Parenting Points

“Unprecedented” has become a meaningless word because it has been applied to everything. A coming presidential election leads to dusting off this word. Once again, we find ourselves in a world where we are divided – your party vs. my party and your candidate vs. mine. We all want to be on Jesus’ side, but I don’t think putting Jesus on a side is as easy as we may want it to be. When I served in student ministry, it was always fascinating to hear students talk about politics. Their dogmatic views of the heroes and villains of Washington were way beyond their age and personal research. These views being so passionately shared were parroted from conversations at home between mom and dad. So, how did Jesus respond to politics in His day when people tried to put him on a political team?

After Jesus performed a miracle and fed 5,000 men plus countless women and children, the crowd erupted, and the moment changed. John’s gospel recounts: “Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself” (John 6:15 ESV). The crowds wanted Jesus to be a political patriot, yet He ran away because He knew His mission was much greater than mere politics. In the moment when Jesus had a shot to become the political King of the Jews, He leaves the scene. He does not meet with the leaders of the political party. He does not become a lobbyist. He doesn’t pick a candidate to endorse. He simply moves on. Jesus cannot be contained by a party, side, or political persuasion. The priorities of Jesus are seen in a heart for humanity and a love for neighbor that raises hard questions that no single political system or party can adequately answer. 

As we approach politics with our kids in this coming election season, we need to remember that our kids are listening to what we say and watching how we respond. We should seek to have thoughtful conversations with our kids about politics and ideas that matter, yet we must remember that Jesus refuses to take sides, that faith must impact our decisions, and that the Gospel that unites us is much more important than the aisle that divides us. We should equip our kids to engage with ideas instead of demonizing people and to look beyond temporary conversations to seek to talk about eternal things. Our kids are watching, the world is watching, and we are representing Jesus as His followers.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries

www.benbirdsong.com 

Parenting Points

Church can be challenging, but it’s also a place where you belong. There have been many days, both attending and serving in churches, where you may have been tempted never to return. When broken people gather to seek to glorify and walk with Jesus in community, it can be messy. But despite the mess that often comes with it, there is power in Christians walking with Jesus in Christian community. The early church in the book of Acts “devoted” (Acts 4:42) themselves to each other in Christian community. In our busy world where faith is often defined as a “me and Jesus” or “private” thing, why is it important for us and our families to engage with our local church?

Power of Gathered Worship. Something extraordinary happens when we gather with other believers to worship Jesus. Through a time of corporate worship, we are reminded of what we believe through the Word and sacraments, exhorted through a sermon to live out that belief in everyday life, and given space to respond to the greatness of Jesus’ work in our lives through prayer and worship to Him. Corporate worship provides an environment for us to connect with God and others, inspiring us to live our lives in a way that glorifies Him.

Importance of Intentional Discipleship. In the New Testament and early church, disciples were not manufactured merely by reading books and learning theology. A disciple learned to walk with Jesus by walking alongside another brother and sister in Christ. In the church, we have opportunities through church programming and relational connection to find people for us and our kids to walk with on a journey of discipleship. Through this discipleship process, we learn to disciple our kids and others to walk with Jesus.

World Transformation through Connected Mission. It is hard to do mission alone. Many physical needs surround us. We encounter lost people daily who need the hope of the Gospel. Our cities and the nations need to experience the power of a church engaged in mission together. We can see a change in our world by combining our gifts, passions, and resources in the local church to serve our neighborhoods and the nations.

We are not meant to walk with Jesus alone. We and our families need the local church’s community, connection, and shared mission. As you and your family make plans for this fall season, will you choose to make your local church a priority?

-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries

www.benbirdsong.com  

Parenting Points

As summer fades into history, school is just around the corner. The beginning of a new school year brings the introduction of routines again and the opportunities for many new things. Though excitement naturally comes with the new, so does apprehension for us and our kids. Like every new season, we do not enter this season alone. We have a God who is with us, for us, and who goes before us. In Isaiah 41, the prophet is met with his place of uncertainty and is given this encouragement from the God who is always there: “…fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV). Though God is always with us, we often forget to seek Him and bring our concerns and daily moments before Him. As your family begins to go back to school and into routines, you are entering into a great season to incorporate times of more intentional prayer. 

Ride-Time Prayers. Whether you pray with your children before they get on the bus or when you drive them to school, prayers on the ride can help you and your children offer the day to God as an act of worship. During these ride-time prayers, you might want to pray through the schedule for the day, for your kid’s teachers, and for any challenges, concerns, or tests your child may have during the day. Pray also that God would use you and your child to make an impact on others for Jesus today.

Dinner Prayers. As your family gathers around the dinner table, or maybe more realistically, eats some food from a drive-thru bag on the way to practice, you can spend some time reflecting on the day through prayer. You and your kids can share good things and bad things that happened during the day and respond in prayer, thanking God for the good things and praying for Him to be present with you in the bad things.

Bedtime Prayers. Bedtime is a great time to close the day with your children and family in prayer. In bedtime prayers, you could focus on thanking God for another day of life, asking Him to give you rest, and filling you overnight with His strength for another day.

No matter what the pattern looks like for your family, when family prayers become a part of your back-to-school rhythm, you will be amazed to see how God can change you and your kid’s perspective of Him and His constant presence.  

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Writer, Speaker, and Minister

www.benbirdsong.com 

Parenting Points

Summer often brings a whirlwind of activities. While these experiences create lasting memories, they can also lead to a hectic pace that exhausts families. Amidst the busyness of summer, it’s vital to find moments of rest and reflection. Embracing Sabbath practices can help families reconnect with each other and with God, providing much-needed respite and spiritual renewal.

Understanding the Sabbath. The concept of the Sabbath originates from the Biblical commandment to rest on the seventh day, as God did after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3). This rest day is about ceasing work, rejuvenating the soul, deepening relationships, and focusing on spiritual well-being. For modern families, observing the Sabbath can mean setting aside dedicated time each week to rest, worship, and enjoy each other’s company.

Creating a Sabbath Routine. Establishing a Sabbath routine can help families navigate the busy summer months with intentionality and purpose. Begin by choosing a specific day or part of a day to observe as your family’s Sabbath. This could be a traditional Sunday or another day that fits your family’s schedule. The key is consistency and commitment.

Disconnect Digitally to Reconnect Relationally. One effective Sabbath practice is to disconnect from digital distractions. Encourage family members to put away their phones, tablets, and computers to focus on being present with one another. This digital detox can foster deeper conversations, meaningful interactions, and a sense of peace often disrupted by constant connectivity.

Engage in Worship and Prayer. Dedicate part of your Sabbath to communal worship and prayer. Whether attending a church service, reading Scripture together, or singing worship songs, these activities can strengthen your family’s spiritual bond. Prayer time can also be a moment for gratitude, reflection, and seeking God’s guidance for the week ahead.

Enjoy God’s Creation. Use your Sabbath to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. These moments of connection with the natural world can be restorative and inspiring, reminding your family of God’s majesty and creativity.

Finding rest in a busy summer through Sabbath practices is essential for maintaining balance and spiritual health. You can navigate the summer’s demands with renewed energy and a deeper sense of purpose by setting aside time for rest, worship, and family connection. Embrace the Sabbath as a gift from God—a time to pause, reflect, and be restored in His presence.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Writer, Speaker, and Minister

www.benbirdsong.com 

Parenting Points

Father’s Day is a special occasion to honor and celebrate fathers’ significant role in the lives of their children and families. Beyond providing for their physical needs, fathers serve as spiritual leaders and role models, guiding their children in faith and character development. 

Father as Spiritual Leader. Fathers are called to lead their families with wisdom, love, and integrity, serving as spiritual shepherds who point their children towards God. Through their words, actions, and example, fathers can instill faith, compassion, and forgiveness in their children, laying a solid foundation for their spiritual growth and development.

Father as Example. One of the most powerful ways fathers influence their children’s faith is through their example. When fathers prioritize their relationship with God, engage in prayer and scripture reading, and demonstrate love and kindness towards others, they set a powerful example for their children. These everyday acts of faithfulness leave a lasting impression on their children’s hearts and minds, shaping their understanding of God and His love for them.

Father as Nurturer of Spiritual Growth. Fathers have a unique opportunity to nurture their children’s spiritual growth by creating a home environment conducive to faith development. Whether through family devotions, meaningful conversations about faith, or attending church together, fathers can actively engage in their children’s spiritual journey, helping them grow in their relationship with God and understanding His word.

Father as Loving Leader. Above all, fathers are called to lead with love—a love that reflects the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father. Through their love and support, fathers provide a safe and nurturing environment where their children can flourish and grow in faith. They offer guidance, encouragement, and grace, embodying the love and compassion of Christ in their roles as fathers.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, let us take the time to honor and express gratitude for the fathers in our lives. Whether biological fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, or spiritual father figures, let us recognize their invaluable contributions to our families and lives. 

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Writer, Speaker, and Minister

www.benbirdsong.com 

Parenting Points

Life is filled with transitions—moving to a new home, changing schools, entering adolescence—each bringing a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For some families, May marks the beginning of a transition season. Navigating these transitions can be challenging for children and students, but with the support of family and trusting God by faith, they can embrace change with courage and resilience.

Recognize the Challenges of Transition. Transitions can evoke emotions in children and students, from excitement and anticipation to anxiety and fear. They may feel overwhelmed by the unknown or mourn the loss of familiarity. Acknowledging these feelings and providing a safe space for children to express themselves is important.

Turn to God for Strength During the Transition. Our faith in God can be a source of strength and comfort. By grounding themselves in their faith and trusting in God’s plan, children and students can find the courage to face new challenges confidently. Encourage children to turn to prayer, scripture, and spiritual practices to help them navigate change with grace and resilience.

Find Stability Amidst the Transition. During times of transition, children and students crave stability and consistency. Establish routines and traditions that provide security and continuity amidst change. Incorporate faith practices into daily life, such as family prayer, scripture reading, and attending worship services, to reinforce a sense of connection to God and each other.

Model Resilience. Parents serve as role models, demonstrating how to navigate transitions. Share stories of your experiences with change and how God helped you through difficult times. By modeling a positive attitude and relying on God’s guidance, you can inspire confidence and resilience in your children.

Seek Support During Transition. Navigating transitions is not something children should do alone. Encourage them to seek support from family members, friends, and trusted adults, including pastors or youth leaders. Surrounding themselves with a supportive community can provide additional encouragement and guidance as they navigate new experiences.

Transitions are a natural part of life, offering opportunities for growth, learning, and self-discovery. Helping children and students navigate change with reliance on God and support from others empowers them to embrace new experiences with confidence and resilience. Together, as we follow God, we can navigate life’s transitions with grace and hope for the future.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

Parenting Points

Finding time to connect with God as a family can be challenging in a world filled with busyness and distractions. However, one simple yet powerful way to nurture faith and strengthen bonds within the family is through prayer walks. By combining physical activity with spiritual reflection, family prayer walks offer a unique opportunity to deepen your connection with God and each other while experiencing the beauty of God’s creation.

What is a Family Prayer Walk? A family prayer walk is an intentional time set aside for walking together as a family while engaging in prayer and conversation with God. It can take place in a variety of settings, such as a local park, a nature trail, or even around your neighborhood. The key is to intentionally incorporate prayer and reflection into the walk. Here are five tips for a meaningful family prayer walk:

• Choose a Scenic Route: Select a location that offers scenic views or natural beauty to enhance the experience of prayer and reflection.
• Set a Prayer Theme or Topic: Begin the walk with a specific intention or prayer focus. For example, you could spend one prayer walk focusing on God’s creation and praising Him for its beauty. You could spend a prayer walk around the neighborhood, praying for the neighbors whose houses you are passing. You could pray for a specific person, need, or upcoming event in your family.
• Engage the Senses: Encourage family members to engage their senses by noticing the sights, sounds, and smells of nature around them and reflecting on how they reveal God’s glory.
• Pray Aloud or Silently: Invite family members to pray aloud or silently as they feel led, allowing each person to express their thoughts, feelings, and desires to God. You may also want to walk in silence to listen to the world around you and the voice of God speaking to you.
• Reflect and Share: At the end of the walk, reflect on the experience and share insights, prayers, and blessings with one another.

Family prayer walks offer a simple yet profound way for families to grow closer to God and each other plus you might get some steps in along the way. As you embark on this journey together, may you experience the joy of encountering God’s presence in the beauty of creation and the warmth of a shared experience of faith as a family together.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

Parenting Points

In February, as love takes center stage with Valentine’s Day, let’s embark on a different kind of celebration—a celebration of kindness. Imagine a February where every day is an opportunity for your family to spread love through acts of kindness, both big and small. This month, let’s challenge ourselves and our families to make kindness a daily habit, reflecting the love that Jesus has shown us.

The Kindness Challenge is simple and powerful. Each day, commit as a family to performing an act of kindness for someone else. It could be a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or even a stranger. The goal is to spread the love of Jesus to others intentionally. Here are 10 acts of kindness ideas.

• Write Encouraging Notes: Take the time to write notes of encouragement and leave them where others can find them.
• Bake and Share Treats: Whip up some homemade treats and share them with your neighbors or coworkers.
• Offer Help: Extend a helping hand to someone in need. You could help with groceries, chores, or any other task.
• Compliment Freely: Be intentional to compliment those around you. A sincere compliment can brighten someone’s day.
• Donate to Charity: Clean your closets and donate items to a local charity. It’s a great way to declutter while helping those in need.
• Random Acts of Kindness: Perform random acts of kindness, like paying for someone’s coffee or leaving small surprises for family members.
• Visit the Elderly: Spend time with elderly neighbors or residents at a local nursing home. Your company can be a source of joy.
• Express Gratitude: Write thank-you notes to people who have positively impacted your life.
• Volunteer as a Family: Dedicate a day to volunteer as a family. It’s a wonderful way to bond while giving back to the community.
• Listen with Intent: Practice active listening. Give your full attention when someone is speaking and respond with kindness and empathy.

The Kindness Challenge cultivates a spirit of love and compassion in your family. As Christians, our faith teaches us the importance of love and kindness. Jesus, the embodiment of love, calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). By making kindness a daily practice, we emulate Christ’s teachings and contribute to creating a more compassionate and loving community. The ripple effect of such intentional acts of kindness extends beyond February, leaving a lasting impact on those around us.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

Parenting Points

As December approaches, Christians worldwide embark on a special journey of faith known as Advent. This season, lasting four weeks and leading up to Christmas, is a time of reflection, anticipation, and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent offers a beautiful opportunity for families to draw nearer to God and one another as they prepare their hearts for the arrival of Christ.

The Meaning of Advent. The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” During Advent, Christians reflect on the coming of Jesus into the world, both in His historical birth in Bethlehem and in His future return. It’s a season of hope, love, joy, and peace.

Focuses of Advent. A word represents each week of Advent, and a corresponding candle of the Advent wreath is lit to remember the focus in worship services throughout the season. The central white candle of the Advent wreath is lit on Christmas Day.

Week 1: Hope. The first word of Advent is hope and reminds us of the anticipation of the Old Testament prophets for the Messiah’s coming.

Week 2: Love. The second word of Advent is love and reminds us of the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

Week 3: Joy. The third word of Advent is joy pointing to the joy the shepherds experienced at the birth of Jesus.

Week 4: Peace. The fourth word of Advent is peace reminding us of the angels’ proclamation of peace on earth.

Celebrating Advent with Your Family. Advent encourages families to come together in prayer, reflection, and anticipation. It’s a time to share stories, read scripture, and discuss the significance of Christ’s birth. You may want to look at the stories mentioned above for each week of Advent as a family. By focusing on hope, love, joy, and peace, Advent reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas lies not in the hustle and bustle of the season but in the humble arrival of the Savior. In celebrating Advent, families are not only preparing their homes for the birth of Christ but also their hearts. It’s a time of spiritual growth, nurturing faith, and fostering togetherness. As we journey through these weeks of anticipation, may we find the hope, love, joy, and peace that Christ’s coming brings and share these blessings as we long for Jesus’ second Advent.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

Parenting Points

All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1, is significant for many Christians worldwide. It is a time for believers to honor and remember the lives of Christian heroes and role models who have left a lasting impact on our faith. We are encouraged to look and learn from the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1 ESV) as the author of the Hebrews encourages us. From their encouragement, we can more faithfully “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 ESV).

In our current church environment, we have neglected to remember the stories of faithful people who have gone before us. The church’s history is filled with examples of martyrs who gave their lives faithfully following Jesus, other saints who lived their lives faithfully following Jesus, and missionaries who gave up their comforts to take the gospel to hard to reach places. We need to remember their stories and seek to learn from them. All Saints’ Day creates a space for Christian families to reflect on the lives of great Christian leaders, missionaries, theologians, and other influential figures. It’s a day to remember the likes of Saint Augustine, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther, Hudson Taylor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and countless others who have shaped the Christian faith and impacted the world through their lives.

The stories of those who have gone before us serve as roadmaps, illuminating the path of faith, love, compassion, and sacrifice. They remind our families that a life lived in service to God and humanity is a life truly well-lived. Even if November 1 has come and gone, take some time this November to connect your children to the stories of the saints who have gone before us. Do some quick online research to learn more about a person’s story and share it with your kids. Spend some time discussing the story with your family, seeking to understand how the person faithfully followed God in difficult moments. Then discuss what it would look like for you and your family to live out your faith daily. All Saints’ Day is a beautiful occasion to draw inspiration from the lives of those who dedicated themselves to Christ. As we honor these Christian heroes, let us strive to embody their faith and allow the Lord to use our family’s lives to make an impact for God’s kingdom.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com