Shepherding a Child’s

 Heart 

These sessions may be downloaded, in their Hebrew translation.  To hear the sessions/download: http://hagefen.podomatic.com/player/web/2009-01-05T01_30_12-08_00     
(skip ahead and back for various sessions) 

I.The Call to Formative Instruction – Deuteronomy 6

Formative instruction provides children with biblical ways of thinking. It is the process of instruction that enables our children to root all of life in God's revelation in the Bible.  Formative instruction is not focused on correcting something that has gone wrong; it focus is providing ways of interpreting and responding to life that are biblical.

II.Giving Children a Vision for the Glory of God –
Children are instinctively worshipers.  They are made in the image of God and are hard-wired for worship.  They love to be awed.  They delight in marveling at things.  They will either worship God the Creator or created things.  We will identify some common idols of the heart as well as our calling as parents is to hold the glory and goodness of God before our children. 

III.Giving Children an Understanding of Authority – Ephesians 6
Our culture thinks of authority as derived from overwhelming force or consent.  We have no idea that it is good and proper for some to be in authority and for others to be under authority. Parents often, unwittingly make their children independent decision makers.  When we do, we give them an appetite for a liberty that does not exist and a mistaken notion about freedom. True freedom is living joyfully under the authorities that God has ordained.

IV.Giving Children an Understanding of the Heart – Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 4 says "the heart is the well-spring of life."  Luke 6 says that it is "out of the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks."  If behavior flows from the heart, then we cannot think about behavior biblically without reference to the heart.  This teaching will equip us to help our children see how behavior that has strayed reflects a heart that has strayed.  

V. Overview of Corrective Discipline: Spanking, Sowing & Reaping, & Communication
The Proverbs makes a clear case for spanking, especially as we deal with small children.  This teaching will provide clear guidelines for physical discipline that is gracious and kind.   The second part of this session will explore the sowing and reaping principle of the Bible and root our administration of consequences for our children in rich biblical soil.  Additionally, we will examine some of the biblical principles that can guide our communication.  The seminar will end with the reminder that the grace and strength, insight and wisdom for this work is found in Christ.
 

TEDD TRIPP'S BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Since 1994, Tedd has maintained an extensive ministry as a conference speaker and presenter of Shepherding a Child's Heart Seminars.

Tedd Tripp is the senior pastor of Grace Fellowship Church, Hazleton, Pennsylvania.  He was married to Margy in 1968.  They have three adult children and nine grandchildren.  Tedd is a graduate of Geneva College, B.A. in History, Philadelphia Theological Seminary, M. Div., and Westminster Theological Seminary, D. Min. with an emphasis in Pastoral Counseling.  Tedd is the author of the popular child-rearing book, Shepherding a Child's Heart and recently published a follow-up book: Instructing a Child's Heart.

 

Tedd has been an elder in Grace Fellowship Church since 1976 and pastor of the church since 1983.  Before seminary Tedd worked as a contractor and in industry. 
 

Tedd and Margy founded Immanuel Christian School in 1979 where Tedd has served as a teacher and administrator.  Tedd and Margy still serve on the board of ICS.  From 1985-1997 Tedd served as a counselor in the Lehigh Valley office of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation.  Since 1994, Tedd has maintained an extensive ministry as a conference speaker and presenter of Shepherding a Child's Heart Seminars.  His books and video and audio materials are used throughout the world.