Note from the editor: Karen Godin (screen name JeriFletcher) directs a singing group made up of her children and terms that "a ministry." Karen is also a member of White Washed Feminist, a support group for people who are "coming out of patrio-centric Christianity."
"Our desire is that our ministry will challenge fathers to turn their hearts to their children, and the children's hearts to their fathers.(Mal.4:6) But lately we have been seeing several parallels between the family in the home and the family of God. Many things we see in the home regarding relationships may be useful in the church family, as well as in our personal relationship with God the Father.
It seemed natural to me, when wondering what is causing believers to doubt their salvation, to examine what sort of diet, care and teaching they had received in the church over the last few decades. (I guess I get this from my interest in nutrition, and from my favorite doctor- Doug Kauffman, of "Know the Cause" television fame.)
First, I asked myself, What do preachers know about babies nowadays? I mean, we have a generation of mothers that don't know what the basic needs of a baby are, so, I am sure that there are men in pulpits that have never cared for, nor trained up a child. Yet, as a minister to God's people, he should know something about the proper care and feeding of infants.
1. Babes need swaddling. As this is comforting to a new babe, so will comforting be beneficial to a new child of God.
2. Babes need to bond with their mama. Newbies need to learn Christ. Feed them the gospel of John. They need to learn the kind voice of their Shepherd.
3. Babes need milk- and they need milk for a while! This means, there's no hurry to wean them. The milk has everything a baby needs to develop a healthy immune system. In this case, a strong defense against the doubts of the devil is the best foundation you can lay in a new babes life.
4. Do not try to hurry the babe's progress. The baby is a blessing. The baby should be appreciated for what he is, not valued for his monetary contributions, or, his ability to serve you and alleviate some of your burden of responsibility.
Rather than saddle new believers with responsibilities, hoping this is the key to growth, let the child grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus. Let him be a glory to God in every state of his growth. Every age of every child should be a unique blessing to the family of God. There should be no pressure to become instantly mature!
Have you ever wept when you learned that you have inadvertantly made a bad choice and compromised your child's health?
If so, then you will understand the reason for this message."
From Karen's blog instructing pastors.
