Family milestones
We come alongside families to help the next generation discover truth, belonging, and purpose as they grow in their faith. Here you’ll find trusted resources, practical guidance, and intentional milestones to help your child take confident next steps in their faith.
RESOURCES
PARENT COMMISSIONING
Commissioning parents to lead faith at home
1st GRADE BIBLE PRESENTATIONS
A milestone launching families into Scripture
SCRIPTURE MEMORY
Scripture shaping everyday life at home
BIBLICAL COMMUNITY
We are designed for community
STEWARDSHIP
Learning to be generous with what we have
MAKING A DECISION TO FOLLOW JESUS
What does it mean to trust and follow Jesus
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Being rooted in the local church
DISCIPLE-MAKING
Leading your children to truth, belonging, and purpose
ORDINANCES
Seeing God’s redemptive work
SHARING THE GOSPEL
Making disciples who make disciples
MISSION TRIPS
Building a heart for the nations and taking the gospel to the ends of the Earth
PARENT COMMISSIONING
At Johnson Ferry, we believe God has entrusted parents with the primary role of discipling their children. Through Parent Commissioning, we celebrate and affirm this sacred calling, inviting parents to commit to leading their children to know and follow Jesus as Savior and King.
This moment is not only a commitment by parents—it is a commitment by the church. As a church family, we commission ourselves to walk alongside each parent as partners in the discipleship journey. Through prayer, encouragement, and biblical community, we seek to cultivate a culture where discipleship begins in the home and is strengthened through the life of the church.
1ST
GRADE
BIBLE PRESENTATIONS
The 1st Grade Adventure Bible Presentation is a meaningful milestone that invites families to take the next step in discipling their children at home. During a joy-filled, age-appropriate, and memorable ceremony, each child receives an Adventure Bible—marking an exciting moment in their faith journey.
This moment is about more than receiving a Bible; it’s about cultivating a love for God’s Word that begins in the home. As parents open Scripture with their children, ask questions, and pray together, they help lay a foundation of biblical truth that will shape their children’s lives for years to come.
SCRIPTURE MEMORY
God’s Word changes hearts—and it’s at home where Scripture memory and study come alive. Kids have an incredible ability to retain truth, and when families work together to memorize and reflect on the Bible, they are planting seeds that will bear fruit for a lifetime.
How does Scripture shape their identity?
God’s Word helps children discover who they truly are. Instead of defining themselves by grades, friendships, or what others say about them, they learn that they are created by God, deeply loved, and chosen to belong to Him. This truth gives them confidence and security as they grow and face new seasons of life.
How does it guide them through disappointment?
The Bible reminds children that they are never alone when things don’t go their way. Through Scripture, they see that God understands their hurt, listens to their prayers, and walks with them through hard moments. They learn that disappointment doesn’t mean God is distant—it’s often where He is working most closely in their hearts.
How does it inform success and growth?
God’s Word reshapes how children view success. Instead of focusing only on winning or achievement, they learn to celebrate growth, practice gratitude, and use their gifts to serve others. Scripture helps them understand that real success is becoming more like Jesus, one step at a time.
BIBLICAL COMMUNITY
Discipleship doesn’t happen in isolation. God designed us for relationships—with Him and with each other. At Johnson Ferry, we provide Life Groups as a way for families to grow together in Christ-centered community.
Life Groups give families space to share life with others, find encouragement in similar parenting journeys, and model authentic faith. These connections reinforce what’s taught at home and remind us that we are not alone in raising the next generation of disciples. It’s important for your kids to experience biblical community and learn from others in the church that are echoing your biblical teaching at home. One of the blessings of being a multi-generational church is having small group leaders of all ages pouring into your kids.The more consistent they attend small group, the stronger those relationships within the church grow.
STEWARDSHIP
Teaching children to steward their time, talents, and treasures begins with modeling generosity and purpose at home. Families who serve, give, and care for what God has entrusted to them help their children understand that everything we have belongs to Him.
As parents intentionally involve their children in giving their finances and serving—whether at church or in everyday life—they’re shaping hearts that are full of gratitude, compassion, and kingdom purpose. Starting early teaching your kids to tithe a tenth of their allowance, lemonade stand profits, or part time jobs is a great step towards laying a foundation of biblical generosity.
MAKING A DECISION TO FOLLOW JESUS
The most important conversations about salvation often happen at home. Parents have a front-row seat to their children’s spiritual journey and are often the first to notice when hearts are open to the gospel.
We equip parents to confidently walk with their children as they explore what it means to trust Jesus. Our hope as a church is to partner with parents to help kids take the most important step: recognizing what Jesus did on the cross with our sins, receive God’s free gift of grace, surrendering their lives to Christ. Making Jesus their King
ORDINANCES
The Bible tells us that grace is not given through outward symbols and no ritual is necessary for salvation. Grace is the blessing of God, freely given to the undeserving. Ordinances are visual aids to help us better understand and appreciate what Jesus Christ accomplished for us in his redemptive work and they are testimonies that we indeed
BAPTISM
When a child decides to follow Jesus, baptism is a beautiful next step. At Johnson Ferry, we come alongside families as they help their child understand and celebrate this public declaration of faith.
Baptism doesn’t save—it symbolizes the salvation already received through Jesus. Like a wedding ring, it’s an outward expression of an inward commitment. As soon as a child believes, they are ready to take this step (Acts 8:26–40).
The Lord’s Supper is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice. Families can help prepare their children to participate by teaching them what the bread and the cup represent and reflecting together on the gospel.
Communion becomes even more meaningful when the home is a place of gospel conversations. For children who have trusted Jesus, this act deepens their love for Him and strengthens their sense of belonging in His body—the church.
COMMUNION / LORD'S SUPPER
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Being rooted in a local church is an essential part of discipleship. At Johnson Ferry, we see church membership not as a formality but as a way to grow deeper in worship, service, and community.
When families commit to the church, they gain support, accountability, and opportunities to serve together. Membership is a step that reinforces the shared mission between church and home: to make disciples who make disciples.
SHARING THE GOSPEL AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Families are key to raising children who not only believe the gospel but share it boldly. As children grow, they begin to understand how God has uniquely gifted them to serve His Church and share His love with the world (1 Corinthians 12, 1 Peter 4:10).
When parents model serving and evangelism at home, kids learn that their faith is meant to be lived out and passed on. Our goal is to raise up disciple-makers who reflect Jesus in every part of life. God has commanded all of our to go and make disciples. He promises that he will be with us at all times as we use our spiritual gifts and share the good news.
Why is sharing the gospel important?
Evangelism is important because it’s how the hope of Jesus is shared with a world that desperately needs it.
At its core, evangelism flows from love. When we truly believe that Jesus brings forgiveness, freedom, and new life, we can’t help but want others to know Him too. Sharing the gospel is an invitation—not to religion—but to a restored relationship with God.
What are spiritual gifts?
Spiritual gifts are abilities given by the Holy Spirit to followers of Jesus to help build up the church and serve others for God’s glory.
They aren’t talents we earn or skills we achieve—they are gifts from God, given with purpose. Every believer receives spiritual gifts, and each one matters. When we use them, the body of Christ grows stronger and the love of Jesus is made visible to the world.
MISSION TRIPS
Mission trips give families and students a chance to live out the gospel beyond their home and church. Family mission trips let kids see their parents living their faith in action, while student trips help young people take ownership of their own walk with Christ.
Each trip includes training, teamwork, and gospel opportunities—often leading to life-changing moments. Whether your child is watching you share your faith or sharing theirs for the first time, mission trips are powerful discipleship moments that fuel a lifelong commitment to the mission of Jesus.
DISCIPLE-MAKING
Everything we do—at home and at church—is rooted in the goal of Jesus’ great commission to all Christians to make disciples that make disciples. When families embrace their God-given role, and the church equips and supports them, we build a movement of faith that multiplies across generations.
Discipleship is not a program—it’s a way of life. Let’s partner together to help our kids find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus, and lead others to do the same.
