Parent Central is a resource tool that provides encouragement and inspiration as you attempt to help your children grow spiritually.
Parents are the primary source of spiritual influence in our society and culture. In the article, The Church’s Parenting Challenge, Mark Holmen, a Senior Pastor at Willow Creek Church in Ventura, California said…
“One day I looked at a survey that had been conducted with about 250,000 kids and was blown away to find that the number one reason why kids said they have faith was because of their Mom; number two was their Dad; number three was their Pastor, (not Children’s Minister or Youth Pastor); number four was their Grandparents. Youth Pastor did show up, and so did Sunday School, and Youth Ministry, but those were, like, numbers 12-17. That’s when I realized, that Mom and Dad were two to three times more influential than any church program.”
Mom and Dads are VERY important in spiritual development. There are many ways that you can be a spiritual influence. Bible study and devotions are a great way of doing it, but spending time with your children and modeling Christian behavior and principles are another. Your children value and respect your opinion and beliefs more than you think.
We are not trying to discount what we do as at Harrison Church for children and youth. We take our role as spiritual influencers very seriously. We are a resource and support partner for you. You are the primary spiritual trainer. We want to be here to encourage and support you in the challenges that you face in the home everyday. We only have them for a few hours a week. That can never replace or account for the other 168 hours in a week.
To learn more about Parent Central
Contact: Rob Morris at 704-942-8769 (cell)
Online Resources
Carolinas Counseling Group
This ministry is highly recommended by the pastoral staff of Harrison Church. They have counseling for everyone, adults and students.
Dr. Kevin Leman
Leman is the author of over 30 books on parenting, marriage, and children. He is an internationally known psychologist, award winning author, columnist, radio and television personality and speaker. He has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and common sense psychology.
The best-selling “Relationship Doctor” has made house calls for hundreds of radio and television programs including Oprah, CBS’ The Early Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, Today, The View with Barbara Walters, and Focus on the Family, with Dr. James Dobson. Dr. Leman is a frequent contributor to CNN’s American Morning and has served as a consulting family psychologist to Good Morning America.
Homeword.com
A great resource on parenting and building families. A ministry of author and speaker Jim Burns. They also have a another site “Understanding Your Teenager.”
CPYU.org, Center for Parent and Youth Understanding
CPYU is a non-profit organization committed to building strong families by serving to bridge the cultural-generational gap between parents and teenagers.
Ask Hayley.com
Hayley DiMarco is the Chief Creative Officer and founder of Hungry Planet. She writes cutting-edge and best-selling books for teens like Dateable, Mean Girls, Sexy Girls, and Technical Virgin. She also writes books for former teens, including Marriable and Mean Girls All Grown Up. Her goal is to give practical answers for life’s problems and encourage readers to form stronger spiritual lives.
Real Relationships.com
Les and Leslie, a husband and wife team, who not only share the same name, but the same passion for helping others build healthy relationships. In 1991, the Parrotts founded the Center for Relationship Development on the campus of Seattle Pacific University – a groundbreaking program dedicated to teaching the basics of good relationships.
Books
Dr. Kevin Leman
Making Children Mind without Losing Yours
Anyone who believes child rearing is easy probably doesn’t have any. In this newly revised and updated bestseller, Dr. Leman offers seven Scripture-based principles of “Reality Discipline” that make parenting easier. Discover a loving no-nonsense approach that really works. Includes study guide. buy the book
Jim Burns
Confident Parenting
In Confident Parenting, Jim Burns weaves together the fictional story of Mark and Becky, two normal parents trying their best to raise normal kids, with practical parenting tips and strategies. Part story, part information, each chapter explores a different aspect of parenting, such as balancing self-care with family care, and includes the ingredients involved in proper discipline. buy the book
George Barna
Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions
Want to reach America’s largest hidden mission field? Look down! Studies show that our children’s moral development is largely set before the age of ten. Discover ways for your congregation to target this world view-shaping window of opportunity, equip new Christian parents to nurture spiritual maturity in their kids, and help strengthen the church’s future generation. buy the book
Mark Holmen
Faith Begins at Home
In the past, faith was a central part of the family’s home life, passed on from generation to generation. Today, the reality for many families is that faith is no more than one-hour, drop-off Christianity, if it is present at all. What does this mean for the faith of our children? How will they come to know Christ? And how does a family put Christ at the center of their busy lives? Mark Holmen knows that becoming the strong, healthy, joy-filled families God intended us to be, begins with parents establishing their homes as the primary place where faith is nurtured. In this engaging book, you will learn about the importance of you and your spouse’s walk with the Lord; of using gifts and experiences of grandparents, elders and mentors in the family; and of the role church should play with families. Filled with a wealth of practical ideas, inspirational stories and biblical truth, you’ll be inspired, motivated and equipped to help you and your family succeed. buy the book
Betsy Hart
It Takes a Parent
Tyrannized by “experts.” Obsessed with perfection. Harried and anxious to the point of misery. Columnist, commentator and mother of four, Betsy Hart sees these traits in what she calls today’s “parenting culture” that is, a nation of parents who put their kids on a pedestal, shy away from discipline, and generally cede the responsibility for making decisions, large and small, to their children. Here is her provocative argument for the crucial and currently unfashionable role of parents who lead rather than follow. This insightful, common sense book will help shift the focus back to the role and responsibilities of parents for guiding the character and hearts of their children, so they will grow up to be responsible adults themselves. buy the book
