ABOUT US
"Developing adults and children in a Christian community of faith that cultivates natural connection and active participation."
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Who We Are
The Surge Christian Parenting Center exists to develop adults and children in a Christian community of faith that cultivates natural connection and active participation. Our mission is rooted in the belief that faith is best nurtured within intergenerational church communities where relationships, discipleship, and growth are shared experiences.
The Initiative
The Surge Christian Parenting Center is proud to be part of a Lilly Endowment-funded initiative aimed at supporting thriving congregations. Through the Surge Parenting Initiative, we work closely with five churches—Alhambra Beloved Community, Arcadia City Church, Desert Springs Bible Church, Redemption Church Gilbert, and Roosevelt Church—to strengthen connections between parents, children, and church communities.
This initiative focuses on equipping parents and church leaders with tools and strategies to nurture children’s faith while fostering supportive, sustainable church environments. By combining church learning cohorts with individualized plans tailored to each church's unique needs, the center seeks to develop practical, relational models for faith formation.
A Brief History
The Surge Christian Parenting Center was established as part of the Lilly Grant initiative, inspired by a shared vision to cultivate vibrant and sustainable faith practices across generations. Our work reflects a deep commitment to the Christian values of connection, participation, and discipleship, and we partner with churches to create meaningful, lasting impact.
We're here to help.
We know how challenging it can be to guide children in faith.
WALK
WITH
WHOLE
what is the SURGE christian parenting center?
what we do
our values
The Surge Christian Parenting Center was created to support and equip parents, caregivers, and church leaders in nurturing the faith of children within a vibrant, intergenerational community of believers. Our mission is to develop adults and children in a Christian community of faith that fosters natural connections and active participation, ensuring that faith formation is meaningful, sustainable, and deeply rooted in everyday life.
The center is funded through the Lilly Endowment’s Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative, which empowers organizations to create resources, programs, and opportunities to help parents and caregivers share their Christian faith and values with their children. Through this partnership, we aim to transform how faith is cultivated within families and congregations across Arizona.
The center is funded through the Lilly Endowment’s Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative, which empowers organizations to create resources, programs, and opportunities to help parents and caregivers share their Christian faith and values with their children. Through this partnership, we aim to transform how faith is cultivated within families and congregations across Arizona.
At the Surge Christian Parenting Center, we are committed to supporting both families and churches in creating sustainable models of faith formation that reflect the unique challenges and opportunities of their communities. Our work includes:
Equipping Parents and Caregivers
Equipping Parents and Caregivers
- We provide tools and resources to help parents and caregivers incorporate faith practices into their daily lives, making faith formation accessible and meaningful even amidst busy schedules.
- Through the church cohort model, we work with congregations to develop customized plans that integrate faith formation into the fabric of their church life. This involves training, collaboration, and intentional focus on intergenerational engagement.
- By emphasizing relational and community-based practices, we encourage a long-term, holistic approach to spiritual growth that nurtures individuals, families, and congregations.
The Surge Christian Parenting Center is rooted in the belief that faith formation thrives when it is shared within a supportive community. Our work is guided by the following Christian values:
- Connection: Building relationships across generations that naturally encourage spiritual growth.
- Simplicity: Offering practical, sustainable tools and resources that fit seamlessly into everyday life.
- Faithfulness: Empowering families and church leaders to embrace and pass down time-honored practices of the Christian faith.
- Community: Cultivating an environment where faith is nurtured not just within the family but also in the broader church community.
SURGE CHRISTIAN PARENTING CENTER
what is a church cohort?
what is the purpose of church cohorts?
At the Surge Christian Parenting Center, church cohorts are small groups of congregations working together in a collaborative learning process to explore, develop, and implement innovative approaches to nurturing faith in children and families. Each cohort is made up of churches that share a commitment to cultivating sustainable, intergenerational faith practices within their communities.
The church cohort model is designed to foster collaboration, shared learning, and mutual encouragement among churches.
Together, cohort participants:
The ultimate goal of the cohorts is to inspire and empower churches to create faith environments that are relational, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ. By working together, churches in the cohort can cultivate communities where faith is naturally passed on from one generation to the next.
The church cohort model is designed to foster collaboration, shared learning, and mutual encouragement among churches.
Together, cohort participants:
- Identify the strengths, challenges, and opportunities unique to their congregations.
- Explore best practices in Christian parenting, caregiving, and faith formation.
- Develop customized action plans tailored to their context, equipping parents and leaders to better nurture the faith of children.
- Build supportive relationships with other churches, creating a network of encouragement and accountability.
- This process combines guided discussions, practical tools, and ongoing coaching to help churches grow in their ability to walk alongside parents and caregivers in meaningful, effective ways.
The ultimate goal of the cohorts is to inspire and empower churches to create faith environments that are relational, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ. By working together, churches in the cohort can cultivate communities where faith is naturally passed on from one generation to the next.
CHURCH COHORTS
what is the SURGE christian parenting center?
what is the purpose of the SURGE christian parenting center?
At the Surge Christian Parenting Center, church cohorts are small groups of congregations working together in a collaborative learning process to explore, develop, and implement innovative approaches to nurturing faith in children and families. Each cohort is made up of churches that share a commitment to cultivating sustainable, intergenerational faith practices within their communities.
The church cohort model is designed to foster collaboration, shared learning, and mutual encouragement among churches.
Together, cohort participants:
The ultimate goal of the cohorts is to inspire and empower churches to create faith environments that are relational, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ. By working together, churches in the cohort can cultivate communities where faith is naturally passed on from one generation to the next.
The church cohort model is designed to foster collaboration, shared learning, and mutual encouragement among churches.
Together, cohort participants:
- Identify the strengths, challenges, and opportunities unique to their congregations.
- Explore best practices in Christian parenting, caregiving, and faith formation.
- Develop customized action plans tailored to their context, equipping parents and leaders to better nurture the faith of children.
- Build supportive relationships with other churches, creating a network of encouragement and accountability.
- This process combines guided discussions, practical tools, and ongoing coaching to help churches grow in their ability to walk alongside parents and caregivers in meaningful, effective ways.
The ultimate goal of the cohorts is to inspire and empower churches to create faith environments that are relational, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ. By working together, churches in the cohort can cultivate communities where faith is naturally passed on from one generation to the next.
THE GRANT NAME
what is SURGE NETWORK?
what is the purpose of SURGE NETWORK?
At the Surge Christian Parenting Center, church cohorts are small groups of congregations working together in a collaborative learning process to explore, develop, and implement innovative approaches to nurturing faith in children and families. Each cohort is made up of churches that share a commitment to cultivating sustainable, intergenerational faith practices within their communities.
The church cohort model is designed to foster collaboration, shared learning, and mutual encouragement among churches.
Together, cohort participants:
The ultimate goal of the cohorts is to inspire and empower churches to create faith environments that are relational, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ. By working together, churches in the cohort can cultivate communities where faith is naturally passed on from one generation to the next.
The church cohort model is designed to foster collaboration, shared learning, and mutual encouragement among churches.
Together, cohort participants:
- Identify the strengths, challenges, and opportunities unique to their congregations.
- Explore best practices in Christian parenting, caregiving, and faith formation.
- Develop customized action plans tailored to their context, equipping parents and leaders to better nurture the faith of children.
- Build supportive relationships with other churches, creating a network of encouragement and accountability.
- This process combines guided discussions, practical tools, and ongoing coaching to help churches grow in their ability to walk alongside parents and caregivers in meaningful, effective ways.
The ultimate goal of the cohorts is to inspire and empower churches to create faith environments that are relational, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ. By working together, churches in the cohort can cultivate communities where faith is naturally passed on from one generation to the next.
SURGE NETWORK
Brittney S.
trainer
Sean F.
Trainer
Maggie L.
Dietician
Luke T.
Trainer
Jason B.
Trainer
Jeff K.
trainer
Ashley I.
Trainer
Josh S.
dietician
