Dr. Michael Goheen served as the Jake and Betsy Tuls Professor of Missiology, Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids; a Senior Fellow of the Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco; and is currently focused on his work as Director of Theological Education and Scholar-in-residence at Missional Training Center—Phoenix. He is also known for his writings on biblical theology and mission.
His book The Drama of Scripture is, in my opinion, the best single volume book summarizing the big story of Scripture.Â
With all his great academic credentials, I’ve been pleased to get to know him also as “Mike.” He and Marnie are humble in presence and earnest in faith. They just love the Lord. It shows. When Mike and his wife Marnie spoke at our parenting seminar, they shared from their mundane and funny experiences, as well as insightful reflections on raising four children. We also had several couples from our church with grown children sit on a panel. The evening was littered with wisdom. I’ve collected a few of the quotes for you.
Family Life
We always played hard with our kids after dinner for half an hour. They still remember it.
Your best disciples should be in the home.
Give your kids lots of unstructured time. Play is a gift to kids; it sparks the imagination.
Our kids don’t need to try everything. Our kids are too busy.
Don’t rob your children of play by forcing them into sport.
Missional Community is a family gathering so bring your family to the gathering.
Discipline
It’s important to make the distinction between rebellion & childishness.
I want to befriend my children before discipling them.
There’s a cruelty to not helping our kids obey.
Discipline is a fence, keeps our kids from the thorns & cliffs. If stay this side you’ll be more fully human.
End discipline on a positive note, talk about things they enjoy or play with them.
Gospel
Our children said it made them feel special to be part of Gods big story, to have a calling in his world.
The big picture of our relationship to God as Father helps our children makes sense of discipline.