Teen MOPS

We are a faith-based organization, chartered by MOPS International, through Hixson United Methodist Church. Hixson Teen MOPS seeks to provide a safe, non-judgmental, atmosphere in which to support teen mothers in our community regardless of their faith beliefs, background, or current lifestyle.

Currently, Hixson Teen MOPS has a core group of six young mothers who attend meetings every week. We have other mothers who attend occasional meetings due to schedules, etc. We are seeking to involve other young mothers in our community with our group.

Our geographical area has a teen pregnancy/parent rate that is higher than not only the Tennessee average, but the national average as well. The need is great to support these young mothers as they grow as strong young women and as mothers. They have chosen life for their children and to take responsibility for those lives. We welcome all who wish to support young mothers as they seek a better life for themselves and their children.

OUR VISION:

Hixson Teen MOPS is dedicated to the support of teen mothers of preschoolers, regardless of their background, religious beliefs, or current lifestyle. Our goal is to help teen mothers develop as strong, confident young women and mothers. Young mothers have an opportunity to grow with other young mothers in similar situations in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Group leaders are older women who serve as mentors and friends, based on their own experience as women and mothers.

Lifestyle Evangelism is a key term in describing how Hixson Teen MOPS operates. Hixson Teen MOPS is dedicated to sharing God’s unconditional love for every young mother through our service to each one. Hixson Teen MOPS is for every teen mother. We seek to provide a "look through the door" of our faith by serving their needs. Many teen mothers have been subjected to harsh judgement, if not outright rejection by professed Christians in their world. At Hixson Teen MOPS they are simply valued and loved, validated, because they are mothers.

We are a ministry of Hixson United Methodist Church. To make that connection, we periodically talk about the fact that we are and the support the church has given so that members of Teen MOPS have the opportunity to come together, find support for their challenges and celebrate their successes.

We want every teen mother to feel comfortable attending our group. Our focus is on meeting the needs of teen mothers. By loving and serving mothers, without pressuring them with religion, we allow them a safe place to experience God’s love through his church at a pace with which these mothers can receive comfort in their life situations. We seek to heal the wounds of harsh judgment these mothers may have received from others.

How do we count our success as a Christian organization? We measure our success by whether or not we have truly followed Christ’s command to serve those for whom he tenderly cares, remembering Jesus’ command to Peter, "Tend my lambs." (John 21) By showing the love of Christ a door is opened, and hopefully hearts and minds are transformed to receive Christ’s love. We trust that God will work in our young moms in a manner and time appropriate for each one.

As it says in a MOPS handbook, "MOPS is God whispering in the ear of every mother who comes."