036: Raising Kids Who Love Jesus (&the Church!) with John Michael&Jessica|The Living Room - a podcast by Joanna Weaver

"Parenting may be one of the hardest jobs, but it is so rewarding!"I've been looking forward to this discussion with with my adult kids, John Michael Weaver and Jessica Downs - but to be honest, I've been nervous! After all, I told them I wanted them to be honest about their upbringing as PKs (pastor's kids)...who knows what they might say?

It ended up being a precious conversation as we talked openly about what they found difficult in their growing up years as well as the things that worked. John and I definitely didn't do it perfect, but John Michael and Jessica identify some key things that helped them come to love Jesus - as well as His Church. Including the massive impact of a godly father who was the same in the pulpit as he was in our home.   

Perhaps you raised your kids just like we did, but they've chosen not to follow the Lord. Perhaps you didn't have an idyllic childhood or a father (or church) who consistently showed you the love of Jesus. I want to invite you to bring your pain to the Lord this Father's Day and allow Him to heal your heart.

Though we can't go back and change history, God wants to write a new story in our hearts. In our families. In our churches. And even in our world!
{ USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share }We'll be discussing...
Embrace Family Boundaries (Heart over Rules) Teach your kids how to recognize God's conviction and to live counter-culturally
Establish boundaries and who you want to be as a familyResist putting pressure on your kids to be perfect"Jesus is more concerned about how we treat the people He created and died for then our personal righteousness"~John Michael (ref. our righteous acts are like filthy rags Isaiah 64:6)
Try to help them understand the importance of their hearts versus legalistically following rulesDistinguish between doctrine and personal convictions
Trust the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your children into their own personal convictionsRemember,"God gave you your children...not to rule but to guide"- Julie Olson Lindemuth

Cultivate an Atmosphere to Personally Encounter Jesus 

Demonstrate a love for the Church, God's people and His mission
Reinforce that your children have a unique, God-given purpose and callingHelp them engage in the life of the church and find their place to serve and grow
Make Jesus a part of everything (i.e. school, work, discipline, sports)Be the same person at church, at home and everywhere else
Be humble and honest about your own shortcomings and quick to ask for forgivenessInvest in as many opportunities as possible so kids can personally encounter Jesus  (church camps, conventions, etc...)
Be available to them in the good and bad, exciting and mundane, ups and downs of lifeLove your spouse well in front of your kids

Create a Church Environment that Kids EnjoyBecome an active part in a church that values kids and youth
Allow church leaders, teachers and Christian adults to connect with your kids and speak into their livesSurround them with friends and families who are like-minded
Give children&youth opportunities to memorize God's Word and instill His truth into their hearts
Encourage mentorship and create moments where other godly people can affirm your kids - Bar/Bat BarackDon't underestimate your role in the lives of other children and teens in your church
Talk positively about the church to your kidsEven if you weren't raised in a healthy Christian home, it's not too late to create your own with the Holy Spirit's help.

Start children off on the way they should go,    and even when they are old they will not turn from it. ~Proverbs 22:6
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ~2 Corinthians 12:9Additional Resources
Parenting Episode - 033: Mama Bear Apologetics with Hillary Morgan Ferrer | The Living Room

Further episodes of The Living Room with Joanna Weaver

Further podcasts by Joanna Weaver

Website of Joanna Weaver