Cleric Tasks Parents On Moral

WIFE of the founder, Goodnews Church, United Kingdom, Pastor Chika Amadi has called on parents to be role models to their children. She stated this during an interview with The Guardian on how to raise God-fearing children.

Her words: “To be honest, young people do not have a problem, just that they are growing in a fast paced digital era, where celebrities and gadgets are now their main influencers. To worsen the matter, most parents are behind digitally and so their hands are tied sometimes.”

Amadi said children no longer follow academic role models, but are rather influenced by funky, breast popping and almost naked celebrities, because parents no longer pay attention to what their children are doing in this era of social media. Hence, they are so glued to their phones and social media networks.

“Again, most parents work long hours and hardly have time to hang out with their children to monitor their activities. Parents are often busy in search of money at the expense of their parental roles. So, the children engage in their own pleasure rather than what would be of benefit to them.

“For you to raise, Godly, courteous and modern children, parents must capture them young. Be present in their formative years instead of dumping them with child minders or daycare centres. From the early age, ensure there are boundaries but do not be high-handed. No matter their age, respect their views, feelings and shower praises on them, when they play according to rules. Instead of reaching out for the cane and belt first, parents should first listen to the children to understand what drives them into intolerable behaviours, then tell them in simple terms what they did wrong and if possible, use the scriptures to show them how to act in the future.

“This will establish trust and confidence in the children. Finally, as pastors, my husband and I ensure that we hold family prayers at least once in a week, where we allow our children to lead prayers, lead in songs, Bible reading and interpretation after which, we encourage them to field questions on issues of interest to them, no matter what these may be.”

In her view, churches should listen to young people and not judge them. They should also organise workshops to deal with matters other than religion such as relationships with people, including parents, as well as encourage children’s voices to be heard and not just during Bible recitations.