Written by Deb del Villar, Director of Communications
“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. – Ephesians 4:1b-3
These verses hold some hefty commands. While these verses speak to the church, they can also remind us how to interact with our families. We have the choice to focus on what unites our family instead of what divides us. The most important thing is our desire for our children and grandchildren to follow Christ.
As you think about your church, maybe now is the time to begin or grow a grandparenting ministry. This can be a vital part in fulfilling your church’s vision and mission. Grandparents are a great unifying factor within the generations, bringing the past and present together.
Why not seek to integrate and unite a grandparenting ministry into your church strategy? Below are some ideas to get you started. Further below are some thoughts on building family unity.
Live a Worthy Life
We are each called to live a worthy life. We are urged to make progress, move forward, and be active in our calling. Grandparents, you can have an active role to play in discipling the children in your church. You can do so many things, like praying or teaching them.
For example, one church has the grandparents available after the service. The children come to them and share what they learned in class. The grandparent has stickers, a small treat, or a toy to give them. This church intentionally seeks to engage the older generations with the younger ones. Both benefit from this interaction.
Another church shared that yearly, they have the grandparents come to the classrooms at the end of a session. The individual grandparents pray and bless each child. This is looked forward to each time it is done.
Grandparents, it is not time to stop making a difference for Christ. Find ways to be involved in and support the mission of the church. What a great way to continually express our gratitude to God for our salvation.
Be Christlike in How We Treat Others
As members of the body of Christ, let us be strong, authentic examples of humility and gentleness. May our lives exude patience and show what it means to love unconditionally and steadfastly. May we be proactive, being ministers of reconciliation.
Legacy Coalition seeks to help grandparents grow in their biblical role through resources and events so they can have a great spiritual impact on their family. A grandparenting ministry as part of a unified church vision is a great step in this equipping process.
Many churches start with a prayer ministry or a small group study. These activities help undergird and strengthen grandparents in their ministry to their families. An additional blessing is that grandparents pray not only for their families but for the community of believers who gather. They realize they are not alone, which is so comforting. Relationships are healed within and without the immediate church community as God answers prayer. The Holy Spirit brings the family of God together in a bond of peace as they pray together for the needs of individual grandparents as well as the church.
Strive for the Bond of Peace
There are many ministries within a church. They all must work together as a body, cooperating and complementing one another. This oneness or unity speaks of doing life together with Christ as our common center. It is therefore critical to stay focused on God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. One ministry is not more important than another. Each has a role in helping the church function and fulfill its mission of discipleship.
Grandparenting ministry can help strengthen bonds within the church community. As grandparents meet with one another in small groups for Bible study, equipping, and praying times, this attachment is reinforced.
Ideas for Building Family Unity
As we desire unity within our church family, we also yearn for unity within our families.
One of the best ways is to support the parents. Seek ways to help carry the burden of raising children today. Always start by asking the parents what would assist and encourage them the most.
We have the blessed opportunity and responsibility to show what it means to be Christ-like. May we never stop reaching out and loving our grandchildren and our children. Our hearts’ focus needs to be on doing things for their benefit, having an unselfish concern for them, and a willingness to see the best for them.
Getting to know your grandchildren will help you appreciate their differences in personalities, abilities, temperaments, and giftedness. This, in turn, leads you to make allowances for faults, failures, and differing points of view. It also advises you on how to interact better with them. Seek to complement and encourage them. Steadily pour yourself out for them in acts that show love to them.
May God grow your Christ-like disposition, allowing you to show love even when you feel irritated, disturbed, or hurt. Acting like Christ will aid you as you strive for a bond of peace within your family.
Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you as you love your family well. Set aside past hurts, letting them go when you have done all you could do. Mend where you can, offering grace and forgiveness. Larry Fowler encourages us to “Let it go. Forgive. Move on.” [From Grandparenting Matters] Be alert, be diligent, and be quick to notice and seek unity within your family. We are called to be ministers of reconciliation.
Conclusion
As Christians, what we believe must change how we behave, whether at church or within our families. This balance comes as we remember what God has done for us, leading us to live our lives as redeemed sons and daughters of God. Our grandchildren are watching – do they see our calling as children of God lived out?
