SUMMARY

How are saints called to parent? In this episode, Brad Libolt and Rick Reeves will look at where we place our identity and what that means for parents. Not a parent? This episode will still be great for you, as Brad and Rick talk about idols and identity in Christ.

 
 

QUESTIONS DISCUSSED

  • Why is it important to discuss parenting on a large public platform, like a podcast?

  • What is grace? Am I worthy of God’s grace?

  • Where can we go to in Scripture for grace and parenting?

  • Where should we place our identity as parents? What can we do to remind ourselves of that identity?

  • What are some practical ways to live out an identity in Christ as a parent?

RESOURCES/REFERENCES

  • Psalm 127 - “A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.”

  • Give them grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick - a revolutionary perspective on parenting that shows us how to receive the gospel afresh and give grace in abundance, helping our children know the dazzling love of Jesus and respond with heartfelt obedience.

  • Parenting by Paul Tripp - this book offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with a big-picture view of God's plan for us as parents. Outlining 14 foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God - grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.

  • The Relational Soul by Rich Plass & Jim Cofield - brings together concepts from psychology and spiritual formation. Each chapter includes introductory stories and practical "If this is true, what about you?" questions to help readers engage in relationships in more life-giving ways. When the presence of Christ and community connect with a soul that is open, we witness the miracle of transformation.

  • Attachments by Tim Clinton & Gary Sibcy - for anyone who desires closeness, especially in the most intimate relationships: marriage, parenting, close friends, and ultimately God. The answer to why people feel and act the way they do lies in the profound effect of a child's bonding process with his or her parents. How successfully we form and maintain relationships throughout life is related to those early issues of "attachment".

  • Gospel Fluency Videos by Jeff Vanderstelt - On 9/7/13, Jeff Vanderstelt taught on Gospel Fluency at The Austin Stone Institute

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Our first featured business is Farmers Union Coffee Roasters located in one of the few historic buildings remaining in downtown Eugene. This old egg production facility on 5th street is over a hundred years old. The nearby railroad helped these eggs ship across the country. They have some great neighboring stores as well to check out.

Owners Mark and Thomas opened The Barn Light bar and coffee shop in 2012. They always dreamed about one day selling their own product, whether that was beer or coffee or whatever. They teamed up with Joe Harrison and started roasting coffee and operating Slightly Coffee Roasters. Soon they moved to the current location, rebranded as Farmers Union Coffee Roasters! Now they take time, using trial and error to determine the best way to roast every varietal of coffee they source, to cupping every batch of coffee that comes off the roaster.

Their goal isn’t to be extremely profitable or make as much money as possible. While it is important for them to make a profit so they can continue doing what they love, the true motivation is really the people. They believe that coffee is one of the best ways in the world to connect with other human beings. They know that by creating a quality product people will return for more. This is now an opportunity for Farmers Union to build a deeper relationship with those people. Building up a solid community takes time and they’re ready to do it right. Their desire is to grow as deeply as possible, digging roots, and building community. This community reaches from those drinking their coffee to the farmer, halfway across the globe, who works to provide the fruit that is used to make that coffee.

We encourage you to check out this café that provides a space for the community to gather and connect with each other. We invite you to connect with the staff and owners, building community in partnership with Farmers Union Coffee Roasters.