MARCH 22, 2020 - CGYOUTH

Hey Fam!

CG Youth Ministry hopes to equip and support YOU the Family to effectively engage and disciple your child at home in the day to day life. YOU will be the most significant influence in your child’s development. We hope to come along side and help you maximize that time by being confident and prepared. Below, you will find some guiding thoughts on what your child has been learning from CG Youth Ministries and how to engage. You will also find resources to contemplate how you can create a discipleship atmosphere in your home and BE the church as a family in your neighborhoods and communities.   



CG YOUTH GATHERINGS:

Well….this situation continues to get more interesting by the day, by the hour really. Things can seem a little crazy outside and maybe even crazier inside in isolation. If you are an introvert, you probably love it. If you are an extrovert, I feel ya. Either way, isolation can be a difficult thing to navigate. Regardless, even in difficult times, there are amazing opportunities.

Let’s talk about it: Discussing Isolation with your Youth

SEASON: CG Youth have been marching through a season talking about what it means to listen and hear from God. We are transitioning into a season talking about BEING the church and how we fit into God’s story with our gifts and callings.

DO: 

  • Identity Prayer with your kids (If they haven’t already)

  • Daily Examen Bookmarks (as a daily practice this week)



ASK:

How do I find out what God’s purpose is for me? What is a calling?

  • Try to describe what a calling is. Use scripture to back it up.

  • Based on your experience up to this point, write down at least one term or phrase to describe what you think your purpose is or could be in each of the following areas: your family, friends, teams or groups, school, neighborhood, community.

  • Think back on times where people told you or encouraged you about a gift, skill, or talent that you have or have shown. Write down that gift, skill, or talent. Make special note of things that have come up more than once.



READ:

Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 22: 36-40; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12

  • What did you observe? 

  • Summarize in your own words the main points in those chapters 

  • Pick out certain phrases, terms, or verses that you found interesting or really important.



DISCUSS: 

  • Discuss what the scriptures above tell you about the calling and purpose all followers of Jesus are given. 

  • Talk about how these scriptures may inform you of your specific calling and purpose.

  • Check out this article on discerning God’s calling and discuss: https://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/6-ways-to-know-gods-calling-for-your-life.aspx

  • Let’s go through an exercise together to help wrestle with our purpose. (Below)

Stepping into your Calling. This is another easy assessment to consider how to step into calling.

  • Examine: Begin identifying the gifts the excite you and ask the Spirit to show you the gifts you have, then think about how they can be used for God

  • Experiment: Ask the Spirit for different opportunities to use these gifts, be bold to jump out in faithfulness, journal about your experience 

  • Evaluate: Is God being glorified? Are his people edified and uplifted? Are others affirming you in this gift? Ask the Spirit for guidance always.

What can it look like to BE the Church when we are supposed to isolate ourselves? 

  • Remember the list of words last week you created to describe the Church and its purpose? Pull that out and read through those words/phrases again. If you haven’t done this, go back to last week and do this exercise. 

  • Take a look at the exercise we just did on your purpose and calling.

  • Brainstorm ideas with your family on how you can put this list to use and BE the church in your neighborhood and with people you know in a safe and healthy way.


PARENT RESOURCES

If you are interested in some great resources on creating a discipleship atmosphere in your home, check out these resources below. 

  • Youth Parent Resource Page

  • BOOKS:

    • Just a Phase - Reggie Joyner 

    • Sticky Faith - Kara Powell

    • Growing With - Kara Powell 

    • 18 Plus - Kara Powell 

    • Navigating our Digital World - Kara Powell 

    • Volunteer’s Backpocket Guide to Sex - Craig Gross

  • Websites 

    • Fulleryouthinstitute.org

    • Growingwithbook.com

    • Theparentcue.org 

  • Blogs

    • Fuller Youth Institute Blog Posts 

    • Parent Cue Blog

  • Podcasts

    • Growing With Parenting Podcast

    • Parent Cue Podcast 

    • Faith in an Anxious World Podcast 

online gatheringKatie Ericksoncgyouth