It takes a village: Rediscovering biblical parenting through community

Think of how often the wider faith community shaped the lives of biblical characters. When Jesus was 12, his mum and dad found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions – absorbing the wisdom in the room. He gravitated towards those who could teach him and guide him. Moses was raised by his biological mother, Pharoah’s daughter and the Egyptian royal court. His mum saved him from certain death, but it took the care, protection and the influence of different people from diverse cultures to shape him into the leader he became. Timothy’s faith was nurtured by multiple generations of women before Paul stepped in as a spiritual mentor.  And Samuel – his mum, Hannah, entrusted her son to the care of the temple community. Orphaned Esther was taken in by her cousin Mordecai, who raised her as his own daughter and played a crucial role in God’s plan to save the Jewish people from annihilation. 

These stories from the Bible remind us that we were never meant to do life, and especially parenting alone.  God gave Eve to Adam – a partner and companion because, according to his purpose, we are designed for relationship. First with him, then with one another. When we do things together, when we are supported and encouraged by the people around us, we can live our best lives. This doesn’t mean that things will always be easy but when they’re not, we have others walking alongside us.