Your Next Step: Adoption & Foster Care

Written By Jeremy Dager

On Sunday, as we looked at 1 John 2:28–3:1, we were reminded of a stunning truth: "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are". Through Christ, we have been called into God's family. We are not outsiders. We are not merely forgiven. We are beloved sons and daughters.

One of the themes we explored is this: adopted people adopt people. Chosen people choose people. God's heart for us reshapes the way we see and care for others.

Many people responded after the service asking, "What could my next step be?" If God stirred something in your heart regarding foster care, adoption, or caring for vulnerable children, here are three practical next steps available right here in Nova Scotia.

1. Learn and pray

Before you take any formal step, begin by learning, wrestling, praying, and inviting God to shape your heart. A great place to start is Chosen by Andrew Hopper. Pick up a copy at the Connect Table, then: Read it thoughtfully. Pray through what you're learning. Discuss it with your spouse, a trusted friend, or your Group. Reach out to a pastor if you'd like to process what God may be saying to you.

Not everyone who reads this book will be called to foster or adopt. But every follower of Jesus should be willing to ask, "Lord, how do you want me to reflect your heart for vulnerable children?"

2. Explore Foster Care

For some families, the next step may be fostering.  Foster care provides temporary care and stability for children and youth who are unable to live safely with their families. Foster families play a critical role in providing love, support, and hope during difficult seasons.  If you'd like to learn more, Nova Scotia offers free information sessions every two weeks where you can hear directly from foster care staff and ask questions.

Start here:

All foster parents in Nova Scotia complete PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education) training as part of the process.  It's also important to know that foster care isn't always a full-time commitment. Some families serve in a respite care role, providing short-term care that gives long-term foster families a much-needed break and support.  If you're curious, don't feel pressure to have all the answers. Simply take the next step and learn.

3. Explore Adoption

For others, God may be leading toward adoption.  Adoption provides a permanent family for children who need one, reflecting the beautiful reality of how God has welcomed us into His own family through Christ.

In Nova Scotia, some basic requirements for adoption include:

  • Being at least 19 years old

  • Being a resident of Nova Scotia

  • Being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

  • Being single or married

Like foster care, adoption applicants complete PRIDE training as part of the process.

To learn more:

Again, the goal isn't to have everything figured out today. The goal is simply to take one faithful step toward understanding whether God may be calling you in this direction.

You don't have to figure it out alone

Let's be honest: foster care and adoption can feel intimidating. There are forms to complete, training to attend, decisions to make, and challenges to navigate. No one should pretend otherwise. This is often a significant commitment that requires prayer, wisdom, and perseverance. But here's what we want you to know: you don't need to have everything figured out before taking a first step.

One of the great gifts God has given our church family is people who have already walked this road. Some have experience with domestic adoption, international adoption, foster care, respite care, and the many questions that come with each journey. If God is stirring something in your heart, your next step isn't necessarily to commit to fostering or adopting. 

Your next step may simply be to start a conversation.

Ask questions. Learn. Listen. Pray. Take one step at a time.

There are people in our church who would love to share their experiences, answer questions honestly, and walk alongside you as you discern what God may be calling you to do.

Don't let fear of the unknown keep you from exploring what God may have for you.

Let us walk with you

Whether you're ready to explore foster care or adoption, interested in respite care, or simply have questions and want to talk with someone who's been there, we'd love to connect with you. There's no pressure and no expectation that you have it all figured out. We simply want to help you take whatever next step God may be putting in front of you.

Fill out this card and let us know of your interest in adoption or foster care.  Our team would love to: Answer questions, connect you with helpful resources, introduce you to others who have fostered or adopted, pray with you as you discern your next step.

You don't have to figure this out alone.

God welcomed us into his family. As we grow to reflect his heart, may we continue asking how He might use us to care for children and families in our community.

Pastor Jeremy

Jeremy Dager

Pastor

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Parenting with the Next Generation in Mind