A typical family meeting is anything but typical. It all depends on what your family dynamics are – the ages of your children, their talents, their emotional make-up.
- Keep it simple - ONE THEME per meeting - Every day is a teachable moment! The parents should come up with a theme beforehand, with scripture verses. For example:
o Showing kindness towards one another
o Telling the truth
o Being punctual
o Showing forgiveness - which shows humility in action
o Ideas for a future family vacation
- Keep it short
o no longer than 30 minutes
o spouse keeps eye on the time
- Try to make it fun & exciting. Examples:
o Act out a Bible story
o Daniel in the Lion’s Den
o Jesus and the Lost Sheep
o Look at children’s bible picture book for inspiration
o Have a talent show
o Invite grandparents to the meeting and ask them about their favorite childhood memory!
o If someone in the family is musically inclined, include music!
As the kids got older, we had them each lead a family meeting once in a while. They had to come up with scripture verses and lesson.
- Be flexible
-
- Time of week – we all have busy schedules. Our family found that Sunday nights worked best.
- If there was a family crisis, we would talk about it. Family meetings are not set in concrete. Go with the flow!
- Be consistent
- Everyone comes with their own Bible to the meeting
- We would have the meeting in our living room
- When they were very young, we sang songs together
- Time of praising each other for their good works/service to each other
- Lesson/discussion
- Always end in prayer together - we prayed on our knees together around the coffee table, holding hands
- Be realistic with your expectations
o A 2 yr old should not be expected to sit still for 30 minutes. Have them play quietly in the room or have the family meeting during their naptime or after they go to bed.
o We are sowing seeds with our kids through these family meetings. The harvest may not be tomorrow! You may have to have more than one family meeting on the subject.
- Do not force a young child to speak if they are not willing to. It will come with time.
- Don’t put off starting
