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Our children's ministry periodically offers a class for parents and kids to attend together called "The Big Step." This 90-minute event features a brief training session for parents, a salvation lesson, discussion time for kids and parents, and even a photo station to create a take-home piece to remember the evening. The class seeks to create time for parents and their kids to have a meaningful discussion about a relationship with Jesus. No pressure exists to make a decision, although we prepare parents for that possibility.

Included on the pages that follow: Invitation text, Class Overview, Parent training comments/script, what we've learned from the class, and sample parent comment.

Research shows that children are most likely to become Christ-followers before age 13. As a parent, you have responsibility for your child's spiritual development. We creatively and effectively teach kids every weekend. We really should get together … Promiseland invites you to attend "The Big Step." A special evening that kids and parents attend together— to learn about, discuss, and maybe even start a relationship with Jesus. Friday, April 13, 7–8:30 p.m., Willow Creek Community Church, Blue Sky 2 room Of course snacks and fun activities will be available—this is a Promiseland event! Designed for children from Kindergarten through 5th grade; parents can be any age. To register … Space is limited. Pre-work? Yes, but just for mom or dad. To fully prepare for this event, read the book Leading Your Child to Jesus, available in Seeds, on Amazon.com, and many other places. Questions? Contact … Is your son or daughter ready to take the big step?

Doors open, early arrivers have pix taken at photo spot

(5 min.) Sandy (2nd/3rd grade teacher) welcomes everyone. All kids leave with Sandy and work on a craft project (pix frame for photo with parent)

(15 min.) David (Promiseland director) gives parents an overview of evening, provides specific instructions on how they utilize and maximize 1-1 time with kids (see next section), Lisa (Promiseland worship director) sings a special song for parents called "At This Moment."

(25 min.) Kids return, Jeff (Kindergarten/1st grade teacher) teaches a creative

salvation lesson based on lesson #9 in Flipt Family Experience curriculum [insert link: http://www.willowcreek.com/children/resources_family.asp]

(25 min.) Parents and kids spend time discussing lesson (prompted by materials

provided in Parent Packets distributed earlier; Flipt Family Experience curriculum contains ideas).

If a child is ready to make a decision for Christ, the parent prays with that child (for materials to help parents, see Leading Your Child to Jesus pages 77-82).

(20 min.) Informal music and snacks, rest of attendees have pix taken at photo spot.

(later) Everyone is gone, ministry staff has room cleaned and cleared, Heaven's celebration for all the decisions continues through the night.

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