5 Ways to Help Your Family Grow in Faith

Family faith formation is a journey, not a destination. Here are five ways to grow in faith together with kids (see the attachment for a handy printable version!).

1. Explore God’s Story

If it’s hard to gather the whole family for after-dinner devotions, find other ways and times to explore God’s story together. Read a Bible story at bedtime or while enjoying a special snack. Ask your child to tell you about one person, place or thing from their weekly Dwell take-home resource. Pick up a pack of the excellent God’s Big Story cards from Faith Alive and use them as discussion starters.

2. Share Your Stories

Sharing faith stories with each other reminds us that God is at work in our lives every day. To get the ball rolling, ask questions like these:

• Where did you see God today?
• Tell about a time when you felt that God was really close to you.
• What is your favorite Bible story, and why?

3. Celebrate Milestones

Baptisms, birthdays, graduations, and personal “firsts” such as learning to ride a bike, losing a tooth, and completing a project at school, are all milestones that families can mark together in ways that point to God. Include in your celebration a prayer of thanks and a conversation about God’s faithfulness in the life of your child and family.

4. Find Your “Faithful Five”

Your extended family, your friends, and your church family can have a profound impact on your children’s faith. In fact, according to the folks at Fuller Youth Institute, the involvement of at least five non-family adults is key to kids’ faith formation. Who are (or who could be) your kids’ “faithful five”? 

5. Reach Out

Weave service and hospitality into your family life. Volunteer together for causes you care about. Get to know the people in your neighborhood. Care for those who are hurting. Talk about injustice and advocate for change together.   

For more ways to connect children’s ministry and family faith formation, check out the Dwell at Home resources at DwellCurriculum.org/home.