Milestones
How to have great family devotionals- pamphlet
Milestone 1: Baby Dedication
Milestone 1 is a time for parents to learn about the great responsibility and privilege of parenting; along with specific training on how to navigate the Milestone process. The culmination of the training is celebrated with a baby dedication ceremony during a worship service in which fathers may pray for their children.
Milestone 2: Faith Commitment/Baptism
Milestone 2 is for children that are starting to have questions about faith in Christ. Training is provided for parents to cover topics such as: “How do I teach my children about becoming a Christian,” and, “How do I know if my child is ready to surrender to Christ?” This process is culminated with the child following in the obedience of baptism after their decision to give their life to Christ. New Christian classes will be offered regularly throughout the year for children who surrender to Christ.
Milestone 3: Identity in Christ
Milestone 3 is for 4th graders. An annual seminar offers teaching, resources, and encouragement for raising adolescents and the unique challenges that they face. Parents are given specific training on how to lead their children to have a daily quiet time. The culmination of this training is a ceremony during a worship service where 4th grade students commit to a daily quiet time in front of the entire church family.
Milestone 4: Purity
Milestone 4 is for 8th grade students. An annual seminar is offered for parents and students regarding the power of a life that is committed to purity. An annual ceremony for 8th graders and their parents is held during a worship service at the conclusion of the seminar in which a symbol of purity is given to the student by their parents.
Milestone 5: Missions
Milestone 5 is for 10th grade students and their parents. During their 10th grade year the student and their parent will attend a special foreign mission trip. Students learn the destination of their mission trip when they are 7th graders; and the next three years will include training and fundraising for the trip. Students and their parents are encouraged to make prayer for their country a constant part of their family prayer time. The idea behind Milestone 5 is for students to realize that God has called all Christians to live as missionaries!
Milestone 6: The Blessing
Milestone 6 is for graduating seniors. Parents are offered training on how to handle the transition of life with their now grown child; and how to bless their child as they leave the nest. Students experience teaching that will better prepare them to understand their Christian worldview and the attacks that they will experience on that worldview as they go off to college or career. The culmination of Milestone 6 is a blessing given by the parents to their child at a special family gathering.
Milestone 7: Marriage
Milestone 7 is intended for couples prior to getting married. Training is provided to teach what God expects in marriage, and practical tips on how to have a God-honoring marriage. The wedding ceremony is the culmination of this Milestone.
Milestone 8: Empty Nest … Accelerate the Missional Life
Milestone 8 is intended for couples who have just become empty nesters. It is extremely important for new empty nesters to realize their potential for the kingdom of God. Instruction is provided for learning to find new mission opportunities, new hobbies, and to embrace this new stage of life. A ceremony to renew the marriage covenant crowns this new stage of life.