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For the Church

Full Armor Parenting is an effective way for churches to support those families that are conducting Our Time Together in their homes. It is not time consuming for the church. Yet, this ministry is a powerful way for churches to encourage and empower Moms and Dads to establish Christ-centered homes; homes where families: Live out their faith in Jesus Christ Develop morally mature children
Along with our FAQ link, chances are that the following information is sufficient. (If you need additional help, please use our Bulletin Board or email us at: questions@fullarmor.org)

• Parents Want Effective Church-Based Parenting Help
• Churches Have Opportunities to Help Parents
• Parents Expect the Church to Help Them with Parenting
• Full Armor Parenting
• Personal Armor Bearer Program
• Personal Armor Bearer's Booklet
• Monthly Church Parent Support Meeting
• Parent's Night-Out
• Ministry Suggestions and Aids
• Ministry Guide
• What Churches Say

Parents Want Effective Church-Based Parenting Help

"One of the greatest needs expressed by adults is to have a healthy, happy and successful family. Millions of adults, however, do not believe that they are as successful in this effort as they wish to be. And despite the fact that four of five protestant churches (80%) offer specific family-oriented ministry, most adults indicate that those programs and ministry efforts achieve only a marginal positive impact among their families." *

Churches Have Opportunities to Help Parents

The following are the results of a 1998 nationwide study conducted by the Christian organization, the Barna Research Group, concerning churches' and faith's influence on parenting.

Note: The total percentage for this question equals more than 100% because parents were allowed to identify as many influences as came to mind.*

Parents Expect the Church to Help Them with Parenting

"Although church and faith have not influenced parents as much as some might have desired, most adults expect churches to take a proactive position when it comes to helping parents. Nearly two-thirds (63%) said that their church should take on an increasing role in assisting parents-and nearly 3 out of 10 (28%) indicated that their church should be much more involved in providing help for parents."*

Full Armor Parenting™

Full Armor Parenting is a Christ-centered simple church ministry that provides encouragement and support to families that are conducting Our Time Together in their homes. Our Time Together provides Moms and Dads with application-based principles from God's Word. Once in place, the ministry involves a once a month meeting for parents to share and encourage each other. We believe that the Church is where God's Word is to be distributed and where fellowship, mutual support, and accountability take place.

Personal Armor Bearer Program

One of the key aspects of Full Armor Parenting is the on-going encouragement and support to parents through Personal Armor Bearers. Personal Armor Bearers are church members who are spiritually mature and have experienced the rigors of child rearing. They pray for their assigned family and encourage them on a regular basis. This key element of Full Armor Parenting provides a generational link within the church. Guidelines for Personal Armor Bearers are available to both the Personal Armor Bearer and their assigned family.

Personal Armor Bearer's Booklet

Both the family and their Personal Armor Bearers receive a Booklet. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and birthdays can be entered in these booklets. The Church can print these Booklets from the CD ROM that is included with Full Armor Ministries' Ministry Guide.

Monthly Church Parent Support Meeting

Each month Full Armor's parents meet together at the church to review their progress and discuss how God is working in their families. This is a support and encouragement time lasting for one?hour. The church provides free childcare for these meetings.

Parent's Night-Out

About every three months (after each 5?week month), FAP's Moms and Dads earn a Parent's Night Out. The church provides 3?hours of free childcare for these scheduled times.

Ministry Suggestions and Aids

A 10-minute video entitled "Protecting Your Children's Future" and many other tools are available to help churches start their Full Armor Parenting ministry.

Ministry Guide

A Ministry Guide to starting and maintaining Full Armor Parenting is available. A suggested two-month start-up model plan is included with twelve suggested activities described in the Guide. Full Armor Ministries emphasizes prayer as the key to success. Full Armor Ministries understands the time pressures on Pastors and the church staff. FAM endeavors to make Full Armor Parenting as simple and as easy to start and maintain as possible. The Ministry Guide includes a CD ROM to enable your church to print suggested posters, bulletin inserts, and pulpit announcements. The Ministry Guide includes:

• The Church's Role in Full Armor Parenting
• How Our Time Together Works
• Personal Armor Bearers Role
• Foundational Scriptures
• Ministry Start-up Plan
• Leadership Selection
• Promotional Suggestions & Aids
• The Church's Support to OTT Parents

Link to Supplies & Services for additional information.

What Churches Say

"We have reviewed the material that you provided, and we are impressed with it-Simple, basic and to the point-Nice. - Outreach Pastor

"Your visionary program is wonderful, and I know the Lord is, and will continue to bless many through it. Many prayers for your creativity and encouragement to keep going. Be assured of my interest and support." - Noted Speaker for Christian Children's Ministries

"What can I say? You have done very well. In fact, I should think using your guidelines will give anyone a clear understanding, and meaning with scripture references, that will long be remembered. This kind of work reflects much thought and research that will be appreciated by many for a long time. Thank you for a preview of what you are doing." - Researcher and Sunday School Teacher (Systematic Theology)

*Barna Research, New Realse dated January 15, 1998