If you’re like me, you click on an article because it has an interesting headline that catches your eye. Upon opening the article you see many, many words. And you think, “I just want to know the main point of this. I don’t have ten minutes to read a mini book.” That is when you scroll down for numbered, bulleted, or bolded headings. Well, that is exactly what I did with Eric Geiger’s article entitled Research Reveals the 5 Biggest Influencers on Your Child’s Spiritual Health.
As a KidMin, it is not surprising that this article would interest me. I want to know what the influencers are because it is my passion to see kids know and follow Jesus. Secondly, I want to motivate and equip parents to be the spiritual leaders of their children. When I opened the article, I immediately scrolled down to the numbered list, and I am so glad I did. I am supposed to be writing two papers and studying for an exam, so I did not have time to read every paragraph (even though the article is pretty short), but this list is incredibly helpful in being intentional concerning a child’s spiritual growth.
What follows is the numbered list. If you do not have time to read the whole article (found by clicking the title above), then please read and consider the list.
Why? Geiger says it best: “I find it liberating because it reminds us of simple truths we already know. We should work hard to help our kids spend time with Jesus—in His Word, in prayer, and in what they put in their minds. And we should help our kids serve others, in the church and outside the church. Those are the biggest influencers on their spiritual maturation.”
The List of the Influencers:
- The child regularly reads his/her Bible while growing up.
- The child regularly spends time in prayer growing up.
- The child regularly served in church while growing up.
- The child listens primarily to Christian music.
- The child participates in church mission trips and service projects.
It takes intentionality to help children grow spiritually, mentally, and socially. And it is my passion to come alongside parents and equip them in their intentional plan to lead and guide their children in the Lord.
Amy Young 