What should parents know about children’s faith formation? Understanding the stages and process of children’s faith formation is crucial to nurturing their spiritual growth. From introducing your child to Jesus to guiding them through struggles with sin, here are twenty pithy insights that will help you foster an unshakeable Christian faith in your child:
1. A child’s faith formation begins in the heart with a response to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to taste and see that the Lord is good.
Faith formation begins in the heart. Share on X2. Children’s faith is more caught than taught. Their encounters with God first change how they feel, then how they think, and finally how they act.
3. Children aren’t born with faith. Children must be introduced to Jesus. When they ask Him to be their Lord and Saviour, they grow and develop through various stages.
4. Faith formation is counterintuitive. The world’s way is to work to win. Children must learn that the way of Christ is to believe and receive.
Faith formation is counterintuitive. Share on X5. Faith formation is understanding who Jesus is and who we are. A child’s ability to live by faith develops gradually as they learn to think biblically and make God-informed decisions.
6. Faith in Christ may not feel good. Embarrassment, shame, guilt, or inadequacy sometimes discourages children from embracing Jesus.
7. Faith formation is closely tied to decision-making, to the everyday choices a child makes to act or not act in the way of Christ.
Faith formation is tied to decision-making. Share on X8. Children’s spiritual development happens when they commit and consecrate themselves to Jesus for what is good, right and true.
9. Even when children believe in Jesus, they still need to be persuaded, and this conviction occurs as we share stories about the Lord’s wisdom, works, and wonders.
10. Children’s faith formation doesn’t happen automatically. It requires direction and planning. It’s a thoughtful progression and measured path.
Faith formation doesn't happen automatically. Share on X11. Following Jesus is more often blurry than clear. This is why some children are tentative about following Jesus, sometimes taking two steps forward and other times taking one step back.
12. Faith formation is radically counter-cultural. When children prioritize Jesus over themselves, they accept values and norms of behaviour substantially different from mainstream society.
13. Faith formation occurs in the ups and downs of life as children acquire the discipline and determination to trust Jesus with their lives.
Faith formation occurs in the ups and downs of life. Share on X14. A child’s faith grows more robust in the daily battle between right and wrong. It develops in the gap between their inner struggles with sin and outward displays of righteousness.
15. Concerns and worries should be identified and addressed. Helping children shrink their fears helps them grow their faith.
16. Faith formation is deeply rooted in relationships. It involves developing the right relationships with Jesus and others.
Faith formation is deeply rooted in relationships. Share on X17. A child’s faith formation requires examples to follow and imitate. Participating in a faith community helps children experience, understand, express and share their faith.
18. Faith formation is both spiritually practical and practically spiritual. Children require guidance with beliefs and values, as well as support and assistance with relationships.
19. A child’s faith formation is always incomplete. For the most part, the process of spiritual transformation is imperfectly evident.
Faith formation is always incomplete. Share on X20. Helping children grow in faith is hard work. It’s never easy, yet immensely rewarding. There is no retirement plan; it requires intentional, purposeful, lifelong effort.
Much more remains to be said. But let’s conclude with a reminder to extend grace to yourself and your children. Following Jesus requires grit, grace, generosity, and gratitude. As you nurture your children’s faith, you’ll inevitably disappoint them, and they’ll disappoint you. So, ask God to help you. Accept your flaws and failings. Step out in faith. And do what Christ wants you to do, whether you feel like it or not.
Helping children grow in faith can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Share your experiences and thoughts (below) on how you nurture children’s faith formation, and share this article with other parents who may be looking for guidance.
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Summary
Children’s faith formation is a gradual, intentional process that begins in the heart with a response to the Holy Spirit. Parents play a crucial role in introducing children to Jesus, guiding them through their struggles with sin, and providing support in their decision-making to follow Christ. Faith development requires ongoing effort, planning, and participation in a faith community as children learn to prioritize Jesus over societal values. Ultimately, nurturing children’s faith formation is a lifelong, imperfect journey that requires grace, patience, and dedication.
© Scripture Union, 2025
Soli Deo Gloria
