b'STATE OF CHILD DISCIPLESHIP REPORT 24Parents dont need more resources. They need you.This story serves as a reminder for us to remember our priorities, choosing the way of Jesus first and foremost. It breathes life into our identity, our eyes ChildDiscipleshipLeader,youreahero.Inthelivesofboththefixed on who we are in Jesus, not what we can do for those around us or parent and the child, youre creating a safe space for them to worship theirthe vacant roles we can fill. We are sons and daughters of God, whose Son Creatorinspiritandintruth,eveniftheirweekdidntturnoutastheyinvitesusintoHispresenceandlongstofilluswithpeacefrom planned. Parents trust you. They are battling the impact of social media,the Comforter. technologyandanxiety,bothintheirlivesandinthelivesoftheir children, fighting for a foothold on a slippery slope. Despite the discordLets think about the concept of His presence when it comes to equipping between churches and parents regarding who does what, hearts are thethe parents in our churches. same. And from where we stand, you are both willingto do the good, hard work of shaping children so theyll know, love and serve the One who can save them.We run around on any given day checking off our childIf parents dont need more resources, how can the church equip themdiscipleship to-do list with vigor: to own the discipleship of their children? Great question; were so glad you asked.Snack Run Dollar Store: pool noodles and A Lesson from Mary and Martha zip-top bagsEmail volunteers Send out next weeks discipleship lesson Perhaps youve heard a sermon (or many sermons) on Mary and MarthaPrint family discipleship resourceswelcoming Jesus into their home. Lets read the story together.Plan out next 6 months of eventsDeep clean craft closet Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she (We all know these lists run deep.)had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lords feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to Him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me. But the LordLike Martha, child discipleship leaders have a high value for completing answered her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubledtasks and creating a welcoming space for kids and families to encounter about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosenJesus each week. The childrens wing is often understaffed, running onthe good portion, which will not be taken away from her. passion and scrappy creativity fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 10:3842, ESV)Ifparentsaresatisfiedwiththewaywereresourcingthem,perhaps what they need is our presenceto stop being distracted with much The solution to an over-busy life is not more time. serving. Like Mary did with Jesus, they need us to sit down with them and Its to slow down and simplify our lives around start listening. what really matters. 15 JOHN MARK COMER31'