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ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.* 
When we think about teaching our youngest children—our preschoolers—about God, it’s easy to default to the basics: pray before meals, attend church regularly, memorize a short Bible verse. Those are beautiful and important rhythms.
But if we stop there, we risk raising “good kids” who don’t yet understand the good news. Without the gospel, none of this means anything. Our goal isn’t simply behavior modification. It’s heart transformation. We don’t just want compliant children—we want children who come to know and love Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Start With the Gospel,
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It’s tempting to focus on virtues like kindness, obedience, sharing, and telling the truth. Those matter. But if we only say, “Be kind,” “Share your toys,” or “Don’t lie,” we subtly communicate that Christianity is about being good enough.
The gospel tells a different story:
Even preschoolers can grasp the basics of this:
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When your child disobeys, that’s not just a behavior issue—it’s a gospel opportunity.
Instead of only saying, “That was wrong,” you can say: “That was not a loving choice. Mommy/Daddy makes wrong choices too. That’s why we need Jesus. Aren’t you thankful He forgives us?”
Now obedience is connected to grace—not fear or shame.
Instead of only saying, “That was wrong,” you can say: “That was not a loving choice. Mommy/Daddy makes wrong choices too. That’s why we need Jesus. Aren’t you thankful He forgives us?”
Now obedience is connected to grace—not fear or shame.
Deuteronomy 6: A Lifestyle of Faith
In Book of Deuteronomy 6:5–7, God commands His people:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart… These words… shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Notice the pattern: Faith isn’t a weekly event. It’s woven into everyday life.
For preschoolers, that means:
The gospel becomes normal conversation, not a formal lecture.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart… These words… shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Notice the pattern: Faith isn’t a weekly event. It’s woven into everyday life.
For preschoolers, that means:
- Talking about God during playtime.
- Pointing out God’s creativity in nature.
- Connecting forgiveness after sibling conflict to Jesus’ forgiveness.
- Praying short, simple prayers throughout the day.
The gospel becomes normal conversation, not a formal lecture.
Resources to use with your kids
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Model the Virtues You Want to See
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Preschoolers are watching more than they are listening.
Before we can model godly virtues, we must ask: "What does our relationship with Jesus look like?"
If your child hears you say, “I was wrong. Will you forgive me?” they are seeing the gospel lived out. |
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Your relationship with Jesus sets the spiritual temperature of your home.
Children don’t just need instruction—they need a living example.
Children don’t just need instruction—they need a living example.
Listen to our podcast
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Make It Part of Everyday Life
Faith formation doesn’t require a seminary degree. It requires intentionality.
Here are a few simple, gospel-centered ways to talk with preschoolers:
Here are a few simple, gospel-centered ways to talk with preschoolers:
- Story Time: Read Bible stories and always connect them back to Jesus as the hero.
- Conflict Moments: Use sibling arguments to explain sin, forgiveness, and grace.
- Bedtime Blessing: Speak identity over them: “You are loved by God. You belong to Jesus.”
- Celebrate Grace: When they fail, remind them that God’s love doesn’t disappear.
Easter Resources
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Be a Team: Mom and Dad Together
Children thrive when they see unity. When mom and dad work together—praying together, discussing how to discipline, encouraging each other spiritually—it creates stability.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. But pursue alignment. Pray together for your child’s heart. Ask God to open their eyes to the beauty of Christ at an early age.
The aim is not raising moral children. The aim is raising children who know they are sinners saved by grace. Because without the gospel, nothing else matters.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. But pursue alignment. Pray together for your child’s heart. Ask God to open their eyes to the beauty of Christ at an early age.
The aim is not raising moral children. The aim is raising children who know they are sinners saved by grace. Because without the gospel, nothing else matters.
Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions for Mom and Dad
- Are we emphasizing behavior more than the gospel in our parenting? Where might that be happening?
- How often do we talk about Jesus’ grace when our child fails?
- What does our personal relationship with Christ currently look like? Where are we growing—or stagnant?
- Are we modeling repentance and forgiveness in front of our children?
- What simple daily rhythm could we add to make gospel conversations more natural?
- How can we better function as a spiritual team in our home?
- What would it look like—not just for our child to “behave”—but to truly come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior?
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* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
Every parent is shaping something. The question isn’t if we are forming our children—it’s what we are forming them into.
In a culture full of competing voices, Christian parents are called to be intentional about building a home centered on Christ. Scripture gives us a clear charge:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” — Deuteronomy 6:6–7
Raising children in a faith-based home doesn’t happen accidentally. It happens through steady, prayerful priorities. Here are five foundational commitments that help cultivate lasting faith in the next generation.
In a culture full of competing voices, Christian parents are called to be intentional about building a home centered on Christ. Scripture gives us a clear charge:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” — Deuteronomy 6:6–7
Raising children in a faith-based home doesn’t happen accidentally. It happens through steady, prayerful priorities. Here are five foundational commitments that help cultivate lasting faith in the next generation.
1. A Personal Faith in Jesus
Before we can pass faith on to our children, it must be real and growing in us.
Children are far more likely to imitate what we model than obey what we say. If they see mom and dad genuinely walking with Jesus—repenting, praying, reading Scripture, worshiping, asking forgiveness—they learn that faith is not a Sunday activity but a daily relationship.
Faith cannot be inherited; it must be embraced. Our goal is not to raise children who simply adopt our beliefs, but who personally surrender their lives to Christ.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” — Acts 16:31
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1
Practical Steps:
A faith-based home begins with parents who love Jesus first.
Children are far more likely to imitate what we model than obey what we say. If they see mom and dad genuinely walking with Jesus—repenting, praying, reading Scripture, worshiping, asking forgiveness—they learn that faith is not a Sunday activity but a daily relationship.
Faith cannot be inherited; it must be embraced. Our goal is not to raise children who simply adopt our beliefs, but who personally surrender their lives to Christ.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” — Acts 16:31
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1
Practical Steps:
- Let your children see you read the Bible and pray.
- Share how God is working in your own life.
- Admit when you fail and point them back to grace.
- Talk about salvation openly and often.
A faith-based home begins with parents who love Jesus first.
2. The Importance of a Faith Community
Christianity was never meant to be lived in isolation. Our children need more than just faithful parents—they need faithful people.
The local church provides spiritual friendships, mentors, and intergenerational influence. When kids see other adults loving Jesus, serving, and worshiping, their faith becomes bigger than their immediate family.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…” — Hebrews 10:24–25
Faith community reinforces what is taught at home and reminds our children they are part of something larger—the body of Christ.
Practical Steps:
Your children should grow up knowing: This is our spiritual family.
The local church provides spiritual friendships, mentors, and intergenerational influence. When kids see other adults loving Jesus, serving, and worshiping, their faith becomes bigger than their immediate family.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…” — Hebrews 10:24–25
Faith community reinforces what is taught at home and reminds our children they are part of something larger—the body of Christ.
Practical Steps:
- Build friendships with other believing families.
- Invite people from church into your home.
- Encourage your children to build Christian friendships.
- Speak positively about the church.
Your children should grow up knowing: This is our spiritual family.
3. Prioritizing Church, Kids Ministry, and Student Ministry
What we prioritize communicates what we value.
If church attendance is optional or frequently displaced by other activities, children learn that faith fits in when convenient. But when gathering with the church is a steady rhythm of life, it shapes identity and consistency.
Age-specific ministries—kids ministry and student ministry—are not babysitting services; they are intentional discipleship environments designed to meet children at their developmental stage.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6
Consistency over time builds spiritual depth.
Practical Steps:
When church is not a chore but a joy, it becomes part of your family culture.
If church attendance is optional or frequently displaced by other activities, children learn that faith fits in when convenient. But when gathering with the church is a steady rhythm of life, it shapes identity and consistency.
Age-specific ministries—kids ministry and student ministry—are not babysitting services; they are intentional discipleship environments designed to meet children at their developmental stage.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6
Consistency over time builds spiritual depth.
Practical Steps:
- Guard Sunday mornings as sacred time.
- Treat youth group and student gatherings as priorities.
- Debrief what your children learned after church.
- Pray for their ministry leaders.
When church is not a chore but a joy, it becomes part of your family culture.
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4. Serving Together as a Family
Faith grows when it is practiced.
Serving teaches children humility, compassion, generosity, and obedience. When families serve together, children learn that following Jesus includes action—not just belief.
Jesus modeled what it looks like to live as one who serves:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” — Mark 10:45
Serving shifts focus outward and shapes hearts.
Practical Steps:
Serving together creates shared spiritual memories that often leave a deeper imprint than any lecture.
Serving teaches children humility, compassion, generosity, and obedience. When families serve together, children learn that following Jesus includes action—not just belief.
Jesus modeled what it looks like to live as one who serves:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” — Mark 10:45
Serving shifts focus outward and shapes hearts.
Practical Steps:
- Volunteer together at church.
- Participate in community outreach projects.
- Deliver meals, visit shut-ins, or support local ministries.
- Encourage your children to use their gifts for God’s glory.
Serving together creates shared spiritual memories that often leave a deeper imprint than any lecture.
5. Teaching Your Children to Share Their Faith
A living faith is a sharing faith.
Children should grow up understanding that the gospel is good news meant to be shared. Teaching them how to talk about Jesus builds confidence and boldness rooted in love—not pressure.
“Go and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19
“Always be prepared to give an answer… for the hope that you have.” — 1 Peter 3:15
Evangelism begins at home.
Practical Steps:
When children understand that their faith matters beyond themselves, it strengthens their own conviction.
Children should grow up understanding that the gospel is good news meant to be shared. Teaching them how to talk about Jesus builds confidence and boldness rooted in love—not pressure.
“Go and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19
“Always be prepared to give an answer… for the hope that you have.” — 1 Peter 3:15
Evangelism begins at home.
Practical Steps:
- Help them articulate their testimony.
- Pray for their friends who don’t know Jesus.
- Role-play conversations about faith.
- Celebrate when they invite a friend to church.
When children understand that their faith matters beyond themselves, it strengthens their own conviction.
Raising children in a home centered on faith is not about perfection—it’s about direction.
There will be seasons of struggle. There will be questions. There will be moments when faith feels fragile. But God works through steady, imperfect obedience.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
As parents, our calling is to plant, water, and pray. God brings the growth.
A faith-based home is built one conversation, one prayer, one Sunday, one act of service at a time.
And by God’s grace, those small, consistent investments shape both you and your children's faith journey.
In His Grace
- jay & amy
There will be seasons of struggle. There will be questions. There will be moments when faith feels fragile. But God works through steady, imperfect obedience.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
As parents, our calling is to plant, water, and pray. God brings the growth.
A faith-based home is built one conversation, one prayer, one Sunday, one act of service at a time.
And by God’s grace, those small, consistent investments shape both you and your children's faith journey.
In His Grace
- jay & amy
Consider these discussion Questions
Here are three discussion questions to help you can reflect on together:
1. Is our personal faith in Jesus visible and authentic in our home?
In what practical ways are we modeling repentance, prayer, grace, and dependence on Christ for our children to see?
2. Do our family priorities clearly communicate that church and faith community matter?
If someone looked at our calendar and commitments, would they see that gathering with God’s people is central or optional?
3. Are we intentionally creating opportunities to serve and share our faith as a family?
What is one step we can take this month to practice living out our faith beyond our home?
1. Is our personal faith in Jesus visible and authentic in our home?
In what practical ways are we modeling repentance, prayer, grace, and dependence on Christ for our children to see?
2. Do our family priorities clearly communicate that church and faith community matter?
If someone looked at our calendar and commitments, would they see that gathering with God’s people is central or optional?
3. Are we intentionally creating opportunities to serve and share our faith as a family?
What is one step we can take this month to practice living out our faith beyond our home?
* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
Parenting in real life: The Fails
- Thursday, February `12, 2026
We're back with part two of the Parenting in Real Life episodes with, The Fails. Back in episode 3, we talked about The Wins (Parenting in Real Life: The Wins). As we look back, these are the moments that make us smile. But for every win there is a fail, moments when looking back we wish we would have handled differently. In this episode we're sharing stories and the lessons learned from our parenting fails.
We're back with part two of the Parenting in Real Life episodes with, The Fails. Back in episode 3, we talked about The Wins (Parenting in Real Life: The Wins). As we look back, these are the moments that make us smile. But for every win there is a fail, moments when looking back we wish we would have handled differently. In this episode we're sharing stories and the lessons learned from our parenting fails.
Listen to episode 9
What We learned
Point 1: We’re Not Perfect — Parenting Is On-the-Job Training
God never asked us to be perfect parents—He asks us to be faithful and teachable ones.
God never asked us to be perfect parents—He asks us to be faithful and teachable ones.
- Parenting often feels like learning after the test.
- We expect perfection from ourselves in a role God designed to grow us.
- Our kids don’t need flawless parents; they need parents who model humility, repentance, and dependence on God.
- God uses our limitations to show His sufficiency.
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Scripture
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own.” — Philippians 3:12 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 |
parenting in real life
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Point 2: Be Quick to Ask for Forgiveness So You Can Be Quick to Give Forgiveness
One of the greatest gifts we give our kids is showing them how to repair what’s broken.
One of the greatest gifts we give our kids is showing them how to repair what’s broken.
- Apologizing to your kids doesn’t weaken your authority—it builds trust.
- When we confess quickly, we model emotional and spiritual maturity.
- Our kids learn how to forgive by watching how we handle our own failures.
- A simple “I was wrong—will you forgive me?” can be deeply healing.
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Scripture
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” — James 5:16 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” — Proverbs 28:13 |
Point 3: Let Go of Guilt, Shame, and Regret — Embrace God’s Grace and Forgiveness
Shame keeps us stuck in the past, but grace invites us forward.
Shame keeps us stuck in the past, but grace invites us forward.
- Guilt says, “I did something wrong.” Shame says, “I am something wrong.”
- God addresses conviction, not condemnation.
- Carrying shame doesn’t make us better parents—it makes us fearful ones.
- God’s grace is not dependent on how well we parented yesterday.
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Scripture
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” — Psalm 103:12 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 |
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Discussion questions
Take the podcast to the next step and download out discussion questions. Use these questions to talk with your spouse. Download the questions here: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.
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We were recently asked a question that has stayed with us: “What is the biggest risk factor to kids in this generation that is leaning or turning them away from God?”
It’s a big question—one that deserves more than a quick, simple response. The temptation is to immediately point to culture, technology, or “the world today,” but we think wisdom requires us to pause, reflect, and respond with both truth and humility.
As we've thought about this question, two foundational realities continue to come into focus.
It’s a big question—one that deserves more than a quick, simple response. The temptation is to immediately point to culture, technology, or “the world today,” but we think wisdom requires us to pause, reflect, and respond with both truth and humility.
As we've thought about this question, two foundational realities continue to come into focus.
First: We Are Not in Control of Our
Kids’ Faith Journey
This may be the most important—and most freeing—truth for parents and caregivers to acknowledge: we are not the authors of our children’s faith stories. God is.
Scripture reminds us that God is the One who draws hearts, transforms lives, and sustains faith. Our kids’ relationship with Him is ultimately His work, not ours to manufacture or control. That doesn’t mean our role is insignificant—far from it—but it does mean we are not sovereign over outcomes.
At baptism (or dedication), we make a sacred promise: to raise our children in the faith, to teach them God’s Word, to model a life of following Jesus, and to place them in environments where faith can grow. We are faithful stewards, not ultimate decision-makers.
Recognizing this truth guards us from two dangerous extremes: crushing ourselves with guilt when our kids struggle, or trying to control them out of fear. Trusting God with their story allows us to lead with faith instead of panic.
Scripture reminds us that God is the One who draws hearts, transforms lives, and sustains faith. Our kids’ relationship with Him is ultimately His work, not ours to manufacture or control. That doesn’t mean our role is insignificant—far from it—but it does mean we are not sovereign over outcomes.
At baptism (or dedication), we make a sacred promise: to raise our children in the faith, to teach them God’s Word, to model a life of following Jesus, and to place them in environments where faith can grow. We are faithful stewards, not ultimate decision-makers.
Recognizing this truth guards us from two dangerous extremes: crushing ourselves with guilt when our kids struggle, or trying to control them out of fear. Trusting God with their story allows us to lead with faith instead of panic.
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Second: There Are Real Risk Factors
We Must Take Seriously
While we aren’t in control of our kids’ faith journey, we do play a meaningful role in shaping the environment they grow up in. And some of the greatest risk factors today are not subtle.
One major risk factor is unfiltered access to technology—cell phones, the internet, social media, and the lack of supervision that often comes with them.
Our kids are being formed every day by what they consume. Social media disciples them in values, identity, comparison, sexuality, success, and worth—often in ways that directly contradict the gospel. Without guidance, accountability, and boundaries, we are handing powerful tools to young hearts that are still learning discernment.
Technology itself isn’t the enemy, but unchecked and unshepherded access can slowly shape beliefs and behaviors long before we realize it. If we are intentional about sports schedules, school choices, and bedtime routines, we must be equally intentional about digital formation.
Another significant risk factor is allowing our feelings to direct our decisions instead of grounding our lives in the Word of God.
We live in a culture that elevates emotion as ultimate truth: If it feels right, it must be right. When feelings become the primary authority, truth becomes flexible, and faith becomes fragile. Our kids notice when we say one thing about God but live another based on comfort, convenience, or cultural pressure.
When parents and leaders prioritize peacekeeping over truth, affirmation over discipleship, or personal comfort over obedience, kids learn that faith is optional when it becomes costly.
One major risk factor is unfiltered access to technology—cell phones, the internet, social media, and the lack of supervision that often comes with them.
Our kids are being formed every day by what they consume. Social media disciples them in values, identity, comparison, sexuality, success, and worth—often in ways that directly contradict the gospel. Without guidance, accountability, and boundaries, we are handing powerful tools to young hearts that are still learning discernment.
Technology itself isn’t the enemy, but unchecked and unshepherded access can slowly shape beliefs and behaviors long before we realize it. If we are intentional about sports schedules, school choices, and bedtime routines, we must be equally intentional about digital formation.
Another significant risk factor is allowing our feelings to direct our decisions instead of grounding our lives in the Word of God.
We live in a culture that elevates emotion as ultimate truth: If it feels right, it must be right. When feelings become the primary authority, truth becomes flexible, and faith becomes fragile. Our kids notice when we say one thing about God but live another based on comfort, convenience, or cultural pressure.
When parents and leaders prioritize peacekeeping over truth, affirmation over discipleship, or personal comfort over obedience, kids learn that faith is optional when it becomes costly.
So What Do We Do?
We model a faith that is authentic, anchored, and humble.
We admit when we don’t have all the answers, but we show our kids where we go to find truth. We set loving boundaries around technology, not out of fear, but out of wisdom. We allow God’s Word—not our emotions or the loudest cultural voices—to be the foundation on which we stand.
And above all, we trust God. We pray relentlessly. We stay present. We keep showing up.
The greatest risk factor may not be any single influence, but the quiet drift that happens when we stop being intentional. The greatest hope, however, remains unchanged: God is faithful, He is at work, and He loves our kids even more than we do.
jay & amy
We admit when we don’t have all the answers, but we show our kids where we go to find truth. We set loving boundaries around technology, not out of fear, but out of wisdom. We allow God’s Word—not our emotions or the loudest cultural voices—to be the foundation on which we stand.
And above all, we trust God. We pray relentlessly. We stay present. We keep showing up.
The greatest risk factor may not be any single influence, but the quiet drift that happens when we stop being intentional. The greatest hope, however, remains unchanged: God is faithful, He is at work, and He loves our kids even more than we do.
jay & amy
30 years of marriage
5 kids raised
3 of the 5 married
2 grandkids
5 kids raised
3 of the 5 married
2 grandkids
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