Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a two day conference featuring Dr. Paul David Tripp, who is a renowned teacher, professor, and pastor. He has become well known for his travels and teachings on parenting. His brother wrote the book "Shepherding a Child's Heart". The conference was held at Wheaton Bible Church, and I would highly recommend parents who have kids from 0-18 in the home (or out of the home) to attend one of these conferences if possible. It was revolutionary for me not only as a parent, but as an adult who works with students on a regular basis. I believe that although many of the strategies and ideas shared are primarily best utilized in the home, if we cared for children and students and sought to teach them in the same way- watch out! The world would look a lot different!
Here are some of my main takeaways:
The Family- Is God's primary learning community
-If as parents we are only trying to restrain and control behavior, we haven't given our kids anything!
-Point to God every opportunity that you can in your relationship with your children
-It's hard to give away (faith) what you don't have yourself
-Don't begin by asking God to open your kid's eyes. Begin by asking Him to open your eyes!
-One of the most important things is to teach Christ's love, and that will take sacrifice!
-If we don't put God in the center of their world- they will be in the center of their own world!
Parents: In God's economy NOBODY can replace you. The church is meant to EQUIP you and the School and State to help resourcefully.
The Heart- is the causal core of your personhood. Its the heart that shepherds, shapes, and controls behavior
-Lasting change in the life and behavior of a child travels through the pathway of the heart (Matthew 15:11-30, Luke 6:43-46, Mark 7:17-23)
My Personal Conclusion:
This was just a small sample of the overall Biblical picture of parenting that was presented. Our job as parents and leaders is to care for, cultivate, and challenge the heart of our children and students. It is a big challenge because like us, our kids and students are born sinners with a will and a desire to serve-self every minute of the day. If we want to see our children and students live a life that honors and points to Christ- we need to model it for them and consistently, in love, speak that truth into their lives. It takes work- its not free or easy, but it's worth it! As a parent myself, I am in the thick of all this as well. That being said- we as a community want to help you fulfill your call by God as parents to lead and disciple your children. God gave that responsibility to parents and we want to help equip you and support your ministry at home!
If you wanted to check into more resources by Paul David Tripp you can check out his webpage HERE.
