My Reflections on the First National Grandparenting Summit

My husband and I attended the First National Grandparenting Summit in Frisco, Texas in November 15 to 17. I would like to briefly share with you about the conference. It was an awesome experience being reminded how grandparents play a unique and profoundly influential role in the live of their grandchildren – second to parent. Today’s grandparents don’t consider themselves “seniors” in the traditional sense. They are generally healthier and more vital than any other generation of grandparents in history. The 21st Century grandparents are just as likely to be rocking to their favorite tunes, instead of rocking in their favorite chairs.

We listened to some of the nation’s most respected ministry leaders and grandparenting experts sharing why Biblical grandparenting matters. We found inspiration, ideas and amazing displays of resources to help us realize our potential to grandparent successfully.

I will briefly share a few of my thoughts from some of the sessions.

Josh Mulihvall shared with us that the Biblical role for grandparents is found in Deuteronomy 4:9 Living Bible (TLB) “But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen God doing for you. May his miracles have a deep and permanent effect upon your lives! Tell your children and your grandchildren about the glorious miracles he did.”

 Larry Fowler shared about Intentional Christian Grandparenting

• The Incredible importance of grandparenting

Grandparenting is passing the relay race through the generations. We read in, Joel 1:3 New Living Translation (NLT), Tell your children about it in the years to come and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation.

• The Incredible Potential grandparents

There are 70 million plus grandparents in the US alone, a third of the population are grandparents. There are 30 million+ Christian grandparents. Intentional Praying Grandparents can change the world.

• The Incredible Receptive Audience

Our grandchildren love us and will listen to us. Grandchildren will often listen to grandparents before their parents.

• There are 4 types of grandparents

1. Cultural grandparents – Doting, gifting and support (babysitting)
2. Biblical grandparents – Intentionally seeing the vision of sharing Christ
3. Blocked grandparents – Discouraged, frustrated, estranged
4. Unequipped grandparents – insecure, ignorant of Christian resources

 Michelle Anthony Encouraged Grandparents

“To make the most of every opportunity, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15. We need to ask ourselves “How many more years do I have left to spiritually influence my grandchildren.”

She encouraged us to appreciate our grandchildren’s perspective, listen to their opinions. Look for the opportune and right times to respond to their opinions. Engage in Intergenerational Interactions, Invest in your grandchildren. There is a battle for the heart of our grandchildren and their parents. We must teach our children and grandchildren to obey God, and then they will be successful. Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

John Trent spoke about Blessing our Children and Grandchildren

You may ask, “What does that look like?” John Trent says:

• To add value to their lives, the BLESS means to add value, spiritual, social, intellectual influence for good.
• To speak well. Example: We want you to know that you have our blessing – and will as long as the Lord gives us life and breath.
• Look for opportunities to encourage and build them up. They need to have their grandparents build them up because often parents are correcting them.
• Write out special blessings for their special occasions, like, graduation, weddings, or any special accomplishments.

 Gary Chapman spoke about the importance of grandparents having a thriving healthy marriage for their grandchildren to follow.

 Josh McDowell spoke about the influence of the Internet, especially pornography. Rule without relationships lead to rebellion, Discipline without relationships results in anger.

The 7 A’s Build Relationships that Transform

1. Affirmation – Give sense of authenticity. Affirmation builds bridges Romans 12:15
2. Acceptance – Sense of security. Romans 15:7
3. Appreciation – Sense of significance. Catch them doing things right.
4. Availability – Sense of importance Matthew 19:13-14s
5. Affection – Sense of lovability
6. Verbal affection
7. Express appropriate physical affection   John 15:12
8. Nothing is more powerful than the love of a father or grandfather.
9. Approach their world – Sense of connection I Corthinians 13:5
10. Accountability – I am accountable to God for my relationships with my children and grandchildren. Romans 14:12

In conclusion:  I observed 3 main emphasis

1. Grandchildren need our time and attention.
2. Grandchildren need our blessings.
3. Grandchildren need our prayers.

Lillian Penner, Prayer Coordinator, Christian Grandparenting Network, www.christiangrandparenting.net, lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net,Author of Grandparenting with a Purpose, Blogger://www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com, Twitter: Penner@grandparentpray, https://www.facebook.com/GrandparentingWithAPurpose