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Milestones

Knowing that as children and students transition, parents are also faced with change and challenges in their parenting journey. As you look to the fall and the upcoming milestones that lie ahead for your family, be encouraged that the Next Gen team is here to partner with you on the path. There will be several opportunities throughout the coming year for parents to engage in. The beauty of Legacy Milestones lies in the extent in which the family and the church work together to mentor children and students spiritually and emotionally at significant moments.



	Milestone 1 Baby (Child) Dedication The first step on the pathway is Baby Dedication. Parents learn how to become primary faith trainers for their children and accept the responsibility at our Baby Dedication Class, offered every other month. Resources and learning opportunities are provided for the new parents desiring to dedicate their child to the Lord.

Milestone 2 Baptism An important milestone in the life of every person is baptism. Often children growing up in Christian homes reach a decision point before adolescence. This decision may also occur later in life. Between Milestone #1 and Milestone #2, we partner with and equip parents using JumpStart, a one-time presentation for kids and parents. It is designed to help kids learn what it means to have a relationship with Jesus, and provide parents with the tools to help lead their child to Christ. Once your child makes a decision to follow Christ, baptism is the next step. Baptism Class is offered quarterly to help your child understand and prepare for this event.

	Milestone 3 Preparing for Adolescence Parents learn core competencies and basics of helping kids navigate relevant issues such as physical changes, identity in Christ, preparation to serve, and how-to's for parents to widen their circle of influence in their child's life.

Milestone 4 Commitment to Purity An evening for all Middle School and High School Parents. We will take a look at today's culture and talk about the biblical standard for purity, sex and intimacy, healthy relationships and practical dating. This evening will also help equip parents with a plan for a purity ring presentation and vow exchange with their students.

	Milestone 5 "High School 101" An evening with parents, students and ministry leaders at EHchurch! This is it! The moment in everyone's life when we transition from childhood to God-honoring adulthood. This time of life is so much more than the superficial freedoms such as keys to the car or latest cell phones. This milestone delineates the responsibilities associated with becoming a man or woman of God. We'll talk about the Bible's perspective on the roles of men and women, as well as learn how to identify spiritual gifts and lay out a plan of how to develop these gifts through acts of service.

Milestone 6 High School Graduation Parents must help their students develop the practical and spiritual skills to leave home. We guide parents to help prepare their students for the world outside of the nest. This can be a very healthy time in the family journey if parents continue to keep the lines of communication open with their students. Issues such as following Christ in a world that doesn't, courtship and marriage, determining the will of God, life skills for living away from home, and other biblical issues will be explored. This important time is our last chance to shape the faith of our children before they are on their own.

	Milestone 7 Life in Christ Life in Christ is a journey of following Jesus. John 15 sets the precedence for this amazing journey describing a fulfilling life with eternal purpose. Real life begins and grows in relationship with Jesus Christ. From that relationship, a Christ-follower grows throughout the journey. It is a path filled with both high and low places and ends in eternity with Jesus. Life in Christ is experienced by every adult believer no matter one's life stage or circumstance. Day by day, life in Christ is learning to remain in Him.