Childhood is a phase in which children learn new things, observe everyone around them, and try to figure out basic chores and educational patterns. When you encourage them to engage in a faith community from a young age, it offers them a safe environment that helps in their emotional and spiritual growth. While family and education play important roles in this development, church involvement can also be a critical factor. Now, let’s learn more about how the church shapes childhood development and how it helps them develop a positive mindset.
Emotional Stability and Support
When you regularly participate in church activities with your children, they realize the importance of and understand the holy existence. It makes them emotionally stable because they feel safe and heard there. Children learn to manage their emotions and experience the comfort of a supportive community that listens and cares for a sense of belonging that makes them feel connected not only spiritually but also physically.
Social Skills and Spiritual Engagement
Teaching your children about church and religion creates an environment of understanding and makes them realize the importance of community. “Unfortunately, the enemy has misled them into believing that becoming influencers or achieving TikTok fame will fulfill their lives.” – Reachable (pg.32). They think these are the only platforms where they can socialize. “In reality, this pursuit often amounts to empty calories—spiritual junk food. Discipling the next generation involves providing them with the sustenance they crave. Just as a baby needs to learn how to eat, we must feed them spiritually first so they can understand what and how to feed their souls.”- Reachable (pg.32). Regular participation will help them get along with the church community and teach them how important this community is, where everyone is there to help each other.
Spiritual and Moral Foundation
Moral and spiritual understanding is equally important. Parents need to have heart-to-heart conversations with their children, during which they give them lessons about spiritual and moral foundations. When these values become a part of their daily routines and teach them about how to make good decisions, their actions will align with their values. Like I have said in my book, Reachable- “What we need more than ever are personal “upper room” experiences. We need the Holy Spirit to infuse our conversations with hope and grace, creating an atmosphere where grace and mercy flow like boundless waters. It’s in these sacred moments that God opens our ears and eyes to the needs of the next generations.” As the children grow older, their values will become stronger, and they will start implementing whatever they learned in their childhood.
Conclusion
In conclusion, involvement in church during childhood offers more than just spiritual education; it shapes a child’s overall development. As such, church involvement is not only an investment in a child’s spiritual growth but also in their overall development as future members of society. My book, “Reachable: 7 Keys to Loving, Mentoring, and Leading the Church of the Next Generation,” explores practical strategies for encouraging deeper connections within the church community. The book emphasizes the significance of genuine relationships, intentional involvement, and the power of prayer in creating a vibrant and supportive Christian fellowship.
