As the family goes…

“As the family goes, so goes the future of the Church” – Peter Benson, Director of Search Institute.

So, how are families doing today? If the church really hinges on the current health and stability of families (I believe it does), what does our future look like? If religious life in the home is more influential than the church, shouldn’t we focus more of our resources on what takes place in the home rather than church?

What if we were to survey students in our churches?  What do you think they would say? Below are 4 easy questions to ask.  These questions may completely change your strategy.

1) Does your family pray at home?

2) Do you read the Bible at home with parents?

3) Do you have faith talks at home? If so, how often?

4) Have you ever done a community service project with your family?

LifeWay Reseach: Role of Faith in Parenting

LifeWay Research posted a new article recently on the role of faith in parenting.  See below for a quick overview plus a link to the full article.

The vast majority of parents hope their children grow up to live good lives, but for many, parental success does not include faith in God – even among parents who are evangelical Christians, according to a new study from LifeWay Research.

The national survey of 1,200 adults with children under 18 at home was conducted by LifeWay Research, the research arm of LifeWay Christian Resources, for the new book The Parent Adventure: Preparing your children for a lifetime with God by Rodney and Selma Wilson and Scott McConnell (B&H Publishing Group).

The study found the most common definitions of successful parenting include children having good values (25 percent), being happy adults (25 percent), finding success in life (22 percent), being a good person (19 percent), graduating from college (17 percent), and living independently (15 percent). Being godly or having faith in God is mentioned by 9 percent of respondents.

Click here to read the full article.