Last Sunday we gathered to share where Family Ministry is headed—why it matters, what God is stirring in our church, and how we plan to walk with families more intentionally in the coming year. At the heart of it all was a simple reminder: you’re doing an amazing job. We see you, we thank God for you, and we’re committed to equipping you as you disciple the next generation.
“We always thank God for all of you… because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” —1 Thessalonians 1:2–5
Family Ministry is not a reaction to culture or a fix for inadequacy. It’s an opportunity—a chance to grow intentionally as a discipling church. Parenting has never been meant to happen alone, and that’s why our focus moving forward is to Engage, Equip, and Empower parents—the frontline disciplers—to lead with confidence, courage, and collaboration.
This vision is shaped by two key drivers:
• Nate’s desire to further Highlands’ legacy of strong family ministry
• Insights from our Spring Parent Survey
We also expanded our definition of “family” to intentionally include: aspiring parents, parents of young kids, parents of teens, parents of adult children, and grandparents. All of this has led us to reimagine Family Ministry for this next season.
Our Three Initial Building Blocks
1. Next Gen Integrated Ministry Model
Unified Vision and Mission
- Shared values for holistic spiritual growth:
- Safe spaces
- Relational connection with Jesus and mentors
- Community
- Biblical literacy & progression
- Strategic journey from birth to 18: Parents as primary, HCC as secondary.
Continuity in Spiritual Development
- Smooth transitions from kids to youth ministry through aligned teaching, values, and relationships.
Stronger Family Engagement
- Coordinated communication and events to support parents in home discipleship.
- Invite parents into ministry spaces and create intermingling opportunities.
2. Practice
Collaboration with Parents
We’re committed to clearly communicating what students are learning and how we’re discipling them—because time is short and the need is urgent.
- Share what and how kids & teens are learning.
- Communicate discipleship efforts clearly—not left to chance or hype.
- Why? URGENCY.
Kids & Teens Learning Progression
- Kids: Learn through stories and the wonder of God’s Word.
- Teens: Learn through whole-book study, personal application, and practical faith.
Core Focus Areas:
- Biblical Literacy (Structure & themes)
- Theology & Apologetics (God’s design & world-view)
- Christian Practice (Rhythms & habits)
- Christian Life (Community & practice)
Parent Support & Guidance:
- Help families cast a vision for their children’s spiritual journey.
- Provide support with rhythms, routines, and milestones (salvation, baptism, age stages).
- Helping to develop parent roles: Caregiver → Cop → Coach → Consultant.
3. Methods
Parent Groups
- Main delivery for growth and community building.
- Format:
- Intro (5 min) → Discussion (7 min) → Repeat 2–3 cycles
- Timeline: Mid-to-late January 8–10 weeks during Sunday service.
- Potential Offerings:
- Discipleship Parenting
- Parenting Your Adult Child
- Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles
Staff-to-Parent 1:1s
- Opt-in meetings to help families develop their discipleship vision and practices.
Parent Circle
- Quarterly think tank of 8–12 families across life stages.
Online Resource Portal
- Website hub for curated discipleship resources and cultural trend responses.
Parents Social Engagements
- Relationship-building events: bridge activities, family picnics, etc.
Coming in 2026
- Parent Groups launching (January)
- Inaugurate Parent Circle (January)
- Bridge Events (Open Houses/Sail-In Movie Night, Parents Picnic, etc.)
- Staff to Parent 1:1 Registrations
John Camerer shared about Aion Path during the Rollout Gathering. Here’s a video that further explains Aion Path.