What is a Grandparenting Ministry?

I've been writing all week about teaming up with the Legacy Coalition and

starting a Grandparenting Ministry in your church, but you may be wondering how might this look in my church and how would it help the Children's Ministry? Well, today I'm going to talk about what a Grandparenting Ministry might look like in your church and then tomorrow I'll write about why the Children's Ministry benefits from being strong supporters of a Grandparenting Ministry.

First of all, let me clarify. A Grandparenting Ministry, while it will encourage grandparents, is not a Grandparent's Ministry. A Grandparent's Ministry is a ministry for grandparents. This would include things like Bible studies, get-togethers, and small groups. A Grandparent's Ministry focuses on and is about Grandparents.

While there may be Bible studies and get-togethers as part of a Grandparenting Ministry, a Grandparenting Ministry is different as they will focus on engaging, equipping and encouraging grandparents to pass on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren. 

So, what might a Grandparenting Ministry look like? Consider the following -

• A Grandparenting Ministry is one where grandparents are consistently engaged and challenged, from the pulpit and in classes and small groups, to focus on what really matters - passing on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren. They are challenged to push back against a culture which "preaches" a message of how retirement is time for them to focus on themselves and to instead follow God's Word and be intentional about telling their children's children about all God has done!
• A Grandparenting Ministry is one where grandparents are taught what God's Word has to say about how their "job" is not over - God wants them to be actively involved in passing faith on to their grandchildren.
• A Grandparenting Ministry is one where grandparents learn about resources which will help them pass faith to their grandchildren.
• A Grandparenting Ministry is one where grandparents are equipped to pass on their faith.
• A Grandparenting Ministry is one where prayer is focused and real.
• A Grandparenting Ministry is one where there are opportunities for grandparents to participate in activities with their grandchildren - Grand Camp, Christmas service projects, Summer picnics, Grand Game Nights, etc.
• A Grandparenting Ministry is one which holds a New and Expectant Grandparents class at least once a year (and any grandparent could participate) where these new and soon-to-be grandparents can start on the right foot by understanding their Biblical role and how to pass on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren.

As you can see, a Grandparenting Ministry is about engaging, equipping and encouraging grandparents to be intentional about passing on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren. 

Can you see how a Grandparenting Ministry would benefit the grandparents and grandchildren and families in your church? If you would like more information about how your church can be part of the Legacy Coalition and start a Grandparenting Ministry, email me - lyndafreemanatcd@gmail.com