Growing a Child in the Faith:
Where the Buck Stops

When God began developing the blueprint for Church on the Journey, we envisioned a church filled with people of all ages and every color, a church representing the diversity of God’s amazing Creation.  We saw this vision manifesting itself through a community who was first and foremost dedicated to the celebration of multi-generational worship.  Since our launch in January of 2005, foundational to the plan’s implementation has been Journey’s commitment to preparing our children for worship and integrating them into the weekly worship service as soon as they are ready.  Okay . . . but what does this mean exactly to parents who are seeking a Christian education program for their children? 

As we approach this subject, it is important to note that churches today find themselves “in a pickle” when it comes to providing Christian education for children and families.  Consider this general premise:  once regarded as the primary source for faith development training, the church now considers itself “lucky” to have the same family in church twice a month.  This translates to one hour of formal Christian education a month for our children (two visits to Sunday school a month—often with notable tardiness, limiting each visit to roughly 30 minutes = one hour).  While some churches offer special groups and other activities throughout the week, attendance at best is sporadic.  As a result, congregations are finding it difficult to have the impact they once had in their traditional role as Christian educators.

And yet, parents continue to hold the Church responsible for providing the religious training necessary to insure their children are prepared to be knowledgeable, faithful and productive Christians.  Think about it—all of this to be accomplished by the Church through one hour a month of formal instruction.  Something’s wrong with this picture!

We offer these comments regarding the state of Christian education for children not as judgment or criticism, but merely as a reality check.  Our intent is not to “beat up” on people because of the choices they make, but to implement a strategy that will fill the gaps and forward the Cause of Christ to and through our children.

So, if parents and children are not utilizing the Christian education opportunities provided by the Church, where then is the bulk of the Christian education function to take place?

Well, there’s an easy answer to that one:  Where it should always happen first and foremost—in the home! 

What you may not know is that Church on the Journey was founded on the principle that the frontline for Christian education takes place in the home through the leadership of parents and grandparents.  When children see their mom or dad reading the Bible, praying at the dinner table, living out a Christ-like life in the home, Christian education can’t get much better.  Those are the kind of experiences that mold young and impressionable lives.  While the church has an important role in the faith formation of its children, it is nonetheless a supplemental one.

Simply put, the primary responsibility for teaching children about God and God’s love through Jesus Christ lies with the parents and grandparents.  It is their job to tell and teach The Story.  The scary thing for many is that they will have to re-acquaint themselves with The Story before they can effectively share it.  If that’s the case, then everyone benefits The whole family grows in understanding and knowledge, and they do it together.  In other words, Christian education is a part of the family’s very lifeblood in the home—and that lifeblood is enriched each day when the family enjoys a special time with God.

Church on the Journey is committed to helping equip moms and dads and grandparents to succeed in this crucial area of spiritual growth.  By making teaching resources available along with a workable plan for daily family devotional time, Journey seeks to coach our families to success aided by hands-on support.  We know that this may be way out of the comfort zone for many parents, but the potential payoff for the entire family is huge.  Just think . . .  the family reading the Bible together, praying together, talking about faith together, and acting as servants of Christ together . . . in the home.  And when that’s happening in the home, then you can bet those lessons will be more effectively lived-out by family members in the real world.  And when people are living in the real world directed by the teachings of Jesus taught in the home, “EUREKA!”  That’s what we call spreading the Good News to a frail and broken humanity in need of the love of Christ!

While Church on the Journey contributes to the growth of our children through the hands-on support of parents, our efforts do not stop there.  We seek to design each worship service so that it is instructional to and inclusive of children.  In addition, Journey provides a special learning opportunity for young children during the worship hour to help prepare them for that transition into full worship participation.  But of most importance, is our faith community’s sincere love for each child God has brought into our care.

We all have the same goal: to grow children into committed followers of Jesus Christ, equipped with a faith that prepares them to make those tough life decisions that the world thrusts upon every person.  Journey is not changing the goal—just the emphasis and manner of how to achieve the goal.  Ultimately, the Christian education function remains a partnership between parents and the Church.  But should a child “fall through the cracks” and not receive the attention deserved, the “buck stops” at the feet of the parents and the Church—jointly.  We all fail.  We fail the child, each other and our Lord. 

Therefore, let it be known that we at Church on the Journey will do everything we know to do, so that every child in our care experiences the love of Jesus Christ, learns how to live in that love and share that love with all.  May God continue providing us the means to fulfill this joyous obligation!