Christians of every age have faced the dual tasks of guiding adults deeper into discipleship and teaching young people the traditions and teachings of the past. That responsibility is becoming harder as social trends lead people away from organized religion. And although omnipresent technology puts challenges on people's time, it also offers opportunities for education. Wise congregations are finding ways to develop new models for faith formation.
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"With so many things going on, parents need help talking to their kids about faith," said Faye Koehn, director of children and family ministry at Southwood Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Neb., and an associate in ministry.
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| Michael Ryan, a pastor of Southwood Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Neb., uses a puppet to talk with Kaleb Bolte; his grandmother, Susan Fisher; and Amy Reiss about prayer. |
Koehn said the congregation has adapted and added to Rich Melheim's Faith Inkubators "Stepping Stones" program "to help parents become their children's faith mentors."
This past summer, for example, the congregation offered one-time sessions for parents and 3-year-olds (family devotions), 4- to 5-year-olds (the church), second-graders (the Ten Commandments) and fourth-graders (money matters). "Provide child care for the other siblings," Koehn advises.
© 2013 Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
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