Reflecting on Parenting.
Faith formation in family life …
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my role as a parent and how my actions don’t always align with my intentions. I wish things were different, but sometimes I fall short. There are moments when I disappoint my family, and there are times when they disappoint me, too.
How about you? How’s parenting going for you? Have you had a chance to reflect on your approach and how you’re doing? If you’re anything like me, you might sometimes find yourself unsure. Parenting can be blurry, like trying to move through fog, especially when one’s caught up in daily routines.
Taking time to check in with ourselves as parents is essential, mainly because it’s one of our most challenging jobs. If you haven’t done so recently, do it today. A thought examined is a thought loosened. Don’t get caught up in day-to-day responsibilities and forget to step back and see the bigger picture. Zoom out to zoom in. When we reflect, we can choose: do we push forward and grow, or retreat to what feels safer?
A thought examined is a thought loosened. Don't get caught up in day-to-day responsibilities and forget to step back and see the bigger picture. Share on XConcerns and commitments usually inform our choices between stepping forward or stepping back. When we’re unsure, it’s natural to pull back. But when we feel the weight of our obligations, we tend to act. This is particularly true when it comes to spiritual matters. Figuring out how to nurture faith at home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems.
Helpful Insights for Faith Formation in Family Life.
To help you put your best foot forward, here are some helpful faith formation in family life insights and suggestions:
Stop trying to get your act together.
You won’t ever have it all figured out—never! Like us, our children are in the spiritual mess we’re all trying to tidy up! So, stop worrying about what could go wrong. Faith formation is always flawed and unfinished because it’s about becoming, not concluding.
Like us, our children are in the spiritual mess we’re all trying to tidy up! Share on XUse stories to carry you forward.
Your family is a small part of God’s big story. Remembering God’s actions will sustain and fortify you and your children for the journey ahead. As David reminds us, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts” Psalm 145:4. Read and reflect on God’s Word. Faith formation is built on what we’re trying to believe and need help to believe.
Faith formation is built on what we’re trying to believe and need help to believe. Share on XSpeak declarations of faith over your children.
Hearing what’s true informs a child’s identity and provides the impetus for who they can become. Never underestimate the power of proclaiming truth over the lives of every member of your family. Tell your children they belong to Jesus. One of the most extraordinary yet ordinary things you can do is speak words of consecration over your children—to remind them of the bounty and blessings we have in Christ.
One of the most extraordinary yet ordinary things you can do is speak words of consecration over your children. Share on XTake the long view.
Like many things in life, faith formation is uninspiring work. Don’t expect to see daily results. Be patient. Listen and learn. Don’t get ruffled by your children’s shenanigans. Faith formation is usually a grind – a long, slow progression – never complete. Mountaintop experiences are rare. Learn to live in the valleys – in the low ground of faith. And do it with hope, not fear, because you are seen and loved.
Faith formation is uninspiring work. Don’t expect to see daily results. Share on XGive and receive from each other.
Faith formation should be profoundly relational. Keep spiritual company with yourself and your children. Cultivate memories of God’s providence as a family. Acknowledge your common need for Jesus. Help each other find the courage to believe you can change. Stretch and shrink—make space together for grace and growth. Support and uplift one another. Nurturing family faith isn’t a one-way street; it’s parents and children taking on life and nudging each other to follow Christ.
Nurturing family faith isn’t a one-way street; it’s parents and children enjoying life and nudging each other to follow Christ. Share on XDo what must be done.
Faith formation happens in the sweat of labour – doing what must be done. It’s not something reserved for sacred moments. It occurs in the stuff of life where the good and the bad are served straight up. News flash – you will never be worthy enough to nurture your children’s faith, nor is anyone else. Faith is formed as you step toward the One who waves you forward. So, put yourself out there and trust God to equip you to take love in and give it out.
Faith is formed as you step toward the One who waves you forward. Share on XWhat strategies have helped you nurture faith formation in family life? Please share your thoughts in the comments below or explore one of the related articles on family faith formation.
Related Articles
Seven Practical Ways to Cultivate Your Child’s Faith: A Guide For Christian Parents
Christian Parenting: Helping Your Children Follow Jesus and Live With Purpose
What Does God Say About the Family?
What Does the Bible Say About Fathers?
Summary
Faith formation in family life is a challenging but essential part of parenting. It requires reflection, patience, and a long-term perspective, acknowledging that parents and children are on an imperfect spiritual journey. Key strategies for nurturing faith include embracing the messiness of life, using stories of God’s faithfulness, speaking truth over your children, and maintaining strong, relational bonds within the family. Ultimately, faith formation in family life happens through everyday moments, as families support each other in the faith journey.
© Scripture Union, 2025
Soli Deo Gloria
