SBC Family Ministry Philosophy

At Scottsdale Bible Church, we believe families have been called to:

Love Your Spouse Sacrificially
Parent Your Children Graciously
Work in the Marketplace Humbly
Handle Your Money Carefully
Serve Your Church Enthusiastically
Reach out to the Lost Compassionately
Care for the Poor and Downtrodden Generously
Live for the Lord Entirely

What is Grace Based Parenting?

Family Ministry at Scottsdale Bible Church has partnered with Family Matters in providing a grace-based relationship approach to our parent education and support program and by encouraging moms and dads to parent their children’s hearts instead of their behaviors. To learn more about Family Matters resources and view their current conference schedule here.

For an overview of the Grace Based Parenting philosophy, watch here.

Current Classes and Programming for Parents:

Family Connections
Sundays | 11am (This class is currently on summer break, but will resume in August – watch for updates to the schedule on this page)
Family Connections is a place for couples to be encouraged, equipped, and strengthened in their marriage and parenting through weekly teaching of biblical principles and authentic community with others in the same season of life. Our Discovery Kids and Youth Ministry offer programming for your children at this time. Join us!

Couples Connections
Wednesdays | 6:30pm (This class is currently on summer break, but will resume in August – watch for updates to the schedule on this page)
This weekly class is designed for couples to build friendships and encourage each other in whatever season of marriage and parenting you are in! Children age 4 through 4th grade are encouraged to register for AWANA. Students in grades 5th through 12th grade are welcome in our YTH programming. Childcare for children age 3 and under whose parents are attending an on-campus Wednesday night class is available for a fee of $25 per family for the spring 2019 semester.

For Dads:

Men’s Bible Study
Tuesdays | 6:30 pm | The Venue (does not meet in July)
Dads are encouraged to attend our Men’s Ministry Bible Study on Tuesday nights and get plugged in to one of the small groups designed to help men become godly husbands and fathers.

For Moms:

MOMS & MORE for Moms
Thursdays | 9:30am (2019-20 registration open now! Register here.)
We offer our MOMS program (for moms of preschoolers) and our MORE for Moms program (for moms of any age!).  Learn more about the program or class that is right for your season of motherhood.

MOMS of Teenagers
Kick-off event: Thursday, August 15 | 6:30pm | Cactus Campus Family Life Building
First Thursdays, starting September 5 | 6:30pm | Cactus Campus Family Life Building
This group for moms of teens (moms who have any children between 7th grade and 12th grade) is a place to come alongside one another as we strive to raise teenagers whose hearts are connected with God’s heart. It’s a place to be encouraged, supported and equipped with practical tools and resources to help us navigate the crazy world we and our teens live in. Moms from all three SBC campuses and our surrounding community are welcome! Register here.

Recommended Resources:

Parenting Philosophy & Discipline
We recommend the complete Grace Based Parenting series and more books by Dr. Tim Kimmel available at Amazon or at familymatters.net.

Grace Based Parenting
Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right
Raising Kids for True Greatness
Grace Based Discipline
Why Christian Kids Rebel
The High Cost of High Control

Parents are encouraged to explore the principles of Grace Based Parenting through Tim’s books and to participate in the Right Now Media (online streaming) studies that accompany the series. These studies are a great opportunity to join with friends to learn and grow together as you support each other in your parenting journey! Create an account to access the SBC subscription to Right Now Media.

Teaching Your Kids about Sex
In this important area of your parenting, remember that:

• It is YOUR responsibility to teach your kids about sex (but we are here to help you!)
• You are the BEST person to do the job
• Every child needs to know how God has designed sex – for pleasure and procreation within marriage
• Talk to them early and talk to them often – it is not just one “big” talk but lots of “little” conversations
• Every child is unique – so how we talk to them about this subject will be unique.  Know your child’s uniqueness and tailor your conversations.
• Your views about sexuality and the health of your marriage has an impact on how your children will view sex.
• An open line of communication is an important part of providing a secure love and a significant purpose for our children.
• Your goal is to raise STRONG kids, not SAFE kids.

We recommend the following resources to help you with these conversations:

God’s Design for Sex Series – available on Amazon
Parenting in a Sexualized Culture – available at purehope.net
Pocket Guide to Age-Appropriate Equipping – available at purehope.net
A Communication Plan for Talking to Your Kids About Sex

Preparing Your Kids for an Online World
As our kids grow, we need to not only protect them, but also appropriately equip them to live in a digital age and be ready to make their own positive decisions about technology use in the future.

See a list of Internet and Media Resources here.

Parenting in a Sexualized Culture (available at purehope.net) includes an overview of a positive approach to technology that supports a protection/preparation balance.

Blended Families

Blended families face their own set of unique blessings and challenges. We recommend the Smart Stepfamilies organization for books and other helpful support and resources. You can also stream the Smart Stepfamilies study through Right Now Media.  Access the SBC subscription and request an invitation to create your own account at Right Now Media.

Questions

If you have questions or need additional support in your parenting, please contact our Marriage Pastor at marriage@scottsdalebible.com.