Milestones

About Milestones

We believe that God’s Word expressly teaches that parents play the primary role in discipling their children. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 shows us that family discipleship has been God’s plan from the beginning of His people while Matthew 28:18-20 shows that disciple-making is the activity that God’s people are to be concerned with while we are here on earth.

“Hear, O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one! You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as phylacteries between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to keep all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

The leadership of the Family Ministry desires to come alongside parents as they lead their children toward a lifetime of glorifying God through treasuring the Lord Jesus Christ and being faithful to His Word. Our aim is for every parent to become a disciple-making parent, raising the next generation up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

We believe that successful disciple-making can and will occur through God’s grace and dedication to glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ in every area of life through joyful obedience to His Word.

The milestone path is one intentional way we equip parents to train up a child according to his way, all the while trusting in the Holy Spirit to do the work as only He can. (Proverbs 22:6) At TFC, we partner with parents to guide them along the milestone path. When a milestone is reached, growth is celebrated for how God is working.

Milestone 1: Parent/Child Dedication

In an act of celebration and commitment, parents vow before their spiritual family to steward their child’s life in the way God designed it. The Field Church’s Elders commit to equip them through the teaching of God’s word, and the covenant members of The Field Church agree to partner with them as they guide their child toward a lifetime of treasuring Jesus.

Requirements: Parent-equip seminar; In-service ceremony

Milestone 2: Transition into Worship Service

There is no substitute for a child observing his or her parents during worship, and we value modeling authentic worship for our children. Each August, as our new kindergarteners transition out of preschool ministry, they receive a special Bible and begin joining their families for the initial worship portion of our services. This is followed by a classroom teaching exploring the same biblical text taught in service. Our children in grades 1-6 remain with their parents for the preaching of God’s word. Each August, they receive a special journal for their use during this time.

Requirements: Parent-equip seminar; In-service ceremony

Milestone 3: Preparing for Adolescence

Our 10-year-old children, along with their parents, attend an overnight retreat with the goal of deepening connections with one another and developing a proper understanding of their identity in Christ.

Requirements: Overnight retreat; In-service ceremony

Milestone 4: Purity for Life

Parents attend a seminar where they receive biblical teaching and practical tools to lead their child in the areas of biblical purity, God-honoring sex, healthy relationships, and identity in Christ. Parents plan a special trip with their child where intentional time is devoted to discipleship in these areas. A church ceremony follows with a blessing and prayer for each child.

Requirements: Parent-equip seminar; In-service ceremony

Milestone 5: Biblical Manhood/Womanhood

Students complete a Bible study on biblical manhood and womanhood, exploring the specific roles of men and women according to God’s good design with the goal of deepening connections with their parents and further exploring the Bible’s perspective on the roles of men and women in the context of dating, friendship, the church, and life in general. They also begin cultivating their spiritual gifts by serving inside and outside the church.  Students and their parents attend a seminar taught by one of TFC’s pastors.

Requirements: Parent-equip seminar; In-service recognition

Milestone 6: Life in Christ

Students explore the important spiritual disciplines that characterize a lifelong treasurer of Jesus through Bible study with their peers. Parents attend a seminar where they are equipped to continue discipling their child during this crucial phase, helping him develop the ability to defend his faith and make practical life decisions from a biblical perspective. Prior to or following their senior year, parents and students are also encouraged to participate in a mission/service trip together.

Requirements: Parent-equip seminar; In-service ceremony; Mission trip (recommended)

Milestone 7: High School Graduation

A time is set aside during worship for recognition and prayer for each graduating senior. Following the service, graduating seniors and their parents are encouraged to gather for a meal and a time of reflection, thanksgiving, and celebration. In addition, during Milestone 7, seniors and their parents attend a morning teaching session where they explore the characteristics of a healthy church, the importance of church membership, and the call on their lives to make disciples wherever God leads them. Students who are continuing their education will also connect with our college ministry where they will discover the importance of pursuing biblical community and discipleship in the college years.

Requirements: Breakfast seminar (parent and student); In-service ceremony