The Roles of Parents & Grandparents in Handing Down the Faith

I've been talking about Grandparenting Ministry and how our churches need to engage, equip and  encourage grandparents to pass on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren. Today I want to share something Steve and Valerie Bell shared with us at the Legacy Coalition meeting I attended last year. They said when it comes to raising children, parents focus on peace. They want to get through the day in as peaceful a way possible - a peaceful is a good day. Parents need to provide a peaceful setting for their home; a peaceful place for children to grow up. Peace is the bottom part of a "triangle" - and gives a firm base or foundation for their family.

The "middle" part of the triangle is, "principle". Parents need to provide principles, standards for their children as they grow up, so they know right from wrong. Also an important role for parents.

Grandparents, however; have a different role. Grandparents need to provide, "personhood". They do this by helping to give grandchildren a solid view of who they are, because however grandparents feel about and see their grandchildren is the way their grandchildren will feel about and see themselves. This part is at the top of the triangle.

So, with these things in mind, the church needs to equip parents to provide a solid foundation and know how to build on this, so their children will grow to know, love and follow God. While grandparents can, and do, contribute to these things as well in passing on a heritage of faith, they also have a unique and special role in helping their grandchildren develop a Biblical view of themselves.

The church needs to help grandparents understand their very important role and then equip and encourage them to take this role on as they pass on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren. Look at Isaiah 44:3 -

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Let's focus on engaging, equipping and encouraging grandparents in our churches to pass on a heritage of faith and keep in mind their very important role of giving their grandchildren a Biblical view of who they are! Grandmas with Heart will help you do this - learn more about them at this link.
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