A family of three with a man, woman, and a young girl smiling, overlaid with colorful horizontal lines and distorted text.

"Equipping parents to be the primary disciplers of their children and evangelizing & discipling kids, students, and families through stage-specific, Biblically focused, Gospel-centered ministries.”

We love family.

  • Family is a sacred gift from God, providing love, support, and companionship. It is a source of joy, fulfillment, witness, and shared experiences that enrich our lives. Through family, we learn important life lessons, grow in empathy, and experience God's love in tangible ways.

  • With the blessing of family comes the responsibility to nurture, protect, and care for one another throughout all of the stages life brings. Parents are called to love, disciple, and protect their children; children are called to honor their parents; and spouses are called to live lives of unity, sacrifice, and Christlike love.

  • In marriage, we see a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the church, characterized by love, faithfulness, and forgiveness. Parenthood helps us to understand God’s role as a loving and caring Father who guides and nurtures His children with sacrificial love.

  • Strong families are the foundation of strong societies. When families thrive, individuals are better equipped to contribute positively to their communities and society at large. Investing in family well-being leads to healthier, more resilient, and more harmonious societies.

“Rooted by the River”
Parenting Podcast

Person holding a smartphone playing a podcast titled 'Rooted by the River' in a workspace with a laptop, headphones, and two potted succulents on a white desk near a window.

Parents are called to be the primary disciplers of their children. But that feels overwhelming, doesn't it? “Rooted by the River” is a podcast here to empower you as a parent. We invite you to take a journey with us as we engage with knowledgeable guests who offer practical parenting wisdom. We want to equip you to nurture faith at home in our fast-paced, ever-changing culture.

Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums or teen questions, each episode will offer practical insights, gospel encouragement, and a deeper connection to help you and your children stay rooted in Jesus. 

Available on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Parent Resources

  • Habits of the Household

    Justin Whitmel Earley shares a proven paradigm for bringing spiritual formation into family life, creating more meaningful - and peaceful - moments! With easy-to-implement daily rhythms, you’ll develop a bedtime liturgy for little ones, discover discipline as discipleship, plan regular household mealtimes, and more.

  • Circle of Security

    The COS Parenting Program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened. This is an 8-week class for parents.

  • Mom Talks

    The Women’s Ministry invites you to a series of Mom Talks designed to encourage and equip you as a mother. Join us for a cup of coffee and a bite to eat while listening to an expert share valuable advice that will strengthen you and your family.

  • Postpartum Care

    The many challenges of becoming a mother can sometimes be overwhelming. These challenges don’t need to be experienced alone. Find the extra support and encouragement you need with practical steps for self-care in a safe and loving environment.

  • Couples Coffee with the Counselors: Family Ties & Holy Boundaries

    “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15

    The holiday season is often filled with joy—but also stress. Thanksgiving and Christmas bring families together, yet they can also surface old expectations, unspoken pressures, and competing loyalties. For couples, navigating in-laws, extended family traditions, and scheduling conflicts can quickly become a test of unity.

    This workshop integrates biblical wisdom with clinically grounded insights from family systems and relationship research.

    $75 per couple
    Saturday, November 1, 2025
    9:00-11:00 a.m.
    East Campus - Educational Building, Room #620

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Contact John •

Contact John •

Reach out to Spanish River Church’s Pastor of Family Ministries, John Houmes.

  • "No form of ministry is more important than my marriage and family."

    Tim Keller

  • “The goal of parenting isn’t to create perfect kids. It’s to point our kids to the perfect God.“

    Lindsey Bell

  • “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things… but rather a legacy of character and faith.”

    Billy Graham

  • “Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”

    C.S. Lewis