You've read the statistics. You've probably even heard pastors, leaders, and other parents talk about how we are losing this generation for Christ after they leave for college. The reality is, most kids are lost before they even reach college.
Rob Rienow calls us to some forgotten ways in the Western church today. As a youth pastor that is deep in all of the youth ministry ideas, I can't seem to shake what Rob proposes in Visionary Parenting. Parents are called to be the primary spiritual caregivers and infuencers in the lives of their kids. I've encountered so many parents in ministry that are physically 'there' for their kids, but that simply 'check out' spiritually with their kids. They then basically delegate to the Church to do what God has already called them to be in the lives of their families. Rob Rienow calls parents back to their most fundamental calling as a parent: to pass on the legacy of the faith to their kids and to be intentional about practicing discipleship in the home. As a youth pastor, I am thrilled about this incredible vision that Rob casts for parents.
As a man moving into marriage, I'm even more excited about the vision for practicing discipleship in the home than I am about other parents' practicing it! I don't see the idea of visionary parenting to be a burden, but a wonderful gift and journey that God calls my future wife and I towards. I'm excited to build this vision into my marriage even before we have kids.
Do you have GOD'S PLAN for your marriage and family? Or are you simply delegating what God gave you to do back to the Church? I can't recommend a more comprehensive yet concise resource that will challenge you to catch God's grand vision for YOUR home!