Leading children to grow spiritually is a teaching straight from God’s Word. One case in point can be found in Ephesians 6:4 where Paul tells parents to “take [their children] by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master” (The Message translation). Your dedication to helping your children grow spiritually is uplifting and your desire to learn how to go about it is going to help you become successful.

The student minister at your church and the youth program probably have an impact upon your children and their spiritual growth. However, the primary place that makes or breaks our children as disciples of Jesus is the home (2 Timothy 3:15). Studies remind us that the two most positive influences on our children are still mom and dad (mom is number one). Our first thought is one that you already acknowledged knowing but we think is worth repeating—Christian parents are responsible for teaching their children about God. Usually when we say these words there are sighs. Not of relief, but from the weight of facing such a daunting task. You help your children learn such complicated and critical tasks as walking and talking, so why can’t you help them learn to walk with God?

Children learn best (adults too, for that matter) through example and experience. The secret to teaching your children about God is to model what you want them to do and provide experiences to stretch their faith. Words of instruction are needed, but most parents overuse words and underestimate the effect of example and experience. Children learn about God by watching others and by doing. Keep these two methods of teaching uppermost in your mind as you help your children grow spiritually.

Our family enjoyed putting together puzzles. We would clear off the dining room table and empty the box onto the tabletop. Before the hunt for pieces began, we would place the cover of the box in a place where everyone could see the finished picture. Start with the finished picture in mind. If you haven’t already spent time piecing together the godly qualities you want your children to possess as adults, we encourage you to take the time to do so. It’s easier to “point your kids in the right direction” (Proverbs 22:6) if you know where you’re heading. With these guiding principles in mind, focus on the following practices that have proven to have the greatest impact on children’s faith maturity: talking about God, praying and reading the Bible, and being involved in family service projects.

Talking about God. Simply talking to your children about God has a huge impact upon children’s faith development. In Deuteronomy 6:6-9 Moses instructs parents to continually engage their children in conversations about God. Moses encouraged talking about God “when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (New International Version)—that covers at home, away from home, and everything in between. In the course of each day, opportunities are everywhere for you to talk about God; seize as many opportunities as possible.

Praying and reading the Bible. In addition to informal faith talk, structured times also influence the faith development of children. Jesus rose early in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35). He made time for prayer and so should we. The best time we found for praying with our children came toward the end of the day. When our children were younger we enjoyed reading through Bible storybooks. We had a great time each evening reading the story, talking about “what if” and “I wonder” scenarios, and then having a brief time of prayer together. Combining Bible reading and prayer is what creates family devotional times.

Serving others. Faced with many problems and priorities of our own, we can miss the impact helping others can have upon our own family—especially in the development of faith. Think about what your family can do together to help others. Someone has said we are most like Jesus when we give of ourselves. Make sure your children know the reason behind serving is that you are following Jesus’ example in caring for people.

Making disciples is not only the mission of the church (Matthew 28:18-20); it is the mission of every Christian parent. With God’s help you can lead your children into a growing relationship with Jesus. |L

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October 25, 2009 - Laying the right foundation
October 11, 2009 - Parenting without fear
September 27, 2009 - Mentoring the motherless
September 13, 2009 - Sharing family stories
August 30, 2009 - Parenting solo
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June 21, 2009 - Winning dads
June 7, 2009 - Benefits of marriage
May 24, 2009 - Love at a distance
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April 26, 2009 - Caring at a distance
April 12, 2009 - Teaching children about God
March 29, 2009 - Family meal time
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February 1, 2009 - Pitfalls in parenting teens
January 18, 2009 - Vital signs of healthy families
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November 23, 2008 - Family traditions
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June 22, 2008 - The swivel door
May 25, 2008 - Expectations in marriage
May 25, 2008 - Helping our children become decision makers
May 11, 2008 - God’s plan for sexual purity
April 27, 2008 - Families and forgiveness
April 13, 2008 - Expressing thanks
March 30, 2008 - Love languages
March 18, 2008 - Cultivate commitment
March 2, 2008 - Teaching children about money
February 17, 2008 - Reclaim your family time
February 3, 2008 - Keeping the peace
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January 6, 2008 - Passing on your faith
December 23, 2007 - Self-worth in children
December 9, 2007 - Forgiveness in the family
November 25, 2007 - Santa Claus is coming to town
November 11, 2007 - Parents under stress
October 28, 2007 - A more satisfying marriage
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September 2, 2007 - Improving your child’s work ethic
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July 22, 2007 - Childhood trauma
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June 24, 2007 - Learning to say no
June 10, 2007 - Teaching children about money
May 27, 2007 - When children rebel
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April 15, 2007 - Making marital intimacy a priority
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March 18, 2007 - When you need counseling
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