Parent Support Group

[carmen]

Anyone currently or in the past been a part of a parent support group type of ministry? If so, what did you get out of it? Was it helpful and why or why not? What sort of activities did you do when you got togther? Discussion time, prayer, study, just fellowship?

I am mulling over approaching my pastor with the thought of starting one at our church, but have never been a part of one so I would like a little knowledge beforehand :D:

[LisaAnn]

I was a part of one in a neighboring church. :nod It was a big outreach for their church since they advertised it in the newspaper.

While I was there we did Tedd Tripp's - Sheparding A Childs Heart video series. We would all meet together at the beginning and watch the video (30 minutes) and then break up into small groups (about 5 people each) and discuss the video and/or do the questions that went along with it. Often we spend that time encouraging each other and helping with discipline/parenting problems. I'm no longer a part of that group but I made some very good friends there that we are now in a couples Bible study with. :thumb

Every once in awhile afterwards we would have a special activity. Like one of the ladies made baskets so she taught us to weave a little jelly basket. I love mine and keep it in my bathroom.

[steph1962]

Carmen - I know that you're a single parent - I am too. What kind of support are you looking for? I just started attending a Christian support group for parents of teens. It's been very helpful so far. The ministry is run by a couple with two successful grown children who were very difficult teenagers. It's been the most practical parenting thing that I've done.

Stephanie C.

[carmen]

Thanks for the info, ladies!

Steph, I am not so much looking for one as I feel it might be beneficial for our local body, and I am suspecting that God is calling me to begin one. I felt pushed to do this sort of thing in the past but ignored it and it went away. Now it's back again :peep :lol

Don't get me wrong, I would certainly benefit personally a great deal from something like this (which has me wondering if this is God or my flesh :lol), but what I was wondering from others that have done this before is what they found helpful (or not so helpful) about it. I am trying to gather info before I approach my pastor (assuming I get up the nerve! :lol).

[steph1962]

I think it's a great idea!

Will the only "requirement" be that it's a ministry to all parents? Or single parents? Or parents of teens? Or parents who have lost their minds? Oops! That one just slipped out! :D:

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Maybe one of the questions you can ask yourself to help determine your focus is this: What are the "afflictions" in your life where God has provided you with the most comfort? The area where we have suffered and been healed is often our door of ministry to others in those same circumstances. We can relate to the pain others feel and we can provide the healing medicine of God's word along with some practical wisdom that we learned.

I once read a neat definition of compassion. It said that compassion is your pain in my heart, and my pain in your heart. I thought that was pretty cool.

You're a smart lady and you've probably already asked yourself these questions and figured all of this out, but maybe something here will be helpful. :):

Please share with the rest of us parents (who have lost our minds) what you decide - we'll be interested to know!

Good luck, my sister...

Stephanie C.

[LisaAnn]

Now that I've been thinking about it a few days I believe we also studied the Five Languages of Love in our group as well. It did have a section on the love languages of children. We also did a study on personality types. These both were very helpful and interesting in helping me see how my dh and children were mentally wired and it has really helped me in dealing with them.

[carmen]

Some great advice and ideas here....thanks SO much! :hug

[Gracie]

Carmen, I'd love to know how this turns out for you. It's SOOOOO needed nowadays. Praying for you.

**The link in my sig is to a newletter put out by a Christian mom who felt the desire to minister to other parents. Her premise is teaching our children a Christian worldview so that they don't get their worldview from "the world". She has wonderful, biblical ideas and examples. You may want to check out her website or contact her.

[carmen]

Thanks, Gracie! I am traveling today but will definitely take a look at her site!