“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
The relationship between church and home is truly a partnership. When parents bring their family to church, kids have the opportunity to grow in their faith and experience fellowship, corporate worship, large group activities, small group relationships and much more. When parents take that same faith back into their home to nurture it, model it and apply it – lives are changed forever.
How do you grow faith at home?
P – Pray together as a family:
Set aside time to talk to God. Be it meal time, bedtime or anytime in between; make talking to God a priority!
- Teaching kids to pray
- Meal time prayers
- Bedtime prayers
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Remember to pray as promped throughout the day too. Whether you want to thank God for the beautiful sunrise on the way to the lake, pray a blessing for safety a vehicle as it passes by and for those they go to help or protect, or for protection as you head to hockey practice – invite God into your family’s day, you’ll be glad you did!
A – Apply the Take it Home Tools:
We have an amazing team of Children’s Ministry Leaders who desire to share God’s love, God’s Word and His Biblical truths with the kids in our church and community. They also desire to share that same experience with the parents and families of the kids we serve. That is why we provide some great tools to take home and use throughout the week to encourage Bible reading at home, reinforce the faith lessons learned and practical tips to apply what kids have learned, right there at home.
R – Read God’s Word:
Dig in daily . . . help your kids develop the wonderful habit of reading God’s Word everyday!
- Read the suggested passages from the Take It Home tools
- Invest in an age appropriate Bible for your child
- Encourage scripture memorization:
T – Talk about God:
God is big, God is amazing, God is everywhere . . .take note!
- Bring God into your everyday conversations
- Be aware of God all around you, thank Him for His beautiful sunsets, sunshine and yes, even His snowflakes!
- Ask questions, engage your child’s curiosity
- Find a great family devotion book and discuss over meal time or in the van on the way to hockey or dance
N – Nurture love for God and others:
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthinas 13:13
- Share your love for your heavenly Father with your child
- Show God’s love to others by serving and giving
- Share God’s love with others and invite them to your home and to church
- Encourage your child to do the same
E – Equip yourself as parents:
Invest some time in yourself . . . because you’re worth it!
Groups: be part of a group that builds into you
- Circle Groups
- Mom’s Circle
- Men’s breakfast
- Support Groups
Resources: books, magazines, apps and more
Serve: get involved and model a life of service to your kids
R – Rejoice and celebrate life’s blessings:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
- From the birth of a new baby to birthdays
- From first steps to their first Bible
- From faith milestones to graduations
- God is good, celebrate His blessings!