It is vital that parents begin rearing their children with the kingdom of God in mind, a pair of Southern Baptist leaders say.
It is vital that parents begin rearing their
children with the kingdom of God in mind, a pair of Southern Baptist
leaders say.
In a new book by Broadman & Holman Publishers
titled “Parenting with Kingdom Purpose,” authors Ken Hemphill and
Richard Ross cite the need for a fresh approach to raising children –
one that focuses on fulfilling God’s plans for each child’s life and on
bringing families closer to each other and to the Lord.
The book is designed to offer helps on how to parent
one’s children with the kingdom of God in mind. No issue could be more
important and central for today’s families, the pair of authors insist.
“We are losing our young people at an alarming
rate,” said Hemphill, who serves as national strategist for the
Empowering Kingdom Growth initiative in the Southern Baptist
Convention.
“That’s why it was vitally important to write a book
that not only explains the importance of parenting children with a
kingdom purpose but that also provides practical suggestions for how to
develop and maintain a kingdom focus throughout life,” he emphasized.
Using biblical principles coupled with research
findings, Hemphill and Ross set forth ways Christian parents can shape
their children for God’s Kingdom.
One of the first questions the book encourages
readers to ask themselves is, “What is my child’s purpose on Planet
Earth?” Hemphill and Ross explain that before parents can answer this
question about their children, they must first answer this question for
themselves.
“Most children become young adults with a faith
similar to their parents, which can be good or bad,” said Ross,
professor of youth ministry at Southwestern Baptist Theological
Seminary. “When parents understand their own purpose in God’s kingdom,
they can then correctly guide their children related to this purpose.
“Many parents – even Christian parents – will raise their children to gain worldly success,” Ross said.
“But in the process, their children are forfeiting
their souls. There must be a healthy balance so that children can see
their God-given gifts in light of their important role in the kingdom
of God.”
Hemphill and Ross stress the necessity of parenting
with grace, of offering warm and unfailing love after discipline, of
spending quality time with children, of talking about the Bible and of
constantly praying for one’s children.
Praying for the salvation of children is the
“highest privilege and gravest responsibility of a parent,” the authors
note.
“Parenting with Kingdom Purpose” also touches on the
subject of instilling in children the mindset that they are a
missionary of God in whatever activity or vocation they choose.
Most importantly, Hemphill and Ross remind parents,
“It is never too early to begin parenting with kingdom purpose – nor is
it ever too late.” (BP)
(For details on “Parenting with Kingdom Purpose,” visit www.kingdomparent.com)