In our culture, many parents are in the habit of providing for their children by dropping them off to a resident expert. In their hearts they want what is best for their children. They provide the children with a professional tennis coach, and a professional piano instructor who is highly skilled and able to teach the children the finer elements of each particular discipline. Somehow this mentality has carried over into the church. Parent's own feelings of spiritual inadequacy compounds the problem, but in essence the parents are looking for a "spiritual professional" to instruct their children in the spiritual development process. Somehow they think that they have done their duty by dropping their children off to a "spiritual professional."

However, the reality is that we are not helping parents by assuming the God given responsibility of leading their children in the things of God. Seen from this perspective, it becomes a high priority for the church to equip, train, lead and encourage parents to lead their families in the things of God. Family Small Groups become a hotbed for parents and families to learn how to seek God together and live in the "Basic Christian Community". A "house full of Christians", is not the same as a "Christian Home"…

1) What is a Family Small Group?

This is a group that includes and takes responsibility for the spiritual growth of the children as well as the adults present. It is a group where the people have a heart for ministry to every age. A person does not need to have children to be in the group, but must have a heart for children.

2) What is different about a Family Group?

The children are included in the times of worship and prayer, and may or may not participate with the adults in the bible study time. Children enjoy being a part of this time with the adults, and quickly learn the adult songs and choruses. The environment before and after the meeting is closely akin to a family re-union where the adults are talking and cultivating their relationships while the children are playing and enjoying their relationships as well.

3) What about the Bible Study time?

Each group can decide how they want to handle the time in the word. Some leaders are very gifted in teaching in a way that both adults and children can learn together. Other leaders will want the children to meet separately and have their own bible study time. This requires a house with two rooms for the two groups to meet simultaneously. Even for those groups that meet with the adults and children together, from time to time it is healthy to have an "adults only" night. This night is a good time to make plans, evaluate how to better minister to the children and grow together as a group.

4) Who leads the Children's Bible Study time?

The adults share this responsibility. Each week a different couple takes responsibility for leading the children in the word. Great care is taken to include the older children in leading the younger ones. The older children enjoy leading in games, giving their testimonies, or leading the discussion times.

As an example, one Family Group rotates the meeting location each month. The family whose home the meeting is in will take responsibility for the children's bible study time, and for the refreshments for the month. This way no one has to haul food to the meeting, and the host family is able to use the house to its full potential in caring for the children.

5) What is the schedule like?

• 7:00 pm Greeting/Welcome
• 7:05 pm Worship in song
• 7:20 pm Prayer time
• 7:40 pm Bible Study - Adults and children separate.
• 8:30 pm Refreshments

6) Do the children always come?

rom time to time it is good to have an "adults only" night. Everyone gets a babysitter and this is a good time to plan and evaluate how to best minister to the children, as well as get some un-interrupted time together as adults. Many groups plan an "adult only" night every six weeks.

7) What night works best?

Any night can work. During the school year, many Family Small Groups have found that Friday nights work very well since there is no school the next day, and they don't have to rush off at the end of the night to get the kids in bed. Sunday nights have also proven to be a very popular night where they can meet at 5:00pm and be done early enough for the children to be in bed early for school the next day.

8) Host House Rules

(NOTE: customize this list for each unique home)

Children are a gift from the Lord. As parents, we are stewards of these precious lives. We will seek to create a healthy spiritual environment for these children, and for each adult in our group. Children will not be left un-supervised, and each adult will be aware of helping the children follow these guidelines for conduct in the home.

• Equipment or toys will only be used after asking permission.
• Closed doors are not to be opened, or stairs climbed without permission.
• Do not go outside without an adult.
• Do not use the telephone without permission.
• Ask before you use the bathroom.
• Do not eat before you have been invited.
• Parents will pay for any thing broken or damaged.
• Clean up after yourself before you leave.
• Thank your host politely.

Group Agreement for Children:

• We will be sensitive to adults - no shouting or running.
• We will worship God with the adults.
• We will listen while others are speaking.
• We will talk to adults politely and pray for them.
• We will not talk about our families without permission.
• We will obey our parents and the Cell Leaders.
• We will obey the House Rules for each Host Home.
• We will help children of all ages.
• We will respect the person leading our Children’s Cell.
• We will serve others before ourselves.

Group Agreement for Adults

• Adults will not ignore the children.
• Adults will be patient with all children.
• We will encourage the children to participate.
• We will get to know each child by name and pray for them.
• We will support the House Rules.
• We will not talk about children without their permission.
• Parents look after their own children.
• Any breakages or damages to the Host Home will be quickly compensated.
• Parents will be mindful of their children’s bedtimes.