DiscipleshipCurriculum RaisingDisciples - Flipbook - Page 8
SETUP
Ministry Leaders
This 8-week curriculum has been formatted to fit within a 50-60 minute timeframe. Identify
the best program to engage parents in this course. For example:
Sunday mornings during a Sunday School/Bible Study hour
8-week small group study—use as a curriculum for a Sunday evening or mid-week small
group.
Decide on a starting day/time for this course and the length. It may be best to begin this
course as you launch new small groups in the fall or start a group in January. If your church
has a parent dedication Sunday, consider beginning this class in conjunction with that event.
The curriculum is 8-weeks, but a 4 week plan is also provided.
Start by praying about who should lead this group. Consider a couple who has raised
children to follow the Lord or a key leader/volunteer in your family ministry. Perhaps two
couples could team up to divide up the leading responsibilities and provide a variety of
perspectives.
Pray about those who should join this group. Through the communication systems for
your congregation, encourage parents and other caregivers to participate. (Be sure to
include single parents, step-parents, foster parents, and family members who are the
primary caregiver to a child.) Encourage parents to sign-up in advance to make appropriate
preparations.
Communicate the details to your group. Include:
Dates and times (start and end)
Location
Expectations of commitment. (How much time outside of group will be needed to
prepare for each week?)
The facilitator(s)
Consider planning a family fun gathering so that people can get to know each other prior
to your first session together. It’s even better to include children in this gathering before you
dive in to discussing their ongoing discipleship!
Consider a post-group activity to bring children, parents, and others into an active
discipleship community. Perhaps host a potluck picnic with family-style games or identify a
group service project to complete.
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