All around the country the sights and sounds of summer can be heard. Children are out of school and enjoying the sunshine that summer has brought to most parts of the USA. While most families look forward to summer with fondness - shared plans of camping, swimming, outdoor grilling and a less hectic schedule - there is also the dreaded summer slide. For those of you new to that term, teachers use it to describe the backpedaling of reading, writing and math skills while children are on their break from school.
But what about the summer slide associated with Biblical teaching? It can happen! Let me share a few ways that your family can beat the Biblical Summer Slide and use summer as a season to dive into a fresh, new application of Godly principles.
Host an outreach BBQ: Invite your children to help organize an outreach BBQ. Allow them to plan the menu, activities, and ask them to think of families they can invite. Before the families come over, pray for them. Ask God to open doors wide to share the life saving message of Jesus Christ.
Breakfast Devotionals: Use the time available at the breakfast table to begin each day with a devotional. Keep a devotional book in the center of your table so you won't forget. Doing it first thing in the morning can set the tone for a really great day.
Prayer: Make a point of talking to people you meet during the day - acknowledge them by name (grocery clerks, gas attendants, lifeguards, etc). Ask them if there is anything you can be praying for in their life. Write it down. And if you're able to , follow up with them. This can be a less intimidating way to begin the process of natural Evangalism and your children can be a part of it too.
Summer Scripture Challenge: Many families will host a summer book challenge, but let's include memorizing God's scripture too! Depending on your child's age either pick verses for them or as a family select verses to memorize. Keep a punch card or tally them up. Challenge them to memorize one verse a week (or whatever is appropriate). Celebrate at the end of the summer.
Church: Prioritize being in God's house on Sunday morning! There is the tempation to be out on the lake, camping, or any other fun summer activity - but model for your children the importance to continue serving the Lord no matter what season of life you are currently in.
Remember, in Deuteronomy 6:7 "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." It is your responsibility to continually be teaching your children. Don't let the excitement and fun of summer to overshadow your challenge to disicple your children. Use summer as a chance to be creative and have fun learning and growing with your children!
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