Five Chairs
The Five Chairs: Highchair | Week 2
August 3, 2025 | By Jim Burgen
From tantrums to truth: here’s how to raise kids who grow into strong, mature adults. Pastor Jim tackles parenting head-on, showing how discipline, resilience, and faith prepare boys to become good men who can stand strong in life and in Christ. We’ve all seen cute tantrums turn into grown men who can’t handle “no.” This message is about breaking that cycle. Learn how to lead with authority, unite as parents, and train, not protect, kids into strong, godly adults. Jesus calls us to raise kids who move from “Me for Me” to “Me for Others,” prepared for the real world and anchored in faith.
Set List
Message Discussion Questions
Five Chairs – Highchair
Jim Burgen
Aug 3rd, 2025
// Bible References: 1 Cor 13:11; James 1:2-4
// Community Question: What do you feel is the hardest phase of parenting and why? 1) Infant 2) Toddler
3) Elementary 4) Teenager 5) Young Adult 6) Adult
// Discussion Questions
- What does it look like to move from a “highchair” mindset, where life is all about our own comfort and needs; to becoming someone who genuinely sees and serves others? Can you think of a time when you had to put someone else’s needs ahead of your own, and how that experience impacted you? Are there specific moments, relationships, or seasons where you still find yourself slipping back into that self-focused “highchair” mentality? If so, what would it look like to bring that honestly before God and this group, and ask for prayer and accountability?
- How can we teach kids or those we mentor/lead, the importance of first-time obedience as part of building character? Reflect on a time you struggled with authority, how did that shape your view of respect and obedience?
- What are some practical ways as parents or mentors/leaders, can we give those under our care opportunities for 'controlled failure'? What small risks did your parents or mentors allow you to take that helped you grow? How did that impact your confidence?
- Going Deeper: Read James 1:2–4. This passage talks about how trials produce perseverance and maturity. How does that truth relate to raising kids or mentoring younger people in a way; that prepares them for real life and spiritual maturity? What trials or challenges have shaped you the most, and how can you use what you've learned to help the next generation grow in faith and resilience?
// Challenge: “The essence of parenting is to prepare our children for a future of which we will not be a part.”-Crawford Loritz
How does this quote shape your sense of urgency when it comes to parenting or mentoring others? Considering the limited time, we have to influence the people entrusted to us, how might that perspective change the way you engage with them day to day? What is one intentional step you can take this week to invest in your children or someone you’re mentoring, regardless of their age or your past with them?
Link to Five Chair Resources Here