Will Our Kids Stay in the Faith?

It's a question that none of us can answer, but one that is/should be of concern to us all. It should be of concern even to those of us without children in the home, because in a very real, though different, sense the children in our church are our children. This question was brought to mind by a recent social media share of one of my pastor friends. He shared an article published by The Gospel Coalition entitled, Parents, Take Note of the Spiritual Practices Common to Kids Who Flourish As Adults. The article is informed by a study performed by Lifeway on the topic and the results are illuminating. Speaking from my own upbringing, I can say that all the practices cited were present in my childhood and contributed greatly to where I am today.

As the author notes, these practices are in no way determinative. There are no guarantees that when a child grows up they will remain in the faith, and I can likewise look back on my life and see how things could have taken a very different course. But these practices are influential, they shaped me in powerful ways, and if they are not present in our homes and in our church, we should make every effort to incorporate them into our shared lives. If that sounds daunting, if you don't know how you would even begin, don't let that stop you. Reach out, ask questions, and we'll walk alongside you.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.