Issue link: https://discover.cph.org/i/1360696
Parents know the complexities of training young people in the faith in today's world. Our sinful condi- tion, busyness, technology, competing definitions of success, and ungodly influences tug on the hearts and minds of our young people and adults. This proverb may seem simplistic, like a naive silver bullet to guar- antee young people will never leave the Church or have doubts or questions resulting from living in our fallen world. But the truth of the proverb is encouragement that God blesses gifts He has given to His people to pass on the faith to the next generation. For a parent, the process, tools, and time available to "train" a child may look different from King Sol- omon's day or even compared to the experience of grandparents, parents, and ourselves. However, one thing that has remained constant is the important role parents play in modeling and teaching faith to their children. Another constant is the end goal of faithful parents, churches, and Christian communities—for young people to live as disciples of Jesus for a lifetime and live eternally with him. In the last years, LCMS Youth Ministry conducted research in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod that measured some aspects of effective "training" by today's parents. What we found was no secret, thanks to insight from Scripture, Church history, and God's de- sign for families. The conclusions also reminded us that Jesus never promised that being His disciple would be easy (John 16:33), but He promises to be with us and provides His Word to strengthen us for the journey. From the research, we might split "training" into two specific areas: practices and environment. This training had a positive effect on the retention of young adults in the Church and supporting them in their life- long walk with Jesus. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 BY MARK R. KIESSLING 6 Lutheran Life