In January of this year, I took the position as Director of Family Ministries at Open Door. My responsibilities are to lead and guide the directors of our children and student ministries. I see myself much like a coach of an athletic team. My heart is to coach beyond my capacity. In other words, I want to lead and guide by faith and believe for the impossible through God. A good friend of mine, who is a coach and former college athlete said, “A coach is someone who takes you to a place or a goal that you could have never attained on your own.” This statement rings true throughout God’s word. He used many coaches and team members to build and grow His kingdom.
Even today, we must wake up and make a decision to continue to build God’s kingdom through widening our influences. We weren’t meant to do life alone or just with our immediate family. Our children, and us included, need mentors and coaches in our lives that will help lead and guide our hearts to our heavenly Father. Regardless of your stage of parenting, I can promise you one thing: a time will come when you and your children will need another adult in their lives besides you.
Here’s a piece of research I read from Parenting Beyond Capacity, by Reggie Joiner and Carey Niieuwhof: Teens who had at least one adult from church make a significant time investment in their lives were more likely to keep attending church. More of those stayed in church, by a margin of 46 percent to 28 percent, when five or more adults at church had invested time with them personally and spiritually.
I encourage you as a family of Open Door Ministries to read Deuteronomy 6. Moses was speaking to a community of people, not just to one family. The circle of influence in the Hebrew culture could be comprised of as many as eighty people. I am a product of many adults who took the time to widen their circles and invite me into a safe place where another trusted adult could have a meaningful relationship with me. Whether your child is three or thirteen, we want to partner with you in nurturing the hearts of your children at all stages of their lives. Whether it is participating in our children and student ministries or even joining a Life Group, come join us and be blessed beyond capacity.
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. – John 10:10
Gina Robinson
Family Ministries Director
Gina, you are the most awesome coach around and ODM is blessed to have you as part of their team. I can’t wait to witness the growth that Family Ministries is sure to make with you at the helm. God bless you and the rest of the ODM staff!
Ginger! Sending love and encouragemt back to you friend! Everyone needs a cheerleader and you are one of my favorites! Blessed!
So true; I had a church family that widen their circle to allow me in; it made such a huge difference in my life; to this day I often think about and use skills, ideas and information that was ‘coached’ into me and alongside of me. Gladys Hall , sweetly in heaven for many years now, taught me do much that I use in my home and ministry. The first time her family opened their lives to me was for a college ballgame…fitting to your example!
I’m so thankful our family is a part of the ODM fam and Abigail is experiencing everything ODM offers the kids! Coach on Gina!!
Just seeing this blog post today for the first time. I love coaching and teaching and training. I’m getting good help these days.
I am happy to report that ODM is walking the walk in respect to my family. The young men in my house are seeing and experiencing good examples of what it looks like to walk as a healthy christian young adult through ODM. Summer camp, youth meetings, special trips, dinner meetings, hanging out, and many more ways…..this is how our youth leaders bring positive influence to my sons.
I was a youth volunteer leader years ago before becoming a dad; as I took part in young men’s lives back then, I realized that I didn’t get that kind of support coming up. Praise God that I have “community” support with my sons.
While my wife and I give it our best daily to be a good mom and a good dad, I believe that a community of people is God’s best (Deut 6). I agree whole heartedly that “more than just mom and dad” is a huge plus for my sons.
ODM is once again right on time for my family. ODM is right on time because God is right on time and ODM leadership is listening to Him. God keeps being right on time , ya know,
John