Dear Brother and Sisters, 

I had the privilege of attending Jeff Chacon’s parenting class this past Sunday August 2nd.  Jeff shared a lesson on training our children in addition to disciplining our children.  The idea behind the lesson was how we need to focus on training our children in the way of the Lord,  not just in the way to be saved but in the practical way to live a life according to God’s will with his commands and covenants. 

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6

As I sat through the class with Sheila I was concerned that only seventeen (17) adults were attending the parenting class.  I began to wonder why there were so few brothers and sisters in attendance. Were people busy, sick, out of town, or unaware of the meeting? 

Then I thought back to my own heart when I woke up Sunday morning and Sheila asked if we were going to go to the parenting class.  I must confess I was less than enthusiastic about going early for a parenting class.  I thought really, I have five children ages 11 to 19, what am I going to take away from this class?  What will I learn that I don’t already know? 

Then the Spirit worked on my heart and I came to the following conclusions:  We only have these parenting meetings 12 times a year, one 45 minute meeting a month.  How hard is it for me to be committed to attending this meeting one Sunday a month before church?  It could not be more convenient! 

Then I thought it might be encouraging to Jeff if Sheila and I attended knowing he spent valuable personal time preparing to teach us from God’s word on how to be Godly parents. In my head I thought “Am I really so prideful as to think I don’t have anything else to learn in parenting”? 

Then my next thought was “Gee, maybe this is not about what I’m going to get out of the class but maybe God intends for the younger parents to be encouraged that Sheila and I are still willing to seek training and advice on parenting even though our kids are practically grown”. 

The truth is that after attending the class I felt we were refreshed by Jeff’s lesson and reminded of the truths that we need to continue to impress on our own children.  I also felt that it was encouraging to Jeff and other parents that we were there supporting the class. 

The spirit continued to work on my heart and mind that I must address this issue with the church.  I felt compelled to challenge us as a unified body to seek out Godly training and advice in all situations and especially with our children. 

Two scriptures came to mind thinking about this situation. 

"The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice."
Proverbs 12:15

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise."
Proverbs 19:20

We are a membership of approximately 270 disciples and the majority of our fellowship is families of some makeup with children.  As part of the leadership of the church I frequently hear the desire for parenting classes.  God has provided us a very experienced and talented teacher in Jeff and based on the last two parenting classes we are unfortunately showing a lack of appreciation by the poor attendance of our brothers and sisters with children. 

I ask that you meditate on the scriptures and examine your individual hearts why you are not attending the parenting classes. I challenge Husbands to lead their families and come to the classes and bring your spouses with you.  Look at Proverbs 13 below: 

"The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death."
Proverbs 13:14

We need to be the fountain of life for our own children and we must be willing to be humble and sacrifice our time to gain training and understanding on how to raise God loving children. 

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Matthew 5:5-7

Impress this scripture on your own heart and the hearts of all those you have an influence on.  Give yourself a heart check with this scripture regarding your willingness to seek training as a parent.  Do you hunger and thirst to teach your children how to have a righteous love of God? 

My heart hopes that this letter is received with a glad and sincere heart and the spirit allows you to hear and consider my message. 

My conviction is that our fellowship should be devoted to seeking out righteous training for our children and that the parenting classes are an invaluable gift from God.  I ask that each of you do what ever you can to make next months parenting class a priority in your personal life.  Let’s glorify God in our unity and humility to raise children that Love him. 

In his service,
Steve Tarte

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