Flipbooks

Martin Luther boldly states that of all the goals and accomplishments we can strive after in life, the great- est is to raise children in the faith. During a time when it was considered noble to abandon family responsi- bilities to become a monk or nun, Luther plainly stated that the holiest vocation for a parent is to, in fact, be a parent. Today, very few moms and dads leave their families to join holy orders, but the sentiment remains: keeping Christ at the center of our families is the most important work we can do. In fact, the spiritual care of the family—especially children—is the very reason Martin Luther penned the Small Catechism. Its primary purpose was not for church workers to use during confirmation class but for the heads of households to teach within their homes. Fast-forward to the twenty-first century, when research conducted by LCMS Research and LCMS Youth Minis- try confirms the importance of keeping Christ as the center of families. Extensive surveys of Millennials who grew up in the LCMS found that three out of four young adults who are still active in their faith today listed a parent as one of the most influential persons in their faith life. 7 The role of parents and other influential family members greatly impacts the spiritual life of children. Parental involvement in teaching children the faith isn't a novel idea. In his Small Catechism Table of Duties, Luther quoted the apostle Paul's instructions to parents: "Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) Indeed, from the beginning, God's command to His people has been for families to play the primary role in their children's faith formation. Moses relayed God's instructions in this regard: And these words that I command you today 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. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as front- lets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6–9) God's plan for family-based catechesis is comprehen- sive, appealing to all learning styles: talk and write about it, discuss it while being active together, weave it into your normal routines, and have visual reminders around your house, even wearing it on your person. What might this look like for your family's rhythms and routines? Perhaps it's making intentional use of your time togeth- er in the car or before bedtime. Family meals can be an ideal setting for strengthening family relationships, reading Scripture, and having faith-based conversa- tions. Regularly praying together helps join your hearts together before God in adoration, supplication, thanks- giving, and confession. And attending church together renews and strengthens your family's faith. Looking for easy ways to incorporate Scripture, prayer, and Christ-centered conversation into your family's daily routine? Check out CPH's free Everyday Faith Calendar at cph.org /everydayfaith. w 7 youthESource, Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry (The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Youth Ministry Office, 2017), "Healthy Congregations Have Supportive Adults." 8 Ewald Plass, ed., What Luther Says (St. Louis: Concordia Publish- ing House, 1959), § 3010. KEEPING CHRIST AT THE CENTER OF YOUR FAMILY Teach Luther's Small Catechism in a brand-new format with the visual edition. Each section of the Catechism is paired with a graphic that allows for a higher level of engagement from all types of learners. More fun ways to teach the Catechism are also coming later this year! Find this title and others listed in this magazine at cph.org/llresources. VISUAL EDITION OF LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM 18 Lutheran Life

• Cover