While we continue to deepen our own relationship with Jesus in front of our kids, we will find many opportunities to model things a disciple does and teach them what we’re learning. It’s in “along the way” places where we put our faith into practice.

True, deep spiritual formation does not happen fast. It happens slowly, over time. Sure, there can be moments of rapid growth, but developing a real faith that lasts is a process that simply takes time.

As children’s pastors and directors, we want what we share to have a lasting impact on the spiritual lives of the children we lead. We all desire to help provide a solid foundation for kids’ faith journey by making biblical truths “sticky”. One of the ways to do this effectively is by incorporating tools used by great storytellers.

As I’ve been thinking about this again recently, I’ve been reminded of some truths that need to influence the decisions I make and how I steer the ministry God has called me to lead.

The role you play in shaping and forming your child’s life is vitally important and irreplaceable. The Lord has called you to lead and guide his or her development in all areas. In the same way, a pastor cares for the needs of the body; you have a small church at home to shepherd. Attending to your child’s emotional and spiritual needs demonstrates God’s lovingkindness toward them.

As our children mature and grow older, taking on more responsibilities for themselves (as well as having more opinions and a will to push back), we can sometimes lose a little of that awe and marvel we had with them when they were first born. Yet, our call as their parents will always be to love, cherish, and care for them. But we’ve learned that caring for a teenager looks a lot different than caring for a newborn or even a child.