Healthy Digital Habits: How Churches Can Support Families in a Tech-Driven Culture with Natalie Frisk
Jan 8, 2025
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In this conversation, Natalie Frisk, the Curriculum Director at Raise Up Faith, shares her 15 years of church ministry experience. She discusses the significant challenges parents face in guiding kids through the complexities of digital life. Natalie emphasizes the importance of fostering healthy digital habits and the church's role in supporting families. She introduces innovative curriculum solutions tailored for children’s ministry, highlighting how technology can enrich teaching biblical principles while ensuring engagement and adaptability.
Churches can play a vital role in supporting families by enhancing kids' ministry programs tailored to today's digital challenges.
Open discussions on digital parenting between ministry leaders and parents are essential for establishing healthy digital habits for children.
Deep dives
The Importance of Focused Kids' Ministry
Church leaders have a critical opportunity to support families by enhancing their kids' ministry programs, especially in today's digital age. With parents feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of technology, churches can step in to provide guidance through relevant sermons and family counseling services. The emphasis on kids' ministry is not just about engaging children during church activities; it also involves equipping parents to navigate the complexities of raising kids in a digital world. By creating comprehensive and attractive programs, churches can foster a sense of community and support for families during a crucial developmental period.
Navigating Parental Anxiety in the Digital Age
Parents are increasingly feeling anxious and out of depth when it comes to managing their children's interactions with technology. Historically, parents have often struggled to understand their children's experiences, and this challenge has intensified in today's tech-saturated environment. The podcast highlights the need for open discussions around digital parenting, where both ministry leaders and parents can collaborate to establish healthy digital habits for children. Encouraging honest conversations will help parents address their fears and equip them to guide their children through the complexities of digital life.
Modeling Healthy Digital Engagement
Church leaders can play a pivotal role in modeling healthy engagement with digital media for their communities. By adopting the principle of being a 'non-anxious presence,' ministry leaders can navigate the tension between the benefits and pitfalls of technology. Furthermore, providing practical examples of balanced media consumption, such as curating playlists or recommending quality content, can empower families to enjoy meaningful digital experiences. Acknowledging the integration of online and offline lives is essential, as it encourages fostering a healthier relationship between children and the screens that surround them.
Resources for Strategic Kids' Ministry
Raise Up Faith offers a valuable platform for churches looking to enhance their kids' ministry through a subscription-based curriculum model. This resource allows churches access to a diverse range of high-quality materials tailored for different contexts, from small congregations to larger multi-site settings. The platform encourages ministry leaders to curate engaging content that resonates with children while addressing their specific needs. This flexibility in accessing varied curricula supports churches in implementing dynamic programs that can adapt to the unique characteristics of their communities.
Thanks for joining in for the unSeminary podcast. We’re continuing with our special series called unPredictions 2025 – these are timeless topics that will keep shaping church leadership in 2025 and beyond. Today we’re talking with Natalie Frisk, the director of curriculum at Raise Up Faith, about how parents will be worrying about their kids. […]
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