Faith at Home – sharing your faith

20 July 2021

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 was given with the express purpose of encouraging a lifelong pursuit of a love for God that would envelop every molecule of a child’s being and existence:

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Many parents feel ill-equipped to pass along their faith. It is sometimes difficult to know where to start, especially when it comes to children in high school. If faith conversations aren’t natural in your house, we have some easy tips to help you get started.

Family time – Time is one of our most precious commodities, we often say we don’t have time to share in the busyness of life. So when is the best time to talk about our faith? The answer is in the Bible verse above – at all times!

Car time – As parent’s, doesn’t it feel like we are always in the car going somewhere? What a great place to have a conversation – you have a captive audience. Try turning the radio off, removing technology from the passengers and share the highs and lows of the day. Take a moment to pray for the event you are heading to, or coming from.

Bed time – Bed time is a great opportunity to share things that have happened during the day. Ask questions about your children’s friends and what they’ve been doing. With teenagers you can ask what their tomorrow looks like or if they have anything you can be praying for.

Meal time – Take a moment to give God thanks and praise before eating, whether it be at breakfast or dinner time. This is a great ritual to begin with your family that can be passed through the generations. Meal times are also a great time to share highs and lows. Often it is the only time you are together as a family, especially if you have teenagers or children that are busy with sport or other activities. Make the most of this time and share together. Maybe you could use this time to have a regular family devotion.

Holidays – Holidays give families an opportunity to intentionally spend time together. Dedicate some time to reading a family devotion, praying, listening and singing to worship music. Intentionally put ‘God-time’ into the holiday. Take turns sharing things you are grateful for on the holiday. Share something you are looking forward to when you get home.

One-on-one time – Establishing the ritual of one-on-one time with each of your children will deepen your relationship immensely and also provide an opportunity to share your faith. Make time for a weekly or monthly ‘date’ when you have a milkshake or see a movie together.

A fun resource to encourage conversations

We have developed a set of cards that can be a great tool to encourage meaningful faith conversations with your children. We have a set for primary age children and a set for adults and teenagers. They are divided into different categories and can be an excellent place to inspire you all to start talking.