When Stephanie Smith was hired as Family Ministry Pastor at Pittman Park United Methodist Church this summer, she was tasked with supporting the spiritual growth of children, parents, grandparents, and spouses in her congregation and across the Statesboro community. It seems like a broad task, but Smith is well qualified for the role as a veteran pastor who is raising two children in Statesboro.
This fall, Smith is offering a free faith-based parenting course each Wednesday evening for ten weeks beginning on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. The goal is not only to provide techniques and tips for all stages of parenting, but also to create a community of support for families. Each class is offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m., with childcare and activities available for children 0-18. Families are invited to attend the church’s Open Table supper at 5:30 p.m. for a free meal before class.
Smith sees a vital role for the church in supporting families as they raise children.
She says, “Parents and grandparents have a lot of worries and questions, believing they don’t always get it right and there are too many negative influences in the world today. But we believe the church can offer practical resources and meaningful support to empower parents to be confident in the work they are doing raising their kids.”
The class will work through Intentional Parenting by Doug and Cathy Fields and will include videos and a workbook. Workbooks are $20 each for participants.
