“Think Orange” is a book discussing the impact when church and family collide (combine) to make a greater impact on the spiritual life of our children. The church has kids about 40 hours a year; parents have them 3000 hours a year. Where should the greatest impact and investment of time and resources be?
“The family exists, even in its imperfection, to display the heart of God to every generation.” (Think Orange, p.49). Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says, “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your strength. These commandments I give to you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” We, as parents, must communicate what is most important, spiritually, at morning time, meal time, drive time, and bed time.
Not many of us parents feel equipped or trained to be the primary spiritual teacher in our family. Parents need churches to help them know how to be spiritual leaders. I will be exploring this area of “family” ministry so that we can guide parents to have a plan, show them how it works, and challenge families to teach regularly. I don’t just want another church program. I want the church to come alongside parents to help build faith and character in our children, youth, and into young adult-hood. This is just a tidbit of information on the “Think Orange’ ideas. More to come.