Debbie Symons::Kids+Faith

Debbie is a wife, mother, long-time church-goer, and former MOPS mentor mom. We love her. And we really love it when she takes the time to share her wisdom on how we can grow our kid's faith. Really, what will make their faith stick? As we navigate this world with tiny people, we are all praying and hoping that anything we're doing is gonna leave a mark...Debbie gave us practical advice and comforting anecdotes that reminded us that no one is perfect (least of all Christians, ahem) and we're probably doing better than we think we are.

 Click HERE for the recording of Debbie's talk.

Enjoy!

 

How will my child(ren)'s faith...

• become real?
• grow?
• become his/her own?
• stick?

Well, all you have to do is...

• conduct morning devotions
• pray together every single night without exception
• play Christian music
• framed verses on the wall
• attend church every week on time

JUST KIDDING

 

Guys, these things are good, yes. But they are not imperative to raising kids of faith. Books and blogs (not this one) and articles can make you feel like you're doing it all wrong. In reality, if you're worried about it at all, chances are good that you're already doing things that will leave a mark on your children. Take heart--you are already doing things that are leaving an impact.

 

FUN FACT: There are about 1,000 weeks from birth to launching off to college. Whoa! You can either see that as a long time or a short time, but either way, it's a finite amount of time to have influence over them. Where to start?

 

Relationships

• with God
• with your spouse
• with kids
• with others

Yes, there is a degree of dysfunction in every family. No one is perfect, and still connection with this list is needed. God uses us to tell his story, even in our mess. To demonstrate His power, His love, and His goodness through our imperfections.

 

Also, let's be encouraged by the fact that there aren't a ton of  "perfect parents" in the Bible. Noah, Abraham, Jacob, David, etc. all had their challenges with their kids. BIG challenges (more than dealing with picky eaters and tantrums). Even on our worst day, let's remember that all us parents are  just trying our best and need God.

 

In today's world, it's easy to fall into one of two traps: "What can I GIVE to my kids" and "what can I DO for my kids?" But are we really focusing on what is developing inside of our children? And what legacy we're leaving them?

• We want them to be socially adept, experientially rich, and academically well-rounded.  
• That's not all bad, but there's a balance. It's important to keep that balance in mind.  
• Am I robbing my children of what really makes them come alive? Like time with me and relationships in favor of running around to All The Things. 

Not only can that lead to burnout early in life, but there's a risk of becoming relationally poor to be experientially rich.

You gotta leave room for God. 

Build Community

• Consistency on Sundays/Sunday community
• family camp
• volunteering on a team (Sunday school)
• small family group 
• those families/caring adults are invested in your kids' lives 

 They see you involved, so it's automatic to them.

Serve in Community

• with your small group (Easter Cheer, mini missions)
• Their serving alongside someone who isn't you. 
• Intergenerational mission trip
• summer mission for kids 
• kids discover their niche/gifts
• maybe they teach Sunday school
• encouraged by their adult team members

Nurture Community

•  5 to 1--5 adults investing in my child's life

No matter what, it's all about God and his grace and what He's doing in their life. Your kids have a front row seat to God's presence in your life as an example of who He can be in their life. 

Ask God to show you those encouraging things where things are moving. Because they are.

Further Discussion

• How do you build relationships within your family?
• Within your community?
• Is there something you would like to tryout/change?

Resources 

Think Orange by Reggie Joiner