4 Keys of Faith Nurture

Growing in Faith with 4 Proven Keys... These 4 keys of Faith Nuture reflect Biblical models of faith nurture and have been shown, via research, to be effective means of passing on the faith from generation to generation. Could you add a new spiritual habit in your family by adding/developing one of the 4 keys?

Key 1 - Caring Conversation

It sounds like a no-brainer, but Caring Conversations that show an interest in others are key times of faith nurture. Sharing joys, hurts, concerns, dreams, hopes and values.

Making time available for listening and speaking:

• Children spend 28 hours/week in front of the TV plus 4 hours on the computer.  Fathers spend 15 30 minutes/week talking to a child usually giving instructions!
• Mothers spend more time but much of it is `mistake-centred' i.e. `tell them they're bad and that makes them good'
• Parents are still the most significant influence for children in forming values, faith and long-term choices, even in teenage years
• You could make a date with your son or daughter...and talk...and listen to them.
• Take your kids out, one-on-one, for ice-cream, breakfast or lunch! And talk with them
• Become interested in their music
• Watch a movie together - and then talk about it
• Walk the dog together

Key 2 - Daily Devotions (Spirituality in the Home)

Martin Luther emphasized the significance of faith life in the home - the Home Church - when he said, "Father and Mother are apostles, bishops and priests to their children, for it is they who make them acquainted with the gospel." Martin Luther wrote his Small Catechism to teach children at home, not at church.

Here are some ways to develop your "Home Church"

• Be committed to a family devotional time (it will be a challenge...but work at spending time together discussing the faith).
• Read bible stories and story books
• Pray together - connecting faith and daily life
• Use table graces before and after meals.  Check out the Table Grace Cards
• Pray for, and with, each other
• Wonder aloud
• Create a Home Altar 
• Listen to music...sing music

Key 3 - Rituals and Traditions

Patterns of behavior that communicate certain meaning in life. Rituals to effectively communicate faith:

• Blessings
• Grace before meals  - Bedtime prayers
• Devotions
• Advent calendar and/or Advent Wreath
• Celebrate Baptism Birthdays
• Partings e.g. `God bless'

Key 4 - Service