As Crossbridge moves toward an Orange strategy for our family ministry, it is important to have an idea where we are headed. With this in mind, let me share some of Crossbridge’s goals for our family ministry.
Our hope for the family is this:
- Parents take ownership of their child’s spiritual development
- Parents value the role of church in a child’s life
- Parents seek partnerships with other adults in raising their own kids
- Parents routinely (daily and intentionally) talk to their kids about God
- Families live missionally (living out the Great Commission throughout the week)
Our hope for our children and students is this:
- By the end of fifth grade:
- Children understand they are made by and for God
- They know God gives them value, and they see their relationship with other people through the lens of their relationship with Jesus
- They know what it means to live missionally
- By the end of twelfth grade:
- Students strive to lead a life honoring to God
- Students see Jesus as their #1 priority and the lens through which the world is viewed
- They live a life that reflects greatest commandment (Matthew 22:34-40)
- Students seem themselves as the church and live as missional people
With this is mind, we want to be a church that provides:
- Role models of influence who model and teach authentic relationship with Jesus Christ
- Opportunities to connect other adults in child’s life
- Connections for children and students in small groups at every age level
- Resources and programs to Equip parents to lead their children toward a life honoring to God
- Environments (outside of “church”) where students and families of Crossbridge can connect with other students and families
This is the end we are working toward. This is the direction we are headed. As we plan our programs . . . as we develop and deploy leaders . . . as we decide where to spend our energy and resources . . . as we determine what lessons to teach our kids . . . this is what it is all about.
We are thinking with the end in mind.