Words From A Shepherd’s Heart #8
I’ll admit sometimes I feel like I’m just winging it as a parent. I hope and pray that my children will become responsible, loving adults one day and will be passionate about Jesus but I can’t really tell if they’re on that trajectory or not most days. Life goes by faster and faster, and I realize that, in the busyness of the week I’ve had a few somewhat meaningful conversations with
my boys, we’ve had some meals together, and we’ve all ticked the boxes of school, work, activities, friends, and household chores.
But I have set some things in place that give us pause in the midst of all the busyness. Moments where I remember that we are a family that has chosen to follow Jesus and are making choices that reflect that. We still have our family devotions at supper-time. We all serve in ministry in our church family. We enter into discussions about faith as life issues crop up. These things didn’t just happen. My husband and I were intentional about integrating faith in our everyday life during the early years and so they are a part of our regular rhythms now.
My prayer going forward is that my children will own their faith as they experience more and more of life apart from us. As they become more independent, how will they choose to live out their faith, discovering that a relationship with God works apart from mom and dad. It’s a bit scary for me to lose control but I’m trusting in a God who loves them more deeply than I do and understands them at a level beyond my capabilities. The same God who will never let me go will never let them go.
I am also aware that when my children want to talk, I need to make myself available to listen. When I hear of the challenges they or their friends are having, I can pray for them – both with them and on my own. I encourage them to wrestle with doubts and questions. This is a key time when our teens are exposed to different worldviews and if we shut down the conversation, it will turn them away from God not toward him. It’s okay if we don’t know all the answers! We can explore them together or pray for God’s guidance and understanding.
Sticky Faith authors Kara Powell and Chap Clark talk about the importance of developing 5 key relationships for each of our children. This 5:1 ratio provides our teen with a variety of influencers who can encourage them throughout their faith journey. When we are part of a church community, there are many people who automatically become part of this journey – the lead pastor, youth pastor, any team leaders of groups they serve with, parents of friends, etc…. Developing relationships with other mentors and role models can make a huge impact on the faith life of your teen.
How are you creating an environment for your teen to grow in faith? How are you connected to a larger faith community?
Resources:
Below are links to the Sticky Faith site and to free Bible courses you could do together.
Sarah Cogswell is Pastor of Children and Families at The Journey Church in Moncton, NB, Canada. She and her husband David have been married for 23 years and are parents to three amazing teenage boys. She spent 9 years caring for children in her home, and has hosted 17 international students throughout the years. She is currently working on her Master of Divinity through Acadia Divinity College and enjoys learning and experiencing ministry and faith all at the same time. You can contact Sarah by emailing sarah@onthejourney.ca.