Crisis of Confidence // A Guide to an Empowered Life / 01. Empowered… in parenting - Stephen Dawson // Proverbs 3:4-5
01. Empowered… in parenting - Stephen Dawson // Proverbs 3:4-5
Stephen Dawson reminds us of the profound responsibility and privilege of parenting as a spiritual journey. We're challenged to see our role as parents primarily as spiritual formators, shaping the souls of our children. He draws parallel between our earthly parenting and God's perfect parenting of us. It's a call to acknowledge God in all our ways, with wholehearted embrace. Stephen invites us to courageously trust God, even when parenting feels overwhelming, reminding us that it's not about having the biggest trust, but about trusting the biggest God.
Discussion Questions:
The talk emphasises that our primary role as parents is spiritual formation. How does this compare to your current parenting priorities? What challenges do you face in making this your focus?
Reflect on the quote: "Nothing is more important in your life than being one of God's tools to form a human soul." How does this perspective change your approach to parenting or mentoring others?
The sermon mentions various priorities parents might have for their children (education, social skills, happiness, etc.). Which of these resonates with you? How can we balance these with spiritual formation?
Discuss ways you currently "acknowledge God in all your ways" when it comes to parenting. What are some areas where you could improve in this?
How does understanding God's character (patient, compassionate, strong) impact your approach to parenting? Can you share an example of when you've experienced God's patience in your own parenting journey?
Stephen talked about having the courage to parent well. What does courageous parenting look like to you? Where do you need more courage in your parenting?
How can we as a church community better support and encourage parents in their role of spiritual formation?
Practical Applications:
This week, intentionally create space for spiritual conversations with your children or mentees. Share your experiences at the next meeting.
Identify one area where you need to trust God more in your parenting. Commit to praying about this daily.
If you're struggling with shame or guilt related to parenting, spend time meditating on God's grace and forgiveness. Consider sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or group member.
For those without children, reflect on how you can support the parents in your life or contribute to the spiritual formation of young people in our church community.
Choose one characteristic of God (e.g., patience, compassion, strength) to focus on this week. Look for ways to demonstrate this in your interactions with your children or others.
Discussion Questions:
The talk emphasises that our primary role as parents is spiritual formation. How does this compare to your current parenting priorities? What challenges do you face in making this your focus?
Reflect on the quote: "Nothing is more important in your life than being one of God's tools to form a human soul." How does this perspective change your approach to parenting or mentoring others?
The sermon mentions various priorities parents might have for their children (education, social skills, happiness, etc.). Which of these resonates with you? How can we balance these with spiritual formation?
Discuss ways you currently "acknowledge God in all your ways" when it comes to parenting. What are some areas where you could improve in this?
How does understanding God's character (patient, compassionate, strong) impact your approach to parenting? Can you share an example of when you've experienced God's patience in your own parenting journey?
Stephen talked about having the courage to parent well. What does courageous parenting look like to you? Where do you need more courage in your parenting?
How can we as a church community better support and encourage parents in their role of spiritual formation?
Practical Applications:
This week, intentionally create space for spiritual conversations with your children or mentees. Share your experiences at the next meeting.
Identify one area where you need to trust God more in your parenting. Commit to praying about this daily.
If you're struggling with shame or guilt related to parenting, spend time meditating on God's grace and forgiveness. Consider sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or group member.
For those without children, reflect on how you can support the parents in your life or contribute to the spiritual formation of young people in our church community.
Choose one characteristic of God (e.g., patience, compassion, strength) to focus on this week. Look for ways to demonstrate this in your interactions with your children or others.
More Episodes
-
13.Empowered… in parenting - Stephen Dawson // Proverbs 3:4-5
Stephen Dawson reminds us of the profound responsibility and privilege of parenting as a spiritual journey. We're challenged to see our role as parents primarily as spiritual formators, shaping...Show episode 40:45
-
12.Empowered… in caring for our city - Neville Jones // Matthew 25:31-40
Neville Jones takes us through an overview of scripture looking at references to caring for the poor.
In our journey of faith, we're called to reflect on God's heart for the...Show episode 33:42
-
11.Empowered… in standing before God - Tobi Ford-Western // Hebrews 4:14-16
This powerful message reminds us of our profound need for a great high priest - Jesus Christ. The sermon takes us through biblical history, from humanity's original role as priests in Eden to...Show episode 36:17
-
10.Empowered… in becoming better people - George Benson // Colossians 3:1-17
In our journey of faith, we often grapple with the question of how to become better people. In this talk, George Benson challenges us to reconsider our approach, focusing on the transformative power...Show episode 43:02
-
09.Empowered… in relationships - Stephen Dawson // John 15:8-17
In this talk, Stephen Dawson explores the transformative power of abiding in Christ's love and how it empowers our relationships. The central scripture, John 15:8-17, invites us to dwell in...Show episode 45:15
-
08.Empowered... In Our Wallet - Neville Jones // 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
In our journey of faith, we often grapple with the concept of money and its place in our spiritual lives. This message challenges us to reframe our perspective on wealth through the lens of biblical...Show episode 32:44
-
07.Empowered... In Your Own Skin - Matt Carvel // Psalm 139:1-16
In this exploration of self-worth and identity, we delve into Psalm 139, uncovering the profound truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. The story of David's anointing reminds...Show episode 41:02
-
06.Empowered... In the Future - Stephen Dawson // 2 Peter 1:3-4
In this message, we're reminded that our confidence in the future doesn't come from knowing what lies ahead, but from knowing who holds the future. Drawing from 2 Peter 1:3-4, we explore...Show episode 36:30
-
05.Empowered... In the Gospel - Neville Jones // Romans 1:16
In this day and age many people feel that Christianity is irrelevant. To find empowerment today we need to have greater self-esteem, tell ourselves we can do it and manifest our goals.
...Show episode 32:44
-
04.Empowered... In the workplace - Matt Carvel // Colossians 3:22-24
In our exploration of work through a biblical lens, we uncover profound truths about our purpose and identity. The passage from Colossians 3 invites us to view our daily labour as more than just a...Show episode 38:22
-
03.Empowered... In a messed up world - Matt Carvel // Habakkuk 3:17-19
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, how can we find strength and joy? The book of Habakkuk offers us a powerful lesson in transforming our perspective. We're introduced to a prophet...Show episode 36:36
-
02.Crisis of Confidence // Roundtable Conversation
We gathered a group of people for an honest conversation about how they find their confidence.
To find out more about the teaching series, A Crisis of Confidence // A Guide to an...Show episode 01:15:39
-
01.Crisis of Confidence // A Guide to an Empowered Life
Whether it’s the climate of global instability or the never-ending financial, practical or personal challenges of everyday life, it’s almost been impossible to avoid the weight of the season we have...Show episode 02:24
