Parent Guide
Good Afternoon Parents,
It is with a heavy heart that we write this message in light of the tragedies that have taken place this past week in Charlotte and Utah. We live in unprecedented times, and unlike years past, our youth are confronted with these events not only through the news but also through raw, unfiltered footage circulating across social media platforms.
If you or your students scrolled through X, TikTok, or other platforms in recent days, you likely noticed how graphic and uncensored videos of these murders are being widely shared. These images and stories are not only going viral—they are playing on repeat across countless feeds, leaving many young people struggling to process what they have seen.
Because of this, we strongly encourage you to recognize the weight these events may carry on your children. Many of them have likely witnessed these videos, and they need safe, intentional spaces to process their emotions. We urge you to set aside time to talk with your youth, listen to their questions, and point them toward the love and hope of Jesus Christ in the midst of such brokenness.
Please know we are praying for the families directly impacted by these tragedies. We also pray that the peace and discernment of Christ would guide our responses as families, as a church, as a community, and as citizens of a world deeply in need of Him.
If you have questions or would like resources to help you navigate these conversations, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to walk alongside you.
With love and prayer,
Pastor Chris
Sample discussion guide:
Opening Thought- Our world is broken, and tragedy reminds us of our deep need for Jesus. God invites us to bring our fears, questions, and pain to Him.
Scripture to Read Together
Scriptures of Comfort and God’s Presence
- Psalm 46:1–2 — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…”
- Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- Matthew 11:28–29 — “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…”
Scriptures About Brokenness and Hope
- Romans 12:21 — “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
- John 16:33 — “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
- Revelation 21:4 — “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore…”
Scriptures About God’s Nearness in Grief
- Psalm 23:4 — “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”
- 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 — “The God of all comfort… comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction…”
- Philippians 4:7 — “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Conversation Starters:
Processing What They Saw
- “Have you come across any of the videos or posts about what happened this week? How did it make you feel?”
Exploring Emotions
- “What was the hardest part for you to see or think about?”
Pointing to Hope
- “Why do you think God wants us to know He is close to the brokenhearted?”
- “How does Jesus bring us hope, even when we see so much hurt and violence in the world?”
Personal Response
- “What’s one way we can pray together right now—for the families, our community, or even for God to give us peace?”
Encouragement:
- Don’t feel pressure to have all the answers. Listen more than you speak.
- Remind your child that their feelings are valid, but Jesus offers lasting peace.
- Close the conversation with prayer, modeling how to bring grief and confusion before God.