Strengthen the Church-Home Faith Connection

As Marya slides another chair across the kitchen floor to accommodate our daily dinner invitation: Come Lord Jesus, be our guest... I am humbled by the childlike faith that inspires such hospitality. At the same time, I wonder how many other children are prompted to share their faith today.

Research by Search Institute indicates that only 35 % of American Protestant families pray at mealtimes. Though their findings also show parents to be the most effective influence in nurturing their children's faith, over half of the youth surveyed rarely or never engage in a faith-related conversation with their fathers. Thirty-five percent rarely or never talk about faith with their mothers. According to Albert Ostler of Perkins Seminary, "It's as if an earlier generation understood it all and then forgot to tell their children who never asked." The accelerated pace of American society limits family communication about anything to just a few minutes a day.

Observe the context Jesus set for nurturing faith in Matthew 19:14 & 15. Jesus took time in the midst of his teaching ministry to honor and bless the children. Jesus' invitation to children was not to a distant meeting time or place, like the temple. It was immediate! Right then and there, he blessed them. His hospitality promoted faith relationships beyond church or Sunday school membership. He modeled a concept of and for faith in daily life!

Baptism has long been the celebrated entry point for faith growth in community. In the baptismal liturgy, the home and the church join together in a common intent to nurture a child's faith. The roles are claimed and clarified as the family accepts primary responsibility for faith growth and the church readily responds with support and community. The catechism is an expression of our historical commitment to this premise. Through the years, reality, experience and tradition have shaped our good intent and three models of actual partnership have emerged.

THE "YOU'RE THE EXPERT- YOU DO IT" MODEL
In this model, parents essentially waive their right and privilege to be intimately involved in their child's faith growth. The church rises to the occasion and accepts primary responsibility for nurturing the child in faith. It provides programs and events on-site for children of all ages. The role of the parents becomes one of logistics as they juggle regular attendance and transportation needs.

THE "I WILL IF YOU WILL" MODEL
The church is still the primary center or location for faith growth and parents are open and willing to follow the churches "lead." The parents and church leaders make a conscientious effort to support one another in programmatic and resourceful ways. The parents are willing to teach and assist in the classroom and the church provides and promotes relevant resources for families to grow in faith together.

THE "I WILL AND I ASK GOD TO HELP ME" MODEL
In this model, parents are empowered to take primary responsibility for their child's growth. The church is committed to affirming, equipping and supporting the home as the primary center for Christian education. They engage parents right from the start. Programs are coordinated with parents to meet the on-going needs of the children, youth and families. The findings of Search Institute reflect the effects of the first model. The challenge or privilege of the church today becomes one of refocusing it's educational ministry on the second and third models. In nurturing a concept of and for daily life, we must bless the children with parents who are equipped to model it. The options are as varied as our willingness to let the Spirit inspire our interpretation.

• Connect with parents at transition points of family life, i.e., birth, first day of school, adolescence and graduation. Surround them with prayer and supportive relationships.
   
• Establish intergenerational mentoring relationships based first on practical need.
   
• Celebrate the promise of Jesus in Matthew 28:20 as you teach families to greet and leave each other with the words, "The Lord be with you," which prompts the response, "And also with you." It can become a powerful exchange in the midst of daily life.
   
• Promote "instant prayers" as a quick and natural way of focusing on God's presence, comfort and care in times of challenge or celebration.
   
• Help parents see their homes as micro-communities of faith. Give them practical tools for communication and conflict resolution that model unconditional love and forgiveness.
   
• Invite children to gather together and learn to pray with you.

Establish a vision for children, youth and family ministries in your faith community that will nurture the home as the center for faith growth and the church as a gathering place to equip, support and celebrate. Strengthen the faith connection!

Miriam Campbell is associate director for Christian Education, Children and Family Ministry in the Division for Congregational Ministries, Education and Evangelism Team. Her ministry is daily inspired by four growing daughters. Miriam may be contacted for information and consultation on children and family ministries by calling: 800/638-3522, ext. 2558, or through e-mail: miriam.campbell@elca.org.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY RESOURCES
My Place at God's Table is a series of resources to prepare young children for Holy Communion. This series is available by calling Augsburg Fortress Publishers at 800/328-4648.

The series includes:

• A Child's Book gives children, 3-5 years, an orientation to God's table as a place for them. ISBN 0-8066-3643-2, $5.99
• The Family Book presents an introduction to the Lutheran sacraments with activities and suggestions for developing a greater understanding of faith expression at church and at home. ISBN 0-8066-3644-0, $3.49
• Exploring the Sacraments with Young Children: A Leader Resource provides information about young children and helpful ways to communicate with contemporary families as they are engaged in sacramental learning. Outlines for four sessions include activities for children and their families. ISBN 0-8066-3645-9. $9.99

Writer: Miriam Campbell

Copyright © 1998 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. 800/638-3522.  Produced by Christian Education of the Division for Congregational Ministries.

Permission is granted for congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to reproduce this resource for local use.