Article
Passing on Faith: What Your Children Need Most Is You
by The Rev. Libby Garfield
“Parents are the primary role models for their children’s faith.”
— Family Faith Formation Planning, adapted from faith formation research by John Roberto and others
If you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, you probably want your children to grow up with faith that lasts. But maybe you’ve wondered:
Am I doing enough?
How do I even begin?
What if I don’t have all the answers?
Here’s some good news: the most important thing your child needs for their spiritual growth isn’t perfection—it’s you.
Faith Grows in Ordinary Moments
Decades of research—and centuries of church tradition—point to this truth: faith is more caught than taught. Children tend to adopt the faith they observe in the adults around them, especially their parents. And not just on Sundays. Everyday moments like praying before meals, reading a Bible story at bedtime, or serving someone in need together can shape your child’s understanding of who God is. In fact, some of the most effective ways to pass on faith are surprisingly simple:
- Eating dinner together
- Reading the Bible
- Praying as a family
- Serving people in need
- Being part of a faith community
- Talking openly about faith (and doubt)
- Providing moral instruction
- Celebrating holidays and milestones with meaning
- Marking church year seasons
- Worshiping on Sundays as a family
Belonging Comes First
Sometimes we think our kids need to believe before they can belong. But Jesus started the other way around—He created a community where people belonged first, learned how to live out their faith, and came to believe as a result. When we invite our children into the rhythms of Christian life, they experience faith as something shared, relational, and real. This is why regular worship, meaningful conversations, and simply showing up together matter so much.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
At St. John the Divine, we’re committed to walking with you. Whether you’re raising toddlers or teenagers, navigating new schedules or old doubts, we want to be a community of support and encouragement. We know parents are busy. We know life is full. But we also believe that with a little intention and a lot of grace, your family life can become a space where faith grows naturally.
“I don’t remember every Bible verse we read—but I do remember feeling safe, loved, and heard. That’s what stuck with me.”
— SJD Parent
Jump into family life at St. John the Divine in these ways:
• Worship as a family when you are in town this summer.
• Attend Sunday school while your children attend summer programming.
• Sign up for Vacation Bible School