Training Children: Faith Race Preparation

Training children for the race of faith is a difficult task for Christian parents, who are responsible for ensuring their children grow into godly adults. The Bible emphasizes a father's duty to consistently train his children in God's truth, and the importance of family worship in giving children a full view of God. Training children to have a habit of faith is crucial, which means they believe what their parents say and have confidence in their judgment. This can be achieved by setting an example, acting in love, and consistently seeking God's face. Additionally, it is important to rigorously train children with biblical answers and rely on God's grace.

Teaching children to think critically about their faith

Teaching children about faith and how to act upon it is an important aspect of parenting. However, teaching them to think critically about their faith is equally important. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Memorization and Catechism

Catechism, a summary of core Christian beliefs in question-and-answer form, helps children learn important theological truths. However, it's crucial to go beyond memorization and encourage critical thinking. Ask questions like, "How do you know that God is real? How do you know that God isn't just an idea or a concept?" By doing so, you prompt children to explore their beliefs and provide reasons for their faith.

Ask "Why" Questions

Instead of solely focusing on the "what" questions, start asking "why." For instance, if your child says, "God is a Trinity," inquire, "Why do you believe that?" This approach encourages them to delve deeper into their beliefs and form their own conclusions. It also helps them understand the underlying reasons for their faith, making it more resilient when faced with doubts or challenges.

Model Right-Thinking

When your child struggles to answer a "why" question, resist the urge to simply provide the answer. Instead, guide them through the thought process and model how to think critically about their faith. This way, you're teaching them to become critical thinkers, not just memorizing and regurgitating answers.

Encourage Open Conversations

Create a safe and open environment for spiritual discussions. Be attentive during mealtimes, car rides, or whenever your child enjoys talking about faith. Encourage them to express their beliefs and thoughts freely. This approach will make them more receptive to exploring their faith and enhance their critical thinking skills.

Practical Steps to Strengthen Faith

Just as an athlete trains for a race, incorporate practical steps into daily life to strengthen faith. This could include consistent Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, and acting upon Christian values. By integrating faith into everyday routines, children develop a stronger connection with their beliefs and learn to apply them in their lives.

Family Worship

Engage in family worship to provide children with a holistic view of God and His works. This can include reading biblical stories, discussing Christian values, and sharing personal experiences related to faith. Family worship creates a sense of community and reinforces the importance of faith in everyday life.

Leading by example

The Bible itself underscores the importance of leading by example, with the Apostle Paul using athletic terminology to illustrate the concept of spiritual growth. Just as athletes train consistently to excel in their sport, so too should Christians discipline themselves in their spiritual training. This consistency in our personal lives becomes a powerful example for children to emulate.

For instance, if you make daily Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance central to your life, children will observe and learn from your dedication. They will understand that these practices are not merely optional hobbies, but essential components of a Christian life. Similarly, when you actively love others and share the Gospel, even when it is challenging, children will internalize these actions as integral aspects of living out one's faith.

Additionally, leading by example involves teaching children not just what to believe, but also why they should believe it. Encouraging critical thinking about spiritual matters helps children develop a strong foundation for their faith. When they can articulate and defend their beliefs, they are more likely to own their faith and withstand doubts or challenges they may encounter later in life.

By leading a consistent, godly life and teaching them to think critically about their faith, you provide children with a powerful example to follow and set them up for a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and maturity.

Family worship

Start with Parents

It all begins with the parents, who should lead by example and make family worship a priority. This can be done through devotions, planning family worship nights, and incorporating faith into everyday life. There are many resources available, such as the Family Worship Guidebook, which provides basic information, principles, and sample plans for family devotions.

Include Children in Public Worship

Following the examples set in the Old and New Testaments, children should be included in public worship. They belong to the body of Christ, and their presence in church services allows them to experience the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. Don't be discouraged by squirmy or noisy children; embrace the responsibility to train them in worship.

Train Children at Home

Start by teaching your children to pray. Hold hands and say a blessing before meals. Read Bible stories to your toddlers and young children, helping them develop listening skills. Sing familiar songs from church as part of your bedtime routine. These simple acts can lay the foundation for a deeper understanding of faith.

Prepare for Worship

Ensure you and your children are well-rested before attending worship services. Sing songs together, read the Scripture texts that will be covered, and arrive early to find a good seat. Sit where your children can clearly see the liturgical furniture, such as the pulpit, font, and table. Talk about any special parts of the upcoming service, such as baptisms or communion, to help them understand the significance.

Participate Actively in Worship

Encourage active participation in worship services. Provide your children with a bulletin, prayer book, hymnal, and Bible to make them feel included. Join them in reciting prayers, responses, and Scripture readings, such as the Lord's Prayer or the Apostles' Creed. If your children are old enough, invite them to write their own affirmations of faith or confessions during the service.

Incorporate Faith in Daily Life

Find creative ways to incorporate faith into your family's daily life. For example, when collecting items for donation drives, explain to your children that these offerings are given to God. Make connections between giving, God, and faith. Additionally, family mealtimes can be an opportunity for discussion and reflection on biblical topics.

Memorising a catechism

Catechism is a summary of doctrine and a learning introduction to the sacraments, traditionally used in the religious teaching of children. It is a manual of instruction, often in the form of questions followed by answers to be memorised. The term catechumen refers to the recipient of the catechetical work or instruction.

The practice of catechism was appropriated by early Christians from the Epicureans, whose founder, Epicurus, instructed them to keep summaries of his teachings for easy learning. The earliest known catechism is the Didache, written between 60 and 85 AD. The use of the question-and-answer format was later popularised by Martin Luther in his 1529 Small Catechism.

Catechism is characteristic of Western Christianity but is also present in Eastern Christianity. There are two categories: major and minor. A major catechism is a resource or point of reference for the development of minor catechisms. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is an example of a major catechism, while the Baltimore Catechism is an example of a minor catechism.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is divided into four major parts, referred to as the "four pillars":

• The Creed (what the Church believes)
• The Sacraments (what the Church celebrates)
• The Commandments (what the Church lives)
• The Our Father (what the Church prays)

The Catechism is intended for bishops, editors of catechisms, priests, catechists, teachers, preachers, scholars, students, authors, and all the faithful. While it is not intended for direct use by children, it serves as a point of reference for the development of catechetical texts that are more suitable for younger audiences.

In addition to memorisation, it is important to consider the overall context in which the catechism is being taught. The cultural, social, and ecclesial conditions of the audience should be taken into account to ensure that the teachings are effectively communicated and culturally sensitive. This "indispensable adaptation" is left to those who instruct the faithful and create local catechisms.

Furthermore, memorising a catechism can be complemented by other educational resources and methodologies. For example, object lessons, games, and songs can be used to engage children and help them better understand and retain the information.

By consistently studying and memorising a catechism, children can develop a stronger foundation in their faith and a clearer understanding of their religious identity. This knowledge can guide their actions and decisions, helping them to "run the race of faith well" and live a life that is pleasing to God.

Encouraging consistent training

Training children to run the race of faith is a challenging task for Christian parents. It involves instructing them in the ways of God so that they grow into godly adults. This process requires consistency and dedication, ensuring that children not only learn what to believe but also understand why they believe it. Here are some ways to encourage consistent training:

Set a Consistent Example

Consistency is vital in training children for the race of faith. It is not enough to dabble in Bible reading, church attendance, or prayer. Instead, make these practices a central part of daily life. Model the behaviour you want your children to emulate. For instance, if you want them to read the Bible, let them see you reading it consistently. This consistent example will help them understand the importance of these practices in their lives.

Teach Them to Think Critically

While teaching your children what to believe is essential, it is equally crucial to train them to think critically about their faith. Ask them "why" questions to encourage them to explore the reasons behind their beliefs. For example, if your child says, "The Bible is God's Word," ask them, "How do you know that?" By doing this, you help them develop their beliefs and prepare them for challenges they may encounter.

Family Worship

Engaging in family worship is a powerful way to give your children a full view of God and His wonderful works. Set aside time for family devotions, Bible reading, and prayer. Make it a priority, even amidst the busyness of daily life. Family worship provides a safe and supportive environment for children to ask questions, share their thoughts, and grow in their faith.

Utilise Appropriate Resources

Use age-appropriate resources, such as catechisms, children's Bibles, and Christian books, to help your children understand and memorise core Christian beliefs. Catechisms, in particular, provide a summary of Christian doctrines in a question-and-answer format, making it easier for children to grasp complex theological concepts. Additionally, there are various creationist resources available to counter secular teachings they may encounter.

Be Aware of Outside Influences

Recognise the influence of secular teachings and actively work to counter them. Atheists and secularists are increasingly aggressive in attacking Christianity and targeting children with their messages. Be vigilant in teaching your children the truth of God's Word and equipping them with biblical answers to counter evolutionary teachings and other ideas that compromise God's Word.

Frequently asked questions