Grafted In: Printables & Group Guide
Verse cards, a calm-down card for the hard moments, a “how our church can help” list, and a four-week guide for foster and adoptive parent groups. Free to print.
Cards for you
“Perfect love casteth out fear.”
1 John 4:18
Under the behavior, look for the fear.
CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · GRAFTED IN
“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 1:5
I was grafted in too.
CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · GRAFTED IN
In the hard moment
- Breathe first. My calm helps their calm.
- Get low. Soften my voice.
- Name the feeling: “You’re really scared.”
- Meet the need: food, water, rest, safety.
- Connect, then correct. Offer a do-over.
- Repair later: “I’m sorry. Let’s try again.”
CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · GRAFTED IN
For your child
You are safe here. You are wanted. We’re not going anywhere. God loves you, and so do we.
“I will not leave you comfortless.” John 14:18
CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS
For your church
Hand this to your pastor or care team.
How our church can help foster and adoptive families
- Meals when a new child arrives
- Background-checked, approved babysitters
- A supply closet: clothes, car seats, diapers
- Rides to visits and therapy
- A prayer partner for each family
- Trauma-informed kids’ ministry volunteers
- Protecting each child’s privacy and story
“Pure religion… is this, To visit the fatherless.” James 1:27
CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · GRAFTED IN
Words to retire
- “Who are her real parents?”
- “You’re such saints.”
- “I could never give them back.”
- “What happened to him?”
Try instead
- “How can we help this week?”
- “We’re so glad she’s here.”
CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · GRAFTED IN
Four-week group guide
For foster and adoptive parent support groups. About 60 minutes. Never share children’s identifying details or case information. Provide approved childcare if you can.
Week 1 · Grafted in
Read: Ephesians 1:3–6; Romans 11:17–18
- What drew you to foster, adopt or care for a relative’s child?
- How does your own adoption into God’s family shape your parenting?
- What’s been harder than you expected?
Practice: Pray for each family by first name.
Week 2 · Fear under the behavior
Read: 1 John 4:18; Romans 2:4
- What behavior is hardest for you right now?
- What fear or need might be underneath it?
- What helps you stay calm when your child can’t?
Practice: Share one connection-before-correction idea that has worked.
Week 3 · Their whole story
Read: Psalm 139:13–16; Exodus 2:1–10
- How do you talk about your child’s birth family?
- What questions is your child asking?
- Who is grieving a goodbye right now?
Practice: Pray a blessing over every birth family represented.
Week 4 · Rest and help
Read: Matthew 11:28–30; James 1:27
- Where are you running on empty?
- What help would make the biggest difference?
- How can this group support each other this month?
Practice: Each person names one specific need. Others offer what they can.
