The Youth & Family Institute has identified four keys that are essential for nurturing the faith, values, and character formation of children, youth, and adults:
1. CARING CONVERSATION. Christian values and faith are passed on to the next generation through supportive conversation. Listening and responding to the daily concerns of our children make it easier to have meaningful conversations regarding the love of God, and are ways to express God’s love to others.
2. FAMILY DEVOTIONS.Adults need to learn the Christian message and the biblical story as their own story if they are to pass on their faith to their children and other adults. Our Christian faith shapes the whole of our lives and involves a lifetime of study, reflection, and prayer.
3. FAMILY RITUALS AND TRADITIONS. Families identify themselves and tell their family stories through daily routines, celebrations, and rituals. Whether it’s an annual summer vacation, hanging Christmas ornaments, or an informal liturgy before bedtime, these activities speak volumes about what the family values, believes and promotes, and how much the family values its faith.
4. FAMILY SERVICE. Children, youth, and adults are most likely to be influenced by those who “walk the talk.” There are many opportunities for service: some in the home, some in the congregation, some in the larger community. Whatever type of service you choose, it is best done with family members or other intergenerational groups.
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