Developing Enduring Faith (Introduction)
At my church, there鈥檚 a familiar saying within the children鈥檚 ministry: 鈥淭he mission field begins at home.鈥 As parents and educators shaped by a Christian worldview, we similarly recognize two important truths:
- There is no guaranteed formula to ensure that our children will grow into adults with genuine faith.
- There is no barrier that can prevent someone from turning to faith later in life.
With these baselines in mind, Scripture calls us to teach God鈥檚 commands diligently to our children (Deuteronomy 6:7) and to train a child up 鈥渋n the way he should go鈥 so that when he is older 鈥渉e will not depart from it鈥 (Proverbs 22:6). Yet in a culture that is increasingly secularized, and often dismissive of faith, how do we fulfill this calling? Whether you are a parent, educator, or just someone who is passionate about raising up the next generation, we all are called.
This series, within Enduring Faith, focuses on research-based factors shown to help cultivate an enduring (or lasting) faith in adolescents such that as adults they remain committed to their faith. While connections will be made between these factors to classical Christian education, they can be applied in any setting.
You may read these posts in any order, but a suggested sequence will offer the most natural progression and clear map; therefore, each post will end with the table of contents and a 鈥測ou are here鈥 notice, much like a mall directory.
- (You are here!) Introduction
- Why K-12 (particularly grades 6-12) matters more than college
- Six Pathways
- Nine Factors
- 鈥淚n Their Own Words鈥 – Classical Christian Alumni
- Faith is Not Always Easy
- It Requires More than School
- Relationships at School Matter
- Voluntary Conversations About Faith
- Classical Christian Education is Impactful
- Weaving them all together
- Recommendations and Conclusions
