What is Visionary Parenting?
Sarah Hogue, Director of Children’s Ministry & Member Formation
A vision is a mental picture of a desired future. Whether a goal set in your work place, or a dream vacation you want to take, visions only become reality through disciplined effort. To realize a vision, we must make daily strategic decisions that align with the end goal of our vision. “Begin with the end in mind,” as is often said. If our vision is of being at a more healthy weight, then that end goal guides decisions on how we choose what foods to eat today (hopefully!).
I’ve seen and heard the concept of vision applied to so many contexts in my life: from personal health, to finance, to business, it seems every sphere of life is looking for visionary leaders. But what would happen if we applied the principles of visionary leadership to parenting? Afterall, being a parent is one of the most important and most difficult jobs in the world.
Andy Stanley once said, "Your greatest contribution to the world [or to the Kingdom of God] may not be something you do, but someone you raise."
Visionary parenting starts by having a clear picture of the kind of young man or woman you would like your child to be. Then you work toward that with daily decisions. For example, my vision for my sons entailed them being honest young men, so I made sure to correct them anytime they lied (even with the smallest fib). I knew that raising men of honesty was only possible if I put in the effort to teach them honesty from the beginning.
As a Children’s Ministry Director, it is my role to come alongside parents and help them achieve their vision of raising Godly children. While that often means planning lessons, programs, and events for children, it also means equipping parents to be visionary leaders for their children at home.
This fall, Pastor Tom and I are co-leading a small group for parents. The group will study the book Visionary Parenting, by Rob and Amy Rienow. The goal is to help parents develop a biblically based vision for their children, and to equip them with tools and resources to help them achieve that vision.
If casting a God-sized vision is something you desire for your family, please join our upcoming small group beginning Tuesday, Sept 22nd. Get all the details and register here.