​SILVER SPRING, Md. —  Hannah Groom, the wife of Colesville Baptist Church Senior Pastor Britt Groom, is the library media specialist at Forcey Christian School. Burdened to help parents of preschoolers, Hannah developed a parent support group with four moms and one dad, with the help of a BCM/D Church Strengthening Grant. She is using the support group to strengthen, encourage, and disciple parents so they and their children will grow in the Lord and eventually share the gospel and disciple others.

Hannah Groom arranged an evening out for parents and kids to have to relax and get to know each other. (Photo courtesy of Hannah Groom)

She kicked off the program in September 2024 and was astounded at how quickly it took off. While children played in the gym with qualified childcare workers, Hannah met parents in her office to talk, share a meal, and learn from and encourage one another. The group bonded fast. “It‘s a nice, intimate setting, and they absolutely love it. They just can’t have enough of it,” she said. In fact, everyone lingers when the sessions end to chat and hang out. The parents also drop in after school to talk with Hannah.

She leads the informal meetings, discussing the importance of reading, limited screen time, effective discipline, bedtime routines, healthy foods, spirituality, and family devotionals. The most important aspect, though, says Hannah, is helping parents and children grow spiritually.

With teen children at home, ages 15 and 18, Hannah shares what she and Britt found helpful in those early years. Parents learn from those examples and from other group members who share what works for them in their homes.

The parents especially enjoyed hearing practical ideas they could implement right away. For example, several parents asked how to pray with their children. Hannah told how her family would write prayer requests on popsicle sticks, and the kids would pick one or two sticks and they’d pray for that request. Then when God answered their prayers, they would write it on the back of the stick.“It’s an opportunity for the parents and the children to grow because they’re seeing God answer prayer — it’s a tangible moment.” Parents also learned that family devotions can be easy, with just a few Bible verses, a prayer, and discussion — starting with five minutes and building it up. Hannah said, “You see, during a sermon, the pastor is sharing with the church what they need to do. Sometimes, what is missing is the modeling part. How do you do it?  And this is what I’m doing.”

“The good thing about the parent preschool support group is that it basically shows them a whole timeline, how their child grows and develops from early on into adulthood, and that the preschool age is the foundation,” said Hannah.

Dads are often left out, said Hannah. These dads spent a lot of time just talking. (Photo courtesy of Hannah Groom)

One of the things that really excites Hannah is the relationships that have formed. “The parents bonded quickly, and now they’re texting each other, having playdates, and going out together.”

With just one dad in the group and knowing that fathers often get excluded, Hannah arranged a playdate for the school at a local restaurant. Twenty-eight people showed up, including four fathers, who talked together the whole time. Pastor Britt Groom was also there to meet the dads, get to know them, and answer their questions.

Though the weekly sessions ended in December, Hannah said the group still meets monthly and will do so until June. She hopes to start a new group next year. Hannah said there are many families with children in Christian schools and in the community who do not have a relationship with Jesus or who need discipleship. “I want to grow them up to a point where they will develop a relationship with Jesus, or deepen it, and for them to eventually have the desire to give the gospel to other parents.”

She also wants to incorporate Colesville Church’s youth into the ministry. Hannah said she plans to buy materials and help the youth provide two to three hours of activities and teach the small children about Jesus, perhaps using puppets.

“That’s a win-win situation. You get parents who have some time for themselves, you’ve got kids coming to the church, and families meeting church members,” she said.

Hannah said, “This is going to be a long-term ministry, but I’m happy with it, and I think I just need to be patient and know that God has his own time for the fruit. There will be fruit, and there has been fruit already.”

Feature Photo: Hannah Groom interacts with the parent support group she formed. (Photo submitted)

Sharon Mager serves as the communications specialist and editor of Baptist News & Stories.