Mental and Physical Health

Children Owning Their Faith and Sharing It Boldly: A Christian Parent’s Guide

One of the greatest desires of Christian parents is to see their children develop a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Many parents cling to the Scriptural promise, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” (Proverbs 22:6 KJV). While taking them to church, praying with them, and teaching them Scripture are essential, true faith must be personally owned by each child. A faith that is merely inherited, rather than personally embraced, is fragile. As parents, our role is to guide, equip, and encourage our children to take ownership of their faith and boldly share it with the world.

The Importance of Owning Their Faith

When children own their faith, they develop a personal connection with God, rather than just following their parents’ beliefs. This foundation is crucial because:

1. Faith Becomes Authentic: A child who personally chooses Christ will have a faith that sustains them through challenges rather than one that crumbles under pressure.
2. They Stand Firm Against Peer Pressure: As they grow, they will face challenges to their beliefs. When their faith is truly their own, they will have the strength to stand firm.
3. They Develop a Personal Prayer Life: Children who own their faith will seek God on their own, deepening their relationship with Him beyond what parents or church leaders provide.
4. It Produces Lifelong Commitment: When faith is internalized, children are more likely to remain faithful followers of Christ throughout their lives.

Teaching Children to Own Their Faith

So how do we help our children transition from “my parents believe this” to “I believe this”?

1. Encourage Personal Devotions: Teach your children the habit of daily Bible reading and prayer. Provide age-appropriate devotionals and encourage them to seek God for themselves. Be sure to model the way personally
2. Ask Thought-Provoking Questions: Instead of simply giving answers, ask questions that help them think critically about their beliefs: “Why do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?” “How would you explain salvation to a friend?”  Faith questions are not just for pastors, they are for parents. 
3. Allow Them to Struggle and Seek: Faith is often deepened through struggle. When your child expresses doubts, resist the urge to panic. Instead, guide them lovingly, pointing them to Scripture and encouraging them to seek God for answers.
4. Model Authentic Faith: Children are more likely to embrace faith if they see it lived out consistently in their parents. Be open about your walk with God, share testimonies, and demonstrate trust in Him through challenges. Children who see their parents modeling the way, are much more likely to follow the way. 

Parenting as Discipleship

Parenting as discipleship means raising children to follow Jesus, guided by the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20, “¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,^[a]baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”. Parents are called to make disciples, beginning at home by teaching their children to know, love, and obey Christ. This involves intentional modeling of faith, consistent instruction in God’s Word, and prayerful guidance/leadership.

1. Model the Faith: Parents model the faith by living out their relationship with Jesus in everyday life, showing their children what it looks like to trust God, repent when they fall short, and rely on His grace.
2. Teach the Faith: Teaching the faith means intentionally helping children understand Scripture, biblical truths, and the gospel through regular conversations, devotional times, and answering questions with wisdom and love.
3. Lead the Faith: Leading the faith involves guiding the spiritual direction of the home—setting priorities that reflect God's kingdom, encouraging spiritual growth, and helping children take steps of faith in their own walk with Christ.

As parents walk with Jesus, they invite their children to do the same, trusting in His presence and power to transform hearts and lead their family in faith. 

Action Steps for Parents

As a parent, you have a significant role in shaping your child’s spiritual journey. Here are practical steps you can take today to teach boldness when sharing faith.

1. Role-Playing Evangelism: Practice real-life scenarios where they may have opportunities to share their faith. Teach them simple ways to explain the gospel.
2. Encourage Sharing at School: Remind them that their faith doesn’t have to be hidden at school. They can talk about Jesus, invite friends to church, and pray for classmates.
3. Equip Them with Scripture: Teach them key verses that will help them confidently answer questions about their faith (e.g., John 3:16, Romans 10:9, 1 Peter 3:15).
4. Share Your Own Experiences: Let them hear stories of how you have shared your faith. Your example will inspire them to do the same.
5. Pray for Opportunities: Encourage them to pray daily for God to give them moments to share their faith with others.

By fostering a faith that is personal and encouraging boldness in evangelism, parents can help their children develop a deep, lasting relationship with Christ. The goal is not just to raise churchgoers but to raise disciples who will shine the light of Christ wherever they go.

May we equip the next generation to know, love, and boldly proclaim the name of Jesus!

Rev. Jason A. Tourville earned a Master’s in Counseling (LPC & MFT) from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in 2002 and currently serves as the Director of Minister Care and Church Recalibration with the PennDel Ministry Network, as well as a Professional Counselor with Emerge Counseling Ministries.  He currently serves as the Chair of the National Mental Health Care Committee, executing key mental health strategies across the Assemblies of God.