Family Ministry
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14, ESV)
We want to influence our children’s lives, not to check an item off of a to-do list, but to honor and glorify the Lord. We want to be able to look back over each season our family walks through and know that we have made an impact for the kingdom of Christ. This will only happen when we are intentional with the time that we have with our families.
In order to cultivate a family that loves others well, while at the same time standing for biblical principles, we have to strategically consider how we:
Disciple our children to know and love the Lord
Delight in the good gifts God has given us in the form of our family
Discipline our children in a way that helps form them into who God created them to be
...and how we plan our Destination – our relationship with our children from birth through adulthood.
This is what we call “4D Parenting.”
A 2019 Barna Group survey found that parents are the most important influencers on children’s spiritual lives. Half of children who come to Christ are led by their parents.
The heart of our Family Ministry is to minister to and alongside families.
We equip families with rhythms and resources to be transformed by God, rather than conformed by culture.
We host events that aim to offer formation as much as information.
We provide environments to foster community, connection, and commitment to Christ.
We wholeheartedly want for you to know that you do not have to parent alone and we look forward to connecting with you!
MOPS + MOMSnext
“We believe in the simple but revolutionary idea that remarkable things happen when moms come together.” (MOPS International)
Motherhood is hard. And moms need other moms in their corner. That is what MOPS + MOMSnext are all about!
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is for all moms with children from birth to 5. MOMSnext is for moms who have stepped into the next stage of parenting with elementary-aged kids (ages 6 - 10). Through our meetings, and additional community building opportunities such as playdates + mom’s nights out, we hope for moms to find friendship, community, support, and growth.
Our Spring Semester is currently in session but moms are welcome to join at any time in the year!
Parent Coaches
As part of our family ministry, we strive to connect parents with godly mentors to help guide them in navigating through the many challenges of parenting. Our coaching consists of one meeting with Robbin Howey, our Family Ministry director, followed by at least two meetings with your assigned parent coach(es).
Interested in serving as a coach?
We are always looking for individuals or couples to serve as coaches to families a few steps behind in their parenting journey.
The wisdom you have gained through your own parenting successes and struggles is valuable and can serve as a blessing to others in the church.
Looking for coaching?
As the saying goes, “it takes a village” and part of the heart behind our Family Ministry is that families don’t feel like they are in it alone.
Whether you are looking for guidance as you enter a new stage, or are seeking wisdom navigating through a challenging circumstance, we are here for you.
Stay in the know with our newsletter
We offer a weekly newsletter that serve to both form as well as inform.
We are all being shaped by the habits we have, and in turn that is shaping our families. Everyday liturgies, or repeatable behaviors, have the power to bring us closer into a life lived for Christ. Each week, we will highlight a family formation topic aiming to equip parents in their walk to faithfully form their children towards following the way of Jesus.
We believe that the majority of discipleship takes place at home and giving parents a window into their kids’ classrooms on Wednesdays and Sundays allows us to better partner together in pointing your children towards the Gospel. Each week, we will inform parents about monthly focuses, upcoming events, and ministry highlights within Ironwood Kids, Fifth, and Students as we aim to partner together.
