Parenting Practices that Facilitate Spiritual Nurture

The Book of Proverbs reminds parents that we are to train up our children in the way they should go. As we read the Scriptures, we realize that the way they should go is in the life of discipleship. Recently, the folks at Lifeway research looked to discover the parenting practices present in families where children grew up to maintain their faith between the ages of eighteen and thirty. In other words, what are the factors that positively affect the moral and spiritual development of our kids? The research indicates that children who grow up to remain faithful followers of Jesus Christ grew up in homes where the following practices were present. First was regular Bible reading. Second was engaging in prayer. Third was integration into the life of the church beyond just regular attendance. Families and their children were involved in service opportunities. And finally, these children listened to and sang songs about the faith. Parents, are these practices present in your home?