Tradition

March 29th, 2008

I’ve been thinking through some foundational traditions we are instilling as a family.  I am also reading Winn Griffins,  God’ EPIC Adventure and putting some ideas together in my brain.

When our kids are 5, Mike takes them out on a “date” and shares with them the detailed story of our faith and God’s people.  In our faith community, at 13 the kids (boys at this point because non of the girls have reached thirteen yet) have a coming out thingy.  Our version of a bar mitzvah. 

I was thinking about baptism and how the catholic church does, confirmation.  In some cases it is dead or programmatic for people, but for many catholic Christians a very deep and meaningful experience, as it should be.  I have been wondering about that in our context.  Could we do something equally formational, as  a pillar in a young ones life that they will look back on for all time?

Yes, I think we can and we should.  So Mike and I have been toying with the idea, (clearly ripped off from Alpha) about taking Jackson on his 7th birthday on a “Holy Spirit” weekend.  With some of the older people in our community for a special time just for Jackson, and then the rest of our kids when they the appropriate age and ready to handle it.

Here is the time-line I have been thinking about.

• 0-5 - marinating in the family rhythm of faith.  Beginning to learn the story of our faith and our people.  Special lessons on their level  where they can grasp the mystery appropriately.  Specific emphasis on Jesus as the Good Shepherd as opposed to heaven/hell.
• around 5 as the Spirit leads - special date with Daddy where they really get to put together the pieces of the “good news”.  This is where Mike invites them to make Jesus their King.  It was very interesting when he did this with Jackson.  At the very moment Mike thought he would say yes just because he was Dad,  he didn’t.  He actually thought about it and said, “I want to wait until my birthday.”  Which was a few months away.  Then one day he road up to me on his bike after he had been out riding and he said, “Mom I decided to ask Jesus to be my king.” and road off.  I said something very unspiritual like, “Wow honey that is great, Jesus is so happy to be your king.”
• 5-7 Growing in understanding of that. A deeper requirement of them sitting and at least listening to discussions in our faith community, even if it is just coloring what they hear.
• around 7 -Special “Holy Spirit” weekend and baptism.
• 7-13 Training in the ways of the kingdom. Various activities determined by parents that are formational for disciples of Jesus.
• 13 - coming out party into man/womanhood. Presented with a purity gift and clear discussions about dating etc.
• 13 - 18 really helping and allowing our kids to determine their calling and what they are made for.  This is a “together” process.  International missions travel encouraged at this time.

I am learning that each stage and phase of a child’s development needs to be met with intentionality on the parents part.  It looks different at every stage, but there is an underlying process that is happening.  There isn’t any really clear defined road map for parenting, or training your kids up in the ways of the kingdom, so each family may choose to do this differently.  These are just a few of the things Mike and I have been kicking around!

Peace to all parents today!

Entry Filed under: Kids and the Kingdom, Simple Faith