Helping Children Build a Foundation of Faith

By Deborah A. Lambeth, Minister to Families

Among all the things parents do for their children, helping them to develop their faith is of utmost importance. Building what I call a "foundation of faith" is important because that is the brick and mortar of what a person will stand upon in times of trials, tribulations and triumphs. How does a parent build that foundation of faith with their child? There are many ways.

Approaching this from a Christian perspective, one of the basic ways is to find a church that provides a Christian education program for children of all ages. A church that cares about children will provide loving people, safe places, and opportunities for fellowship in which a child can learn about and experience faith. From the moment a child goes into the nursery the foundation is being built. Do the teachers in these early childhood classes exude warmth, comfort, fun, and nurturing? All of these attributes convey to a child, "this is a place where I am unconditionally loved and a place where I can learn and grow."

When children move beyond kindergarten into the elementary years, things begin to "make sense" developmentally—concepts and stories they’ve heard since they began speaking are starting to come together. The Christian education of children in this age group is extremely important. Up until now, children have been taught basic principles, "Jesus loves you." "Jesus was born." "Jesus died." "The Bible is God’s book." Even though they may have heard the same stories, they are hearing them in a different way and those stories are adding on to the concepts they already know. It is during this time that many children will come to understand, with their childlike faith, what it means to be a Christian.

While it’s crucial that you do not "push" your child into making a profession of faith, it is important to talk with your child about questions they have, thoughts they may be having, or other things that may come to their mind. Children have such incredible questions and thoughts—especially about matters of faith—because many of the tenets of faith are things that are not able to be seen or touched. I remember hearing a story about a young person who wanted to make their profession, but wouldn’t do it because the thought of going underwater was very scary. A tour of the baptismal without water addressed the child’s fear and consequently, the child was baptized a few months later. Just as each child develops at a different rate, children’s spiritual lives mature, or "come into being" at different rates also. Your pastor or minister to children can assist you and your child during this time.

Fellowships and activities are also a vital component to building a foundation of faith. Having fun with other children in various venues helps a child to see that living a Christian life is not boring or sedate and does not need to be. Many churches offer a variety of events, fellowships, sporting opportunities, and retreat outings for children. Take advantage of these. Come as a family and play together. It has been said that the family that prays together stays together, so it may be with the family that plays together! Fellowships can also be good opportunities for you to meet other parents who have children the same age as yours. Many informal parental support groups have been formed out of church fellowship opportunities.

Helping your child develop their foundation of faith is the most important gift you will ever give them. Children learn by example, and just as the life instructions you pass on to them are important, your Christian example will speak volumes as well. As the Bible says, "a little child shall lead them, " in many ways helping your child find their way can help you find yours as well.