I heard earlier this week that a recent article reports that a child’s father and grandparents (grandfathers had slightly more influence than grandmothers) are the biggest influence on a child’s faith formation and whether or not a child will attend church as an adult.  Moms came in behind grandparents for influence on church attendance (sorry Moms!).  I don’t know about you, but this surprised me.  I googled this and found several articles confirming the information.  For me, it was good news because my husband is actively involved in church and because it means that we may have more influence on our grandchildren’s faith formation than we realized.  One article said grandparents may be the most under-utilized asset in churches today.*

Want some ideas of how you can help form your grandchild’s faith?  Pray for them.  Tell Bible stories– kids love them!  Use your own words, or a child’s picture Bible if they’re young.  Pray with them.  If they’re older, ask what joys or concerns you can pray for.  Get them a devotional book appropriate for their age as a gift.  Go to a “Grandparents and Me” weekend at a Christian retreat center such as Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park, FL. (http://lecfamily.org/grandparents-and-me/) Bring them to VBS.  Attend church and talk about your faith.  Be involved in your grandchild’s life. Spend time together. Serve at a local ministry together.  Demonstrate grace and forgiveness.  Go on a mission trip together (especially with teens).  Want more ideas?  Check out the “Sticky Faith” website: http://stickyfaith.org/articles/40-ways-to-build-sticky-faith-in-your-grandkids and see Creative Evangelism https://joyocala.wordpress.com/2016/10/14/creative-evangelism/

God bless you and your family on your journey of faith.  Read Psalm 78:5-7, and remember: God loves YOU undconditionally!
Annie

*https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/articles/helping-kids-keep-the-faith

Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+78%3A5-7&version=NRSV