S3E24 Supporting Faith at Home: From bedtime questions to lifelong belief, with Andy Frost

Melanie Cave and Andy Frost explore the vital role of parents and churches in nurturing faith in children. They discuss the importance of shifting the mindset from viewing church as the primary source of faith formation to recognizing the home as a crucial environment for spiritual growth. The dialogue emphasizes the need for parents to engage in meaningful conversations about faith, navigate tough questions, and model their own faith journeys. They also highlight the significance of involving other adults in children's lives and provide practical resources for churches and families to support faith formation.   Takeaways

• 75% of Christians come to faith before 18.
• Many young people walk away from faith after childhood.
• Parents play a crucial role in nurturing faith.
• It's important to engage in conversations about faith at home.
• Children's ministry should align with family faith practices.
• Parents don't need to have all the answers.
• Disappointment in faith is a part of the journey.
• Dads can play an active role in faith conversations.
• Daily life is an opportunity for faith discussions.
• Resources are available to support families in faith formation.

Sound Bites

• 'It's not about having all the answers.'
• 'Kids see our mistakes and failures.'
• 'Kids need to know they're loved.'

Keywords

faith formation, parenting, church, children's ministry, family resources, spiritual growth, youth ministry, community support, engaging dads, nurturing faith

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Faith and Family Ministry 04:19 The Kitchen Table Project: Empowering Parents 07:07 The Role of Parents in Discipleship 10:04 Navigating Difficult Questions with Kids 12:43 Creating a Positive Faith Environment 15:45 Engaging Teens in Faith Conversations 18:41 Integrating Faith into Everyday Life 19:46 Connecting Faith and History 20:55 Engaging with Scripture 23:34 Inhabiting the Stories 25:06 Creating Family Rituals 26:03 The Role of Love Languages 27:21 Involving Others in Faith 29:10 Resources for Family Ministry 31:48 Engaging Dads in Faith Conversations 34:48 Active Faith Formation 36:44 Exploring Roots  

Show Notes

• Roots’ Thrive  
• Explore Roots resources www.rootsforchurches.com
• Raising Faith book and course 
• 52 Faith Adventures for Dads and their kids
• Kitchen Table Project
• Statistics on passing on faith and coming to faith under age 18
  • Theos Thinktank 
  • Faith in kids

• Share Jesus International
• London Mission Collective
• Gather Movement