Overview
Children learn their faith by watching us—their parents, family, and fellow church members. Each stage of development needs loving answers to the questions of life. How can we instill a firm love for God in the children we know—our own and those in our church? What will it take to make them into mature Christian leaders of tomorrow?
Table of Contents
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 12:26–27; Deuteronomy 6:6-9, 20–21; Proverbs 22:6; Matthew 15:22–28; Luke 2:41–52; 15:11–20
LEADER'S GUIDE
• The Issue
Sample questions:
What most influenced your relationship with God in your own upbringing?
When do you think we should begin teaching a child about God? What difference does the child's stage of development make to what he or she can learn?
• The Scriptures
Sample Scriptures:
Read Proverbs 22:6. Is this a statement of promise or probability? Why?
Read Luke 2:41–52. What does this teach us about the expectations we should have for our children?
• The Application
Sample application questions:
What are some common mistakes parents make in teaching their children about the Christian faith? How can they be avoided?
How can adults other than parents contribute to building a child's faith? How does this illustrate the importance of the church?
ARTICLE FROM CHRISTIANITY TODAY
• Building Faith: How a Child Learns to Love God, by by Paul E. Parsons (August 1986, 13 printed pages)
Total number of pages—
