Research shows that our parenting efforts are not consistently producing the results we hope for…
Based upon some key outcome measures, our efforts to raise our children seem to be really failing them. In his new book, Revolutionary Parenting, Christian researcher George Barna points to some very disturbing statistics about the spiritual formation of today’s children. Barna states that:
– Most of our children are biblically illiterate.
– Less than one out of five kids believes that sharing her faith is important; and
– Less than half believe that their faith is important to their lives; and
– More than half believe Jesus sinned just like us while he was on earth.
– One quarter of our children do not believe there is a God; and
– Just over half believe that God is all-knowing, all powerful, and rules over creation.
As Barna identified and examined the common experiences that help children grow up to be “spiritual champions”, he discovered that parents are the key element in this developmental process. In addition, Barna points to the critical role of the church by stating that “…ministry to children is the single most influential ministry any church engages in.”
So, that leaves us to wonder whether we as parents are failing our children when we are not raising them in the spirit of Deuteronomy and, “… teaching them God’s word at all times in all places during our days together…” And is the church failing them and their parents by not making ministry to children and families a top priority?
Are we failing our children? What do you think?
The LOGOS Ministry 
Well, frankly, considering what our churches do (and do not) preach, it is no surprise the children are in such danger spiritually. Very sad.
It seems like both the church and the families are failing to raise God-centered kids. I’ve heard many people blame this on our “youth ministries” but it seems like it starts even earlier.
Our children are the foundation of the church of the future. Children’s ministry and youth ministry must become strategic priorities for the church, rather than programs to keep our kids occupied while the adults “worship”.
Jen, Tony and Joe;
I think you are all pointing in the same direction which is that the church must discover a priority to ministry with children and their parents. More and more research on sustainable faith is indicating that the age of thirteen is key. If we haven’t introduced our children to Jesus before this age and helped them on their journey of faith we will lose most of them. There are some who say that of those confirmed or brought into membership as young teens over the last 20 years, only 15% are still involved with the body of Christ. However, we like to blame them for not being faithful enough rather than question ourselves. I hope you read last week’s blog which addresses more thoughts about this.
Like others above me, I think it is important to recognize the impact and the urgency of children’s ministry. No children means no future for the Church. Noting that this is something we can change is a step in the right direction.
Deuteronomy 6 has been an important verse in our church’s life for the past few years. We have been challenged with the fact that the church only has the kids at best 50 hours a year and so the families have so much more impact that the church. Not that the church’s ministry does not matter, but how are we partnering with parents so they can continue to share their faith with their children throughout the week? Good post.