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Families are the first and best disciplers of their children.

A children’s ministry leader will spend 1-3 hours a week with your child, but as a parent or caregiver you’ll spend 30+ hours a week with them. That is a lot of hours to show your child how you do life with God! 

 

Deuteronomy 6:5-9

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

 

What builds faith?

 

 

Relationships:

Humans were built for relationship. Journeying alongside children, developing trust, showing up for them consistently THE biblical model for discipleship. The great news is that as parents and caregivers you’re instinctively building a relationship with your child every day.

 

Intentionality:

Finding ways to include God in everyday moments helps build faith. You don’t need an in-depth flashy family devotional time to show who God is. There are many easy ways to point to God during story time, play time, school drop offs, mealtimes, and bedtimes.

Belonging:

Belonging is key to faith development at all ages. When your child feels they belong and are valued in their families and faith communities, their faith will begin to flourish. Shared family traditions are great for helping every family member feel they belong.

 

Authenticity:

Let’s face it, kids know when we are inauthentic. They don’t need perfect parents or caregivers, what they need is truthfulness and consistency. Being open about the highs and lows of your own faith journey helps your child build their own resilient faith.

 

These four building blocks can encourage faith at any age but are especially good for developing faith in children and youth. You might already be using these building blocks to disciple your children and that is great. But if you would like some tips then we are here to help.

 

Our Family Time resources are freely available for you to use at home, and we post resource reviews and simple tips for at home discipleship on our blog and social media.