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Family, Parent Helps, Parenting, Uncategorized
March 29, 2021

How to Talk with your Kids

By Klista Storts

These days, especially these days, our kids can easily isolate themselves in their rooms, on their screens, doors shut, earbuds in. And sometimes, it’s just easier that way, isn’t it? Not having to confront them with hard conversations; not asking a question, only to be the recipient of an eyeroll or a heavy sigh.  And they’re thinking the same thing on the other side of that door. It is a lot easier.

But easier is not better.

It’s time to take a risk of rejection and start pursuing our kids. Truly pursuing them.

Today’s generation is said to be the loneliest generation ever. (I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling pretty lonely right now, myself.) We can do our part to help them through this, by letting them know we care, that they’re loved, and that they’re important. And maybe even letting them know we actually LIKE them! 

  • Timing is everything. Find times that your kids are at ease and more open to a little conversation. This could be at dinner, in the car, at bedtime. You’ll know when.
  • Have some questions in mind to get discussion started.
  • What was your favorite part of the day?
  • What was the hardest part of your day?
  • If you could stop doing one thing forever, what would it be? 
  • What’s something that you’re looking forward to?

As time goes by, doors will open for deeper discussions. But caution! Don’t try to jump there too quickly—they’ll get suspicious and ask what you’ve been reading. (I speak from experience!) 

I read recently that the entire Bible is the story of God pursuing us. Don’t you love that? Doesn’t it make you feel loved knowing that God desires a relationship with you? Imagine how your kids will feel when they realize that you truly desire a relationship with them. Start showing them now. 

Enjoy the pursuit! It’s worth it!

Klista Storts serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. Before coming to Lifeway, she served as the Weekday and Preschool Specialist at the Tennessee Baptist Convention and as Director of Preschool Ministries at churches in Oklahoma and Tennessee. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.

Family, Parent Helps, Parenting
February 22, 2021

End of Winter Bucket List for Families

By Kids Ministry 101

By Sarah Humphrey

February can be a long month, even when it’s a short one! The days can be dark, and the ache for Spring starts to birth in us the desire for all things fresh and new.  Though it can be tough to keep kids motivated during the winter months, here are a few bucket list items that can spur you on in faith and fun.  They don’t cost much, and Spring will be here before we know it!

  1. Make an inside-the-house scavenger hunt.  Create a few riddles or clues about things around the house that can lead you on a mini-adventure. A half hour of running around the house can lead to a freshly charged heart and a laugh or two.
  2. Clean up the clutter! Have each of your kids fill up a garbage bag full of trash, tattered items, or things you don’t use anymore.  If you find some things in good working order that are no longer needed, make an extra pile of items to donate.  Whoever has the best bag of goods, gets $5!
  3. Make a Friday Night ice cream tradition.  Each Friday night, choose a new flavor of ice cream to share as a family.  Make it a point to try flavors you typically would never buy!
  4. Sibling arguments in close quarters? Have each child find a Bible verse that is encouraging or affirmative to each of their siblings. They may need some adult help, but it will be a joy to watch them support one another instead of squabble with one another!
  5. Arts and Crafts time is always a favorite! Head to your local store and buy a new coloring book, fresh paint, or even nail polish for girls.  Take the time to enjoy color, creativity, and the simple fun of fresh crayons and coloring inside (or outside!) the lines.
  6. Who doesn’t like to laugh? Google a few tongue twisters, and repeat them five–ten times.  Go faster with each repetition, laugh, and have some fun!
  7. Take a trip to your local store and find a new board game for the family to play together.  It’s amazing how much you can engage with one another when you learn a new game. Memories like these last forever, and the tradition can be carried on for years to come.
  8. Eat more cake! Baking together can be a sweet activity that includes following directions, learning about the ways of the kitchen, enjoying and expressing creativity, and also ending with a treat! Find a recipe that fits the age range of your kids, turn on a little music, and have fun creating something together!
  9. Take a nap. Sometimes the easiest thing to do is the hardest thing to make time for. Watch an afternoon movie until you fall asleep on the couch, cuddle in bed and close all the blinds, or sprawl out on your fuzzy carpet. A twenty-minute power nap is God’s grace to us all!
  10. Call a loved one you haven’t spoken to in awhile and check in! Hearing the voice of someone you love is one of the best things in life. During a time when people feel isolated and lonely, FaceTime and phone calls are such a gift.

Though we never want to wish away the time, winter can be tough.  Enjoy these tips to spruce up the last days of cold, and savor the sweetness of connection and comfort!

Sarah is a wife and homeschool mom to three kids while also working as an artist, author, and voice actor.  Her writing and doodling can be found in her devotional, “40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood” and her voice in several commercials, children’s books, and audiobooks. She loves encouraging women and kids to embrace self-care, utilize their gifts, and become leaders in the community around them. 

Encouragement, Family, Parent Helps, Parenting
February 15, 2021

How To Be Friends With Your Daughter (And Still Be The Parent)

By Kids Ministry 101

By Chrissy Duke

Being a parent and a friend often seems like a contradiction, or just too layered to be true at the same time. Either way, it is a common critique of parents that they either err on the side of being their child’s friend, or they simply have little to no personal relationships outside of setting boundaries and rules with their children.  Where is the balance and can there be a balance between the two?  

I remember as an elementary age kid one morning waking up to a horribly loud crashing noise. I ran out of my room to find my mom, who had recently had knee surgery, had slipped on the stairs and fallen down the entire flight. 911 was already being called because she couldn’t move.  Needless to say, it was scary as a young child, seeing this and watching your mom be taken to the hospital by ambulance. To skip to the end real quick – my mom ended up being okay and came home the same day! But I remember after this all happened, my dad took all of us kids for an early morning breakfast, maybe to cheer us up or to distract us all from what happened. Either way, when we got home, as I unwrapped my breakfast sandwich it slipped from the wrapper and fell to the ground. I immediately started bawling! My dad picked me up, set me on his lap, and whispered in my ear, “I know you’re scared, but mom is going to be okay.” I specifically remember the amazement I felt that he knew I wasn’t upset about the breakfast sandwich. I was so grateful in that moment that He understood me, and assured me that it was okay to be scared.

Whether we are family or friends, our goal in relationships is focused in the same direction and the ultimate goal is connection—to be known and understood. We all long for connection, a space where we can be known and know another. In fact, we don’t just long for it, we are made for it. God created us to be connected with others. It’s no small thing that God Himself is in constant connection and relationship with Himself. He is the triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  It’s hard to comprehend but He within Himself is fully in connection and fully known! He created us in His image, with the intentional design to need connection. We are not supposed to do life alone.  

A parent relationship and a friend relationship often look different. A parent connection happens naturally, automatically—simply because you are family. But a friend relationship seems like the place where connection is deeper. A friend is often the person whom you confide in and offer honesty with in a way you may not with a parent. When you go to a friend, you are really looking for someone who you can share with that will say, “oh man, i know how you feel.” “That is so unfair.” “I am so sorry you went through that.” “Wow, how awesome that happened!”  So, even though a friend and parent both seek connection, a parent may feel it’s impossible to be a “friend” because of discipline. boundaries and rules.  

I would like to offer one suggestion for you to create a connection with your daughter that reflects the automatic connection, as well as a deeper connection and understanding.  The invitation is to offer validation. 

Validation is when you recognize or affirm a person’s feelings or opinions as valid or worthwhile. At first glance, I’m sure you feel like validation is the wrong way to go especially if your child has just rolled their eyes at you for the hundredth time today, or they just shoved their sister down as they walked to their room. And yet, the most beautiful thing about validation is it does not declare their action as right or wrong. 

Validation is the opportunity to connect even in the most difficult or hurtful of situations. In Michael Sorensen’s book on validation, he says validation is essentially “saying to someone, “I hear you.  I get what you’re feeling, and it’s perfectly alright to feel that way.”1 You may have heard it said that feelings are neither right nor wrong, they just are. Feelings are there to inform us, to tell us and point us to truth. When we validate someone, we for a moment suspend the right and wrongness of the situation and offer to empathize with the emotion. 

For example: when your daughter rolls her eyes again, you can offer validation of the emotion (not the action). “I don’t blame you for being frustrated right now, being told no is frustrating when you have a plan you would like to see happen.” You may be amazed how quickly this little thing called validation diffuses a situation. It immediately creates connection. 

Is this not the type of connection we look for in our friendships? What if, as parents, we can create opportunities for this same type of connection without stepping away from discipline and equipping our children to make wise choices. What if validation is a way we can enter into and appreciate their struggle and as we create connection we also create the safe space to reinforce boundaries?

If you read through the gospels, you will encounter countless examples of how Jesus validated His followers and friends without condoning their sin. Think about John 11 when Jesus weeps over the death of Lazarus. Even though He knew that Lazarus would rise again, “when Jesus saw her crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, he was deeply moved in his spirit and troubled.” (v. 33). Jesus was compassionate to His friend, Martha, and the Jews, and despite their doubts, He extended an invitation for them to witness the miraculous resurrection of their friend, Lazarus.

It’s a beautiful reminder that our Heavenly Father isn’t just our Savior—He is our friend. And if you want to model your parenting after anyone, He’s the best example there is.

1. Michael Sorenesen, I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships (Autumn Creek Press, 2017).

Chrissy Duke is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ who loves to share what God is speaking to me with other young girls and women! She is also a wife and a mother of two beautiful girls. Chrissy has a calling to help the marginalized be recognized, heard, and helped. She does this primarily through an organization called Beauty For Ashes Africa. They work to combat human trafficking in North Africa, where they have a transition home for at-risk girls! Chrissy loves a good cup of coffee in the morning, getting outside in nature, and being with family.

Discipleship, Parent Helps, Parenting
January 27, 2021

Don’t “Outsource” Discipleship

By Michael Kelley

My dad is an increasingly rare kind of man. He grew up the son of a farmer outside of a town with one stoplight in the Texas panhandle. He spent his childhood on tractors as well as in the classroom. And while he would eventually earn a Ph.D. in statistics and teach at the university level for 40 years, he learned how to fix a refrigerator, change his own oil, install ceiling fans, and cultivate crops.

The reason I describe him as rare is because he’s just as likely to have a conversation with you about a bell curve or the statistical anomalies of the stock market as he is to help you fix the small engine on a lawnmower because that’s how he grew up – if something was broken, he would fix it. And if he and his dad didn’t know how to fix it, they’d take it apart, see how it worked, and then fix it.

I cannot do that. Some of it has to do with my natural unhandiness, but it also has to do with the fact that we have become an incredibly specialized culture. We have the luxury now of having very dedicated and knowledgeable people in every imaginable field, and as a result, we don’t have to know at least a little bit about everything. Because whatever we don’t know something about, we can just outsource that task to someone else, whether that means hiring someone to put up Christmas lights, repair our car, or invest our money.

We outsource. So why should discipleship be any different?

After all, church leaders are the experts. They’re the ones who’ve read the books, attended the conferences, and gotten the training. So Christians ought to expect the same level of proficiency coming from church leaders that they expect from a mechanic – when it comes to our spiritual growth and development, we outsource that task to the people who really know what they’re doing.

Right?

Surely yes, until we dig in a little further into a passage like Ephesians 4:11-13:

“And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.”

Here you find a passage about spiritual gifts, about the church, about the nature of ministry, and about growth. In particular, you find some clarity on the issue above when it comes to the role of church leaders and church members.

Without going into too much detail, what you have first is a listing of people with specific gifts who often serve in full time ministry roles – apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers – these are people we know and love. They are the ones whose paid vocation is in the realm of spiritual growth and direction. But we have more than a list here – we have a job description. And that description is as important as it is often neglected in the minds of regular, every day church members:

… to equip the saints for the work of ministry…

To put it another way, the church staff is not to do the work of ministry, but rather to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Which means, of course, that there is a job description here for the regular, every day church member as well, and it’s this:

… the work of ministry…

This is not an outsource situation; it’s an equipping situation. And as church members, here is where our expectations should lie – it’s not that our church leaders manufacture spiritual growth and discipleship in us, but rather that they are effectively equipping us to do the work of ministry. So why bring this up now?

Well, because it seems to me that there has never been a time when the work of ministry more needed to be distributed. Everyone is hurting. Everyone is lonely. And everyone is fighting the drift. It would be a horrible, negligent mistake for us, as church members, to assume our church leaders are responsible for fighting this battle. It’s unfair to them, and it’s a gross avoidance of responsibility for us. This is our job, Christians, to do the work of ministry. To check in with each other. To encourage one another. To read the Bible and pray together.

The work of discipleship is not to be hired out; it’s to be joyfully accepted in our midst.

Discipleship, Encouragement, Family, Parent Helps, Parenting
January 18, 2021

Caring for Kids during Worldly Chaos

By Kids Ministry 101

By Sarah Humphrey

Thank goodness, 2021 is a new year! We are living in a time of history unlike any other. There were many barriers and some breakthroughs in 2020, and our children were watching how we dealt with them.  They are still watching, and they will continue to both mimic and seek help from us as this transition in history continues.

Though we may not know a lot about 2021, we do know that God is with us.  He promises us that, and it’s our response to Him that can make a big difference, not only in our community but most importantly in our home.

As a homeschool mom, I spend 2-3 days a week coaching my kids through a family Bible Study. As we’ve been studying the Names of God this year, we have been reminded several times of God’s protection, power, and provision for us.  Romans tells us clearly to keep our hopes up. 

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” –Romans 8:28

In a world of many unknowns, God reminds us that He is El Shaddai, God All Powerful. He is the one who is in control, moving the puzzle pieces of history to serve His purposes, and we get to partner with what He says when He says it. 

And so, the days might be long, and the questions from our children might be plentiful, but we serve a God of answers! There is no better time to teach our kids how to memorize Scripture, pray simple prayers, and express their feelings through art and speech.  As we hear their voices rise in faith, our faith rises also.

If you’re looking for ways to encourage your young ones during this season, consider these simple tips for time together as a family:

  1. Set up a family calendar that includes time for dinners at the table, family devotions, or family movie night. Take the time to discuss the themes and current events that are unfolding in this season. If you watch a movie, give yourselves a few minutes to debrief how it made your kids feel, what they learned, and if they enjoyed the characters involved.  It’s small conversations that sometimes contain the most truth and awareness.
  2. Set aside time to pray together as a family. It doesn’t have to be complicated or serious.  But remember that a simple and consistent example of a 3-minute prayer is a marker of peace for children throughout their lives.  They will remember it. So, pray out loud before meals, before bed, before school, and any other appropriate time.
  3. Be honest. Be forgiving. And be gentle.  We are all learning something new right now.  It’s in times like these, that slowing down can be one of the wisest things we do.

May God bless you as you walk this year, and may He keep you and your family in peace during this time!

Sarah is a wife and homeschool mom to three kids while also working as an artist, author, and voice actor.  Her writing and doodling can be found in her devotional, “40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood” and her voice in several commercials, children’s books, and audiobooks.

Discipleship, Parent Helps, Parenting
January 11, 2021

The Role of Parents as the Primary Discipler of Their Children

By Tim Pollard

We’ve all heard the command of God through Moses to parents. These familiar words found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 encourage parents to be about the business of teaching the things of God to their children. This passage was one that was recited each day by faithful Hebrews. Today this passage is often used to encourage parents to be the champion for their children’s spiritual growth. The part that seems to be missing is the why. Why was it important for parents to teach their children the things of the Lord and recall the great and mighty deeds that God had done? A clue can be found in the Book of Psalms. 

Psalm 78 is a song of Asaph. The psalms of Asaph were written by either Asaph a temple leader under David’s reign, or any number of temple leaders given a similar designation. This Psalm reviews the history of Israel’s walk with God and sheds light on the importance of parents being responsible for teaching their children about the things of God. 

In the first eight verses of this Psalm, the writer illuminates the why behind the command. In one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture, Psalm 78:6 tells us that we are teaching our children, so not just our children, but a future generation—children yet to be born—might know. God’s command to parents to be the spiritual teachers of their children is not just to benefit the current generation, but to influence a generation that is yet to be born. By discipling our children, we also pass on the teachings of God’s wonderful works to the generation beyond. 

God’s Word is full of the mighty deeds that God has done. We as parents can pass on that knowledge, not just to our children, but to our children’s children and beyond. 

Crafts, Easter, Parent Helps
April 10, 2020

At-Home Easter Activities for Kids

By Kids Ministry 101

Try these fun and easy Easter activities at home with your kids this Easter weekend.

Watercolor Easter Cross Craft
This craft only requires paper, tape, and watercolor paints.
Download or view instructions here.

Easter Word Search
Print this out and see how many words your kids can find.
Download Word Search here.

Parent Helps, Parenting
April 8, 2020

Tips for Working and Schooling (and all the things) at Home

By Jana Magruder

First of all, I want to acknowledge that it truly is a perk, if not luxury to be able to work from home, and therefore, be home to help educate my kids during this time. While many of us have complained about trying to do “all the things” at home, I believe we should take the posture of gratitude since there are many moms and dads who have to report for work outside the home and therefore make other arrangements for their children who are out of school. That said, for those of us wearing multiple hats at the same time—here are some tips for this season:

  1. Have a schedule, but hold it with loose hands: Structure can help kids stay on track with expectations for the day. For example, waking up at the same time each day has helped our family. This means, if you have a child who would like to sleep later than the time identified, go ahead and get them up! Likewise, stick to the same bedtime. Once those two things are established, you can look at other times in the day as blocks of time that serve a purpose, such as: schooling, working, cleaning, playing, cooking, etc. Within those blocks can be a lot of flexibility. Sometimes the schooling block might be reading outside, while other days might be doing assignments from teachers. You might skip the cleaning block one day to extend learning time and vice versa. The point is, keep a schedule, but keep it open enough to accommodate the needs each day presents.  
  2. Get “school” started with each child, each morning: Depending on the ages of your children, they will need you or your spouse to help them get started on learning time each day. Hopefully this leads to a block of time where they stay on task and you, parent, can do some work. Trading off in this role is super helpful if both parents are at home. My husband and I tag team “conferences” with each child every morning to go through emails and assignments from teachers, make a plan, and answer questions. In the evenings, each child reports back with what they accomplished. Having checkpoints throughout the day is also helpful to see if they are staying on track. For younger children, this is more challenging as they need to stay busy and need to be monitored at the same time (which makes those Zoom calls pretty interesting!) Plan multiple stations throughout the house that have things for them to do—much like a preschool classroom.  Puzzles at the coffee table, art project at the kitchen table, legos or blocks on the floor, and a fort set up in their room with extra toys! 
  3. Keep technology use to a minimum: This one is hard for any age because when parents really need to crank out a deadline without distraction, the temptation is to put on a movie, or pull out the Ipad. While there is a time and place for this, try not to double-down on it during this time. I’m speaking to the choir on this one since my boys LOVE to play video games—and sometimes it’s just easier to say yes to an extra 30 minutes (or hour or more)!! The heart behind this is to not beat yourself up if you do have to use technology for an activity, but have other things planned for learning and playing to find a great “balance”.  
  4. Keep the weekends! As all the days run together, it might feel like the weekends disappear. I encourage you to mark the weekends with Sabbath rest as much as possible—meaning no working and no schooling; sleep in a bit, watch a movie together, play outside if possible, do something fun! Certainly on Sundays, watch a church service together and participate in any church activities offered through streaming apps or downloads for family devotionals. Above all else, worship together during this time. Your family needs to read the Bible together, pray together, sing together—now more than ever. 
  5. Give yourself grace: The energy we had when the Covid-19 crisis began is more than likely waning at your house—as it is indeed at ours. There are some days that go better than others—and that is ok. We need to all realize that while we may have to live this way for a while, it was never intended to be sustainable long term. If you need a day to “not do school”, take that day—or week. If you need to take a day off from work, you can hopefully do that too. If your child cries during your online meeting, excuse yourself and go care for your child. Your co-workers will understand. We all have our stuff we are dealing with and grace abounds all around us. If nothing else, grace abounds.  

 Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness. John 1:16a

Jana Magruder serves as the Director of Lifeway Kids. She is a Baylor graduate and offers a wealth of experience and passion for kids ministry, education, and publishing. She is the author of Kids Ministry that Nourishes and Life Verse Creative Journal, which she co-authored with her teenage daughter. She and her husband, Michael, along with their three children reside in Nashville.

Easter, Kids Ministry, Parent Helps
April 1, 2020

Easter Devotional Guide for Families

By Kids Ministry 101

Easter may look a little different this year, but we can still engage with kids and families during this important time. This devotional guide is a free eight-day resource taking families through the resurrection week. Parents and kids will interact with stories and pray together throughout the week as they go from the Triumphal Entry to the resurrection. 

Click here to download your free 2020 Easter Devotional Guide for Families and distribute it to families in your ministry today. 

We hope this devotional is a blessing in uncertain times. May we truly celebrate our Savior’s resurrection this Easter and beyond. Happy Easter! 

Encouragement, Family, Kids Ministry, Parent Helps
March 25, 2020

How to Have a Family Worship Experience at Home

By Jana Magruder

Many churches are pushing pause on gathering their congregants for weekly worship services during this season of coronavirus risk, including children’s ministry classes and groups. While many of us might be tempted to enjoy a break from church, that’s the last thing we really need. At times like this, we desperately need God’s Word to reassure us that He is in control; we need to sing songs that remind us of His power; we need worship.  

The Bible teaches us to “watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together (emphasis mine), as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, CSB) We know, as Christ followers, that we are called to gather together as the Church—the bride of Christ Himself. However, as we retreat to the safety of our houses under city ordinances and precaution, we should look around and recognize that the very people we live with in our homes are part of that same calling—our family. We should continue (or start) to gather together to worship as a family.

Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or friendly neighbor, you can still gather together for a worship experience. This may sound intimidating to you, like something you are not equipped for, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact now is the perfect time to start doing a family worship time, and to keep doing long after coronavirus leaves us.  

If you read the portion of Deuteronomy 6 sometimes referred to as the Shema, it’s easy to see that family discipleship is a scriptural command: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (emphasis mine).”(Deuteronomy 6:5-7, CSB) So, let’s face it. Many of us will be “sitting in our houses”—with our kids or other family members—for longer periods of time than we are currently used to, as some schools may close and workplaces may go to a temporary remote work model. Chances are, your family might be experiencing some anxiety in this unprecedented situation. Use this extra time wisely and talk about God’s Word—the ultimate soother of our souls and healer of our hearts! 

Try this to get you started: read, pray, sing—repeat! In his little book, Family Worship, Donald S. Whitney gives a simple formula for how to have a family worship time. Most of us are capable of doing this. Just gather your crew, open your Bibles, read a chapter or two aloud, say a prayer, and sing a song!  

  • Read: You might choose to go through one of the Gospels together, or read a Psalm and a chapter from Proverbs. The ages of your children might dictate the content you choose. If you have younger children, consider grabbing one of their Bible storybooks and selecting a Bible story to read aloud while showing pictures. Older children and teens can help read aloud portions of Scripture. Everyone can add to the discussion by asking questions and offering comments. And guess what? If you don’t know the answer, that’s ok. Acknowledge the great question and offer to do some research and report back next time. Of course kids and teenagers are really good at asking questions that we would all like to know, but simply won’t have the answer this side of Heaven. It’s okay if that’s your answer too.  
  • Pray: End your Bible reading and discussion time in prayer. You can ask your family what they would like to pray for. Are they worried and fearful about the coronavirus? Are people you know in your community actually sick with COVID-19 and need prayer? Is anyone in your family lonely and feeling isolated from friends and classmates? Is there too much sibling conflict from being cooped up? Offer prayers of hope and encouragement, repentance, and intercession.  
  • Sing: Close your family worship time by singing a song or two. Singing together might feel strange if you’ve never done so before. You might start by playing a worship song your family is familiar with from church worship or the radio. Ask everyone to sing along. Or, sing simple hymns that everyone knows—no accompaniment necessary.  

Now, repeat the routine. It will get more comfortable each time. Try gathering weekly and work up to bi-weekly or even daily. This habit could change your family forever.  

It may be inevitable that your church cannot gather for one or more weeks, but that does not mean you shouldn’t gather as a family and experience the one true God together through His Word, through prayer, and through song. As an extension to your family worship time, my team at Lifeway Kids has put together a family worship experience for you, which includes a Bible story video and life application videos, as well as a discussion guide and activity sheet to download. Simply follow the steps below.  

Step 1: Go to digitalpass.lifeway.com.

Step 2: Register if you are a new user or log in if you already have an account.

Step 3: Look for Lifeway Kids at Home and Lifeway Preschool at Home in the “Watch Now” section

This article originally appeared on Christianity Today.

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