Orange

We all have a favorite color, don't we? I have always been partial to blue. My favorite baseball and football teams both have this color within their logos. However, 13 years ago, I was given a new appreciation for the color orange. First, let us recall how you created this color. Do you remember your art lessons? Combine the two colors, red and yellow. In his book Think Orange, Reggie Joiner uses this premise to illustrate that two combined influences can significantly impact more (Joiner, 2009). First, the author argues that if you take the heart of the family (red) and the church's (yellow) light, a more significant influence could occur on a child's spiritual growth. Individually these are powerful influencers God provides to help disciple a child. Imagine, though, if both the parents (family) and the church (God's people) had an intentional partnership to help foster a child's spiritual growth.
 
In Deuteronomy, Moses implores an entire nation to be diligent and teach the next generation how to love God and others (Deuteronomy 6:4-8). Our Lord Jesus reiterates the importance of this truth by stating these are the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:33-40). However, not done alone. As a family pastor, I have this goal – to partner with leaders and parents to help create a community around timeless truths that moves the next generation to live out the two greatest commandments (Joiner, 2022). The color orange will never be the same for me, and my hope is also for you.

Joiner, R. (2009). Think orange: Imagine the impact when church and family collide (1st ed). David C. Cook.

Joiner, R., Ivy, Kristen. (2022). Family Ministry Essentials: An Orange Strategy Guide (1st ed.). Orange.

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