Pastor Mark Asleson, of Dilworth Church, shares his congregation’s experiences with Milestones Ministry.

“One of the most powerful parts of our Milestones Ministry program (that our congregation has been a part of for many years) is when parents come to me and say, ‘Thank you, Pastor. When I come with my child to church, I’m no longer a spectator but I am participant. Thank you!’

This is our 14th year of including the home in the passing on of faith. At the end of our second year of confirmation, we interview both the students and their family members. We asked students if they wanted to change back to class instruction with just their classmates or if we should continue to include parents/family members in the class? In the past 14 years, we have had more than 300 students go through these interviews and only three have answered that they would prefer students only. All the other respondents said they want their families included. We also ask this at our Senior Confirmation and Home Interviews, which usually involves 10th graders and their parents. The parents join in listening to and reflecting on the confirmand’s faith paper as well as the yearly milestone events that they have participated in for more than 14 years. I am amazed at what both the parents and their children remember of those events, mostly that they did it together!”