of what your family owns will one day be in your family owns will one day be in a junkyard like this. Read 2 Peter a junkyard like this. Read 2 Peter 3:10-14, which tells us that 3:10-14, which tells us that everything will be consumed by everything will be consumed by fire.”fire.”




3.3. Be givers, not takers—Other IdeasBe givers, not takers—Other IdeasTeach them to give 10% Teach them to give 10% (even birthday & Christmas (even birthday & Christmas

$)$)

3 Jars: Giving, Spending, Savings.3 Jars: Giving, Spending, Savings.

Teach kids to wait Teach kids to wait


Our RoleOur Role

The Role of Influence & The Role of Influence & RelationshipRelationship



Age Specific Ideas: Our Goals





– Learn to resist damaging sinLearn to resist damaging sin

– Experience God’s power & love through Experience God’s power & love through sacrificial servicesacrificial service

Age Specific Ideas: Expectations

Bed Times…Bed Times…Talking and RelatingTalking and Relating

Early ages = Lots of it!Early ages = Lots of it!Older ages = Often times lessOlder ages = Often times less

Questions about GodQuestions about GodEarly ages = Concrete , self & familyEarly ages = Concrete , self & family

Older ages = Visibly fewer, but probably Older ages = Visibly fewer, but probably more! More abstract & outwardmore! More abstract & outward

Set Set aside aside the timethe time

Draw outDraw out


Raise our kids to fully commit to the Lord– Enjoy a genuine relationship with ChristEnjoy a genuine relationship with Christ

– Love His word, the Bible

– Learn prayer as a lifestyle

– Protect from damaging sin

– Experience God’s power & love through sacrificial service

Make Sure They Are “In Christ”Make Sure They Are “In Christ”

Ages 0 to 8

Concrete & SimpleConcrete & Simple ““Remember the Remember the

time you told a lie?”time you told a lie?”

Ages 9 to 14

More AbstractMore Abstract (John 3:16)(John 3:16)

(Rom 3:23)(Rom 3:23)

(Rom 6:23)(Rom 6:23)

(Rom 10:9-11)(Rom 10:9-11)

SinsSins

PeoplePeople GodGodC

H

R

I

S

T

J e s u s

Mountain Mountain

Age Specific Ideas: Age Specific Ideas: Our GoalsOur Goals





– Protect from damaging sinProtect from damaging sin


Love His Word: The BibleLove His Word: The Bible

“ “You, You, (Timothy)(Timothy) however, continue in however, continue in the things you have learned and the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned whom you have learned themthem; and ; and that that from childhoodfrom childhood you have known you have known the sacred writings which are able to the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”Christ Jesus.”

--The Apostle Paul, 2Tim The Apostle Paul, 2Tim 3:14-15 3:14-15


For younger kids, ages 0 to 8For younger kids, ages 0 to 8

Simple, Concrete: Simple, Concrete: Stories!


For older kids ages 9 to 14…For older kids ages 9 to 14… Move towards abstract & theologyMove towards abstract & theology


For older kids ages 9 to 14For older kids ages 9 to 14

What if child says, “NO!”?What if child says, “NO!”?



Mentor with your child’s friendMentor with your child’s friend

Learn Prayer As a LifestyleLearn Prayer As a Lifestyle

Ages 0 to 8Ages 0 to 8Endure lots of Endure lots of

repetitionrepetition

Cultivate honestyCultivate honesty

Explain God’s Explain God’s approach to approach to answering prayers answering prayers through through illustrationsillustrations

Ages 9 to 14Ages 9 to 14Endure resistanceEndure resistance

Encourage Encourage authenticityauthenticity

Bring in your Bring in your prayers for your prayers for your friendsfriends

Model thanksgiving Model thanksgiving and trustand trust

Learn Prayer As a LifestyleLearn Prayer As a Lifestyle

Ages 0 to 8Ages 0 to 8 Ages 9 to 14Ages 9 to 14

Age Specific Ideas: Age Specific Ideas: Our GoalsOur Goals







Protect From Damaging SinsProtect From Damaging Sins

For older kids ages 9 to 14…For older kids ages 9 to 14…– Why?Why?

– What are they...at these ages? What are they...at these ages? Inappropriate physical relationshipsInappropriate physical relationshipsAlcohol-DrugsAlcohol-DrugsLying (trust is essential in relationships)Lying (trust is essential in relationships)StealingStealingDisobedience Disobedience (reduce rules at older ages) (reduce rules at older ages) Disrespect Disrespect (reduce expectations at older ages) (reduce expectations at older ages)


Discuss some ideas…Discuss some ideas…– The right peer groupThe right peer group

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. the companion of fools will suffer harm. Prov 13:20Prov 13:20

Have peers over to your house Have peers over to your house Build a relationship with themBuild a relationship with themIf non-Christian, help bring them to ChristIf non-Christian, help bring them to ChristWhat would you do if your kid was invited out What would you do if your kid was invited out

to a friend’s house whom you don’t know?to a friend’s house whom you don’t know?


Discuss some ideas…Discuss some ideas…– The right peer groupThe right peer group

– Expose the world systemExpose the world system““Do not love the world, nor the things in the Do not love the world, nor the things in the

world. If anyone loves the world, the love of world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” world.” -Apostle John, 1 John 2:15-16-Apostle John, 1 John 2:15-16


Discuss some ideasDiscuss some ideas– The right peer groupThe right peer group

– Expose the world systemExpose the world system1 John 2:15-161 John 2:15-16Watch cinema, tv, & help think criticallyWatch cinema, tv, & help think criticallyUse real life examples of people who Use real life examples of people who

exemplify the antithesis and thesis exemplify the antithesis and thesis


Discuss some ideasDiscuss some ideas

– The right peer groupThe right peer group

– Expose the world systemExpose the world system

– Strong teaching on God’s view of Strong teaching on God’s view of sexualitysexualityScreen protection/reportingScreen protection/reporting


Raise our kids to fully commit to the Raise our kids to fully commit to the LordLord– Enjoy a genuine relationship with ChristEnjoy a genuine relationship with Christ





Experiencing God’s power & love

Get younger kids used to serving at Get younger kids used to serving at homehome

Sharing toys, family jobs, etcSharing toys, family jobs, etc

Should be tithing to God’s workShould be tithing to God’s work


Older kids…Older kids…Why are students leaving the church?Why are students leaving the church?

– They don’t know why they believe?They don’t know why they believe?– They get into alienating sin.They get into alienating sin.– They don’t experience God’s power & love They don’t experience God’s power & love

in their own lives.in their own lives.– Judges 2:7,10: 3Judges 2:7,10: 3rdrd generation didn’t believe generation didn’t believe


For older kids ages 9 to 14…For older kids ages 9 to 14…

Get involved in significant, creative serving Get involved in significant, creative serving outside the homeoutside the home

Team up with friends for fundraising Team up with friends for fundraising project (b-day parties, garage sale, etc)project (b-day parties, garage sale, etc)

Matching gifts short term programMatching gifts short term programMissions tripMissions trip

For older kids ages 9 to 14…For older kids ages 9 to 14…Motivate them to share their faithMotivate them to share their faith

“ “The most striking change was the fact that The most striking change was the fact that teenagers today seem much less inclined to teenagers today seem much less inclined to have spiritual conversations about their faith have spiritual conversations about their faith in Christ with non-believers. in Christ with non-believers.

Experiencing God’s power & loveExperiencing God’s power & love


“ “Among born again Christian teenagers, the Among born again Christian teenagers, the proportion who said they had explained their proportion who said they had explained their beliefs to someone else with different faith beliefs to someone else with different faith views in the last year had declined from views in the last year had declined from nearly two-thirds of teenagers in 1997 (63%) nearly two-thirds of teenagers in 1997 (63%) to less than half of Christian teens in the to less than half of Christian teens in the December 2009 study (45%). December 2009 study (45%).

The The Barna Group 2010Barna Group 2010


Active participants in youth groupActive participants in youth group– What do you do if they say, “no” ?What do you do if they say, “no” ?

– Benefits of involvement in Body LifeBenefits of involvement in Body LifeExperience relevance of God’s word Experience relevance of God’s word Experience others coming to ChristExperience others coming to ChristInviting new kids to youth groupInviting new kids to youth groupLearn how to share their faithLearn how to share their faith



Our RoleOur Role

The Role of Influence & The Role of Influence & RelationshipRelationship



Leading Our Kids to Love God 2010 Xenos Summer Institute Joe Botti.

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Transcript of Leading Our Kids to Love God 2010 Xenos Summer Institute Joe Botti.