Raising Kids to Know God Group Guide

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Start Off

• Let’s begin our time by acknowledging the presence of God in our Group. We’ll put something in the middle of our circle (a candle, plant, small cross, Bible, etc.) to remind us that God is right here with us, and then take a few deep breaths and open in prayer.
• To kick off our discussion, what is something you remember your parents, grandparents, or another adult teaching you that prepared you for life? How did they teach it?
• For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” section on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.
• As an announcement, is anyone going to the Parenting Conference on Sept. 26, or know someone you can invite? This conference and this message don’t just apply to parents; they’re for anyone who wants to invest in the next generation.

Reflect on God’s Word

• Read Ephesians 6:4 twice, slowly. What thoughts come to mind as you think about this verse?
• Read Deuteronomy 6:6-9. What does this passage suggest about how faith should be passed on to the next generation? What stands out about the ordinary settings where Moses says to talk about God?
• Read Romans 12:6-8. What does this passage teach about different gifts, and how might this change the way we see and encourage the children and students in our lives?

Go Deeper

• The message describes parenting as “training, empowering, and releasing.” Which of these comes most naturally to you? Which is most difficult?
• What strengths or gifts do you see in a child or student in your life? What could you do to help them recognize and develop those strengths and gifts?
• Where might you be tempted to focus more on a child's weaknesses than strengths? What would it look like to shift your attention?
• Where do you need to move from “parent as problem-solver” to “parent as coach”? What is one situation where you could give more freedom and responsibility instead of immediately fixing the problem?
• The message acknowledges that every parent will blow it at times. How can apologizing and responding with humility teach children something important about following God? 
• What is one practical change you want to make this week in how you train, empower, or release a child or student in your life?

Wrap Up

• What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
• Go around and share prayer requests, and close by praying, “God, help us know when to hold on, when to guide, and when to let go. Give us wisdom to train, courage to empower, and trust to release the children you have entrusted to us.”

VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4, NIV)

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)

Day 1 — Identify the Point

Read Ephesians 2:10

Spend 10 minutes praying for a child or student in your life. Ask God to help you see them as his masterpiece with a mission rather than simply someone you need to manage. Ask, “What might God be preparing this child to become?”

Day 2 — Model It

Read Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Choose one ordinary moment today with a child or student (driving, eating, walking, getting ready for bed) and intentionally talk about something related to God, faith, character, or a current situation. Ask, “What am I modeling through my words, choices, and reactions today?”

Day 3 — Notice Their Strengths

Read Romans 12:6-8

Identify three strengths you see in a child or student. At least one should be a character strength, such as kindness, courage, generosity, perseverance, or compassion. Then tell them specifically what you see. Try, “I noticed that you ________. That's something really special about you.”

Day 4 — Empower Instead of Fix

Read Ephesians 6:4

When a child faces a problem today, resist the urge to immediately solve it. Instead ask, “What do you think you should do?”, “What options do you see?”, “How can I help you think through it?”, or “What do you think might happen if you choose that?” Have the goal to help them develop confidence, clarity, and strength rather than dependence on you.

Day 5 — Release

Read Ephesians 6:4

Reflect on the message's three words: train, empower, release. Identify one area where you can give a child more freedom and responsibility appropriate to their age and maturity. Don't simply give them permission to do something; give them an opportunity to own a decision and experience its consequences.