Parental Roles in Children’s Faith Formation
Mobilizing churches and reviving parental roles …
A critical issue.
Ongoing research underscores a critical issue: while most Christian parents acknowledge their role in their children’s faith development, their involvement often stops at taking them to church. This isn’t just a parenting oversight; it’s a pressing matter that demands our immediate attention. If we don’t act now, our mission to connect successive generations with Jesus and His Word will risk stagnation.
A crucial partnership.
Families are the fundamental building blocks of society. Their interconnected values and beliefs form the bedrock of church and community ideals. When family faith formation is lacking, it results in a corresponding shallowness in the church. Acknowledging this reality empowers us to build a stronger, more vibrant church.
A cultural shift.
In the late 1800s, it was widely understood that parents and grandparents were primarily responsible for children’s faith formation, a role that could not be overlooked or delegated. Seismic cultural shifts in the 20th Century caused significant family restructuring, with parents outsourcing some of their tasks. Because the church was obliging, it was easy for parents to subcontract their children’s spiritual development.
A compelling observation.
Hindsight is twenty-twenty. When churches started providing programs for children and youth and parents gradually divested themselves of daily disciple-making responsibilities, the health of churches and their families declined correspondingly. This decline should serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of our actions, convincing us to create an environment for renewal and revival.
A contextual matter.
One of the mantras in ministry is, “We have an unchanging message in a constantly changing package.” That’s a dangerous half-truth. Methodology matters. God doesn’t say, “Here’s the Gospel; share it with the next generation any way you want.” We must apply biblical principles and guidelines, and His ordained method is for parents to be the primary nurturers of their children’s faith, with the church playing a supportive role. Ignoring this imperils our children’s souls.
A congregational response.
Reigniting, rebuilding, reclaiming. So, how do we get back on track? First, congregations must urge parents to prioritize family faith formation. Second, parents must invite congregations to equip them to make disciples of their children. Third, congregations (as families of families) must share Jesus with families that don’t love and live for Him. It’s not complicated. Keep three groups of people in focus. Restoration happens through relationships. We’ll renew the church and reach the lost when we revive family faith formation.
Related Articles
Sounding the Alarm: A Call for Urgent Action in Family Faith Formation
How the Church Can Support Parents
© Scripture Union, 2024
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Blog Author: Lawson’s purpose in life is to cultivate growth. He has sought to fulfill this calling by serving as a teacher, pastor, church planter and children/youth evangelist. He is the author of the bestselling children’s series Bible Beginners and the acclaimed handbook, Bible Engagement Basics. Lawson is a children’s ministry consultant, conference speaker, adjunct seminary professor, international trainer, ministry innovator, Bible engagement advocate, sports ministry specialist, family ministry champion, and the president of Scripture Union.
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