Last week we had our 'Rite of Passage' milestone for NBHighSchool. Each year we focus on two major events, we call milestones, for high school students and their families at NBC. In the spring we will get to celebrate our 'Graduation' milestone for our seniors. This year it is the week after a 'Parent-Child Dedication' which will be a very cool word picture for the dream we have at New Beginnings. So what is 'Rite of Passage' you ask... The passing from childhood into adulthood is a significant event. Biblically, we must equip our children to become men and women of God. Age 16 is a significant time of freedom in our culture. Rite of Passage is not about keys to the car; instead, it is about becoming a man or woman of God. Real freedom is about equipping you to disciple your freshmen and sophomore students for adulthood.
That being said, the hope of the 'Rite of Passage' milestone is not to be the finish line (and for that matter, hopefully not the starting line) but it is a line in the sand that students and parents can point to as a "game changer" for their faith. This year we incorporated 'Parent Equipping' Times on Sunday mornings and gave suggested curriculum for the parents to walk through with their student (Milestone Training). Then to celebrate the moment we have the milestone event (Rite of Passage).Though I do not want to give away all the details to this very cool ceremony, I will give you some highlights!! Rite of Passage begins with a gathering of friends and family to praise our students in this significant life stage. We move into what we call "the walk" which is a physical, emotional and spiritual trip through their up bringing. During the walk the read letters from friends and family, see old friends and talk with their D-Group leaders. When they return we celebrate with a dinner all together and then honor each student individually with the character qualities we have seen in them. After a specific charge for the future from our pastor we conclude with families praying blessings over their son or daughter. *Want to see pictures from this year's event click here (you will need to be logged on to Facebook)!
This year was no exception to how great these milestones have been for kids and their families. Preparations were had, dinner was good but to see the families cry together and pray is something I will never get over. This is Deuteronomy 6 being lived out in our community we call New Beginnings. Please continue to pray for the direction of NBC and the many students and families as they learn to follow God in all aspects of our lives!!
**Want to read more about milestones at New Beginnings click here (Faith Map).
May we not only hold fast to these moments but may we use them to direct our children to learn, grow and follow Jesus. May He continue to lead the pastors and MLT at New Beginnings to live this out in our own homes. May God give us protection from the evil one as we seek to be world changers with our families. May we all lead through your Spirit in our homes, jobs, schools and beyond.
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| The Berg's |
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