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We saw evidence of God's work through the gifts and opportunities He has given His people to practice our faith, mainly • frequent Bible reading in the home; • prayer in the home; • regular church attendance; and • at least one parent having a service or leadership role in the Church. God's Word is alive, active, and effective (Isaiah 55:11; Hebrews 4:12) in the hearts and minds of Christian parents and young Christians. Family devotions and Scripture reading focus us on Christ's forgiveness and God's truth through times when our faith is challenged or life brings concern. The Scriptures are full of exam- ples and exhortations to pray to our loving heavenly Father. Constant prayer (Romans 12:12) in good times and tough times nurtures a trusting relationship in our Creator, Redeemer, and Comforter. Regular wor- ship brings the refreshment of God's gifts of Word and Sacrament and a connection to Christian community (Psalm 95:6–7). Service and leadership model one's val- ue of the Christian community and response to God's grace (Galatians 6:1–10). The home environment created fertile ground for these practices to take root in the lives of young people. In the family, young people saw the love of Jesus lived out in forgiveness, empathy, and patient listening. In our research, we especially saw the value of these factors: • Good relationships with both parents, especially with dad • Households open to discussion about life issues • Households open to discussion about faith issues • Parent(s) comfortable with discussing questions and doubts Strong, empathetic, and forgiving relationships be- tween parents and children opened doors for youth to discuss their questions and doubts and process difficult decisions or issues. Conversations happen in various times and places: on the way to an extracurricular activity, aer experiencing a tragedy or crisis, during a TV show or movie. Any such opportunity could open up conversation about real life and the truth of God's Word. These practices and environment laid an excellent foundation for lifelong discipleship in the Church. They prepared young people for major transitions in life, some unexpected, but many for which one can prepare. As youth increase their independence in high school, they are in a key position to look toward the future. Youth are preparing to go into the mission field in new vocations—with new roommates and relationships, new jobs and responsibilities, new knowledge and understanding. Our study showed that high school graduation is a time when young people often disconnect from the Church. In some circumstances, a young person may purposefully walk away from the Church, even if for a short time. In other circumstances, a young person may not intentionally leave the faith but may struggle to connect with another church or area of Christian community after high school. Parents can help prepare their children for this transition by raising the impor- tance of considering their spiritual life when making decisions about college, career, or military service. Be honest about the struggles, temptations, and trials of this transition into young adulthood. Be mindful of the importance of the practices above and how we are all refreshed by Christ's promises through them. Certainly, our data only speaks to broad trends and gives some researched insight into the key of healthy relationships, but it doesn't speak to every individual experience in the Church or family. I finish by saying that a parent's vocation is never over. In your role, you can continue to model discipleship, warmth, and grace, whether one's adult children are faithfully connected to the Church or have left the Church. Do not lose hope, for we have a mighty God who continually calls us to repentance, to receive His wonderful gifts of forgive- ness and salvation, and to walk with Him. w For more information on LCMS millennial research, the importance of Christ-centered relationships, and the role of parents in passing on the faith to the next generation, check out Relationships Count, a free resource. Find this title and others listed in this magazine at cph.org/llresources. RELATIONSHIPS COUNT Lutheran Life 7

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