In our previous blog post, we discussed arrows as a type of missile weapon used in warfare. According to our guest blogger, Mr. Stephen Olusa, missile weapons are long-range weapons that don't require the sender's proximity to hit their target. However, for arrows to hit their target, three factors are critical.

1. The archer has to be competent.

2. The bow has to be strong.

3. The archer has to pull at full strength.

The first factor is at the centre of our work within the LoL Parenting community, which is "to raise a people of competence and stature, called by God to raise the next generation of the Church." Parenting is a gift from God, but it requires competence if we are to raise "arrows" fit for purpose and who will hit their target.

A quick look at the dictionary provides the following definition of COMPETENCE:

a. "the quality or state of having sufficient knowledge, judgment, skill, or strength (as for a particular duty or in a particular respect).

b. "the ability to do something successfully or efficiently."

c. "the quality of being competent; adequacy; possession of the required skill, knowledge, qualification, or capacity."

As parents who want to succeed in our roles, we require knowledge and skill to parent effectively and attain success. The Bible explicitly instructs us to be diligent in studying and gaining knowledge that makes us skilful in our work for God 2 Timothy 2:15 AMPC

• We need to be equipped with knowledge from God's word about how to raise our children in alignment with His eternal plan for the church. God created and gifted us with our children, He knows them and His word can guide us in our role as parents. Jeremiah 1:5 NIV

• It is crucial to have a basic understanding of how children develop physically, emotionally, and psychologically. For instance, knowing that toddlers test boundaries as they try to develop a sense of self can prevent us from seeing them as the "terrible twos." Similarly, acknowledging that adolescents naturally develop emotional attraction towards the opposite gender (i.e., crush) as they prepare for future relationships enables us to provide guidance that keeps them grounded throughout this phase. It's important to appreciate each child's unique personality and strengths, rather than creating negative sibling rivalries through unnecessary comparisons. In essence, we add to our understanding of spiritual truths concerning our children, knowledge about who they are, how they develop, and their developmental trajectories and help them navigate those phases of their lives. This is especially important during the adolescent phase through to the early adult stage when they need support.

• As parents, we must seek mentorship from those who have successfully raised children in the faith. We can learn from these experienced parents and be encouraged by their testimonies. God has given us a community so that we can support and uplift one another using our unique gifts and talents. There may be times when we face difficult parenting challenges such as raising a strong-willed child, dealing with addiction, an unplanned teenage pregnancy or negative peer influences. However, we can draw strength and wisdom from older parents who have already travelled a similar journey and emerged victorious. They can provide judgement-free guidance and support to help us navigate these challenges. Hebrews 4:15 AMP Genesis 45:7 AMP

We should seek out and learn from those who have raised "arrows" without breaking the "bow" or bending the "arrows". These parents have successfully navigated the most challenging aspects of parenting without losing themselves or their children. Their triumphs can inspire and inform our parenting journeys so that we too can raise children who are like arrows in the hands of a "competent archer".

We shall continue discussing the remaining two critical factors in our subsequent posts. Until then, keep growing and succeeding in your role as God's Competent Archer (GCA)!

Do you have questions as a parent? Are you unsure about how to navigate certain areas of your parenting journey? Do you feel that there are gaps in your parenting skills and you want to improve? No matter what your concerns are, remember that God always provides a way for us to grow and develop as His children. The first step is to seek guidance from His word, and then reach out to us for support.

We are here to pray with you and connect you with our team of experienced parenting mentors. Don't hesitate to talk to us today and let us help you on your parenting journey.