We are excited to announce that in January 2026 we will begin our Milestones Workshops! The goal of these workshops is to inform, encourage, and equip parents to fulfill their calling to be godly leaders in the home and train up their children in the Lord. All phases of growth and development will be covered, from infancy to children preparing to leave home and venture out into the real world on their own. These workshops will involve the entire Family Ministry team, and we will partner together with parents and grandparents to share wisdom we have all gained over the years.
We know parenting can be a struggle. One of our favorite parenting quotes comes from Dr. Michael Svigel, Department Chair of Theological Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He says, “Parenting is not a sprint. And it’s not a marathon. It’s a dogsled trek across Antarctica in winter. And you’re the dog!”
We are going to laugh and have fun during these workshops, because they are not designed to be a “content dump” of information. We truly want to walk alongside one another in support and fellowship, as we navigate this special time of life together, in community with each other.
Maybe you never had a good example growing up of what Godly leadership looks like in the home. You want to train your child up in the Lord but maybe you do not know how, or there is some fear about doing it right. You will be encouraged and equipped by these workshops. Maybe you are a parent that is actively doing the right things in the home. You will be reminded that it is worth it and you will receive some new tips, ideas, and resources to keep things fresh and engaging. Maybe you started being a spiritual leader in your home but busyness or discouragement set in and you have stopped. It is never too late to get back in the game! We are here cheering you on!
There are six Milestones we will be covering over the next three years, and we will devote two sessions for each. These sessions will be engaging and dynamic as we approach each Milestone from several different angles. We will begin with what the Bible says, and discuss barriers and hindrances to faithfully living out each Milestone, encouragement to actively engage in each Milestone, and we will provide resources and demonstrate how to use each resource as you spiritually lead in your home. We are so excited to partner together with you in this exciting journey! All parents, grandparents, and even married couples without kids yet are invited and encouraged to attend all of the workshops.
Fellowship's Six Milestones:
Milestone 1: Parent Commitment
This is the beginning point of our GenerationNext strategy. Parents will be challenged to accept wholeheartedly the role of primary faith trainer for their children. Discussion will include the importance of Dad and Mom, development of the child and how to begin a faith talk (family devotion).
Milestone 2: Salvation and Baptism
Recommended for parents of 3-7 year-olds. What can you be doing now to prepare your children to receive the saving message of the gospel? At what age can a child authentically respond to that message? How do you lead a child to faith and how do you prepare them for baptism? These are all questions that will be discussed in this workshop.
Milestone 3: Preparing for Adolescence
Recommended for parents of 8-11 year-olds. The teen years can be scary for parents and kids alike. We'll discuss helping your child establish a solid identity in Christ and how this can help them negotiate the common adolescent struggles. We'll also look at your changing relationship with your teen, issues of discipline and the importance of continued parental guidance.
Milestone 4: Purity for Life
Recommended for parents of 11-13 year-olds. This workshop will continue a focus on Godly identity and move into issues that older teens face such as how to have healthy friendships, dating, sexuality, and Biblical purity.
Milestone 5: Rite of Passage
Recommended for parents of 12-15 year-olds. Suddenly your baby is thinking about driving! Everything is about to change. In this workshop you'll be prepared to help your child make the transition to adulthood by looking at Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, the importance of knowing what you believe and understanding spiritual gifts.
Milestone 6: Preparing to Leave Home
Recommended for parents of 14-17 year-olds. The time is coming when your child will no longer be in your home. How will he or she react to the onslaught of attacks on his/her faith? Will he handle a checkbook responsibly? How does she become a person that influences others in the direction of salvation? Learn how to guide your child to prepare for these important times.
If you have any questions about Milestones, please contact Associate Pastor Nathan Davis: nathan.davis@fellowshipwaco.org or call the church office at 254-848-7200.
