Is there a fool-proof plan to have children become all stars of the faith? No, but there are key ingredients a parent can engage in that will strongly encourage children to own their faith. Here is a quick look at six of them:

1. Pray!

Think of the meaning of the terms saturate or drench. That is the attitude we as parents must have as we approach praying for our children. Starting today, pick a time slot of at least 15 minutes to immerse them in prayer. Make this a daily discipline!

2. Speak words that inspire and encourage.

Do this regularly. I believe many of us might be startled if we took an audit of the content of our words and conversations toward our family. Use phrases such as…

• “I am so proud of the person you are becoming.”
• “I believe in you!”
• “Press on. Don’t quit!”
• “Stay strong and courageous. I’m praying for you!”

3. Recognize the shifts that are occurring in responsibility for your children.

You have the opportunity to have a front row seat and observe your children wrestling with how to apply truth. Be present as they process truth in their heads, embrace these truths into their hearts, and then live it out! Cheer as they begin to experience major shifts in independence and responsibility. The home provides a safeguarded learning lab. These moments aren’t only imminent, they are good and necessary in owning one’s faith. Be watchful for these opportunities and encourage your children as they navigate.

4. View the home as a launching pad for the gospel.

No matter what the objective, the home is a launching pad for something. The priorities that are found in the home are launching them into education, sports, the world, their mindset about the future, etc. Purposefully make the gospel the forefront of all that your home is getting them ready for.

5. Create defining moments to bless and empower.

A defining moment is…

• Written encouragements/letters
• Rite of Passage Ceremony
• Driver’s license/independence
• Purity moments
• Moments around a wedding or graduation
• Moments of repentance and grace shown
• Moments of restoration in relationship

​6. Refuel them.

Speak Scripture over your family members. A great prayer of power and blessing is found in Ephesians 3:14-21. Time spent reading and speaking Scripture together is never wasted.