A few years ago I read George Barna’s book “Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions”. Based on his research and the Bible, Barna describes what it is that makes a difference in the spiritual life of a child. This book helped redirect me in my ministry to the children, focusing on what really matters and what makes a successful children’s ministry.

Read the book to find out more, but one interesting point he makes is the importance of the parents spiritual leadership. Most children spend about one hour a week in church. During this hour a child is “fed” spiritually. But, according to Barna, parents have a far greater influence in the spiritual development of their children than the church or Sunday School. Church provides programs to children, children receive religious instruction and experiences, parents are happy. When a church - intentionally or not - assumes a family’s responsibilities in the arena of spiritually nurturing children, it fosters an unhealthy dependence upon the church to relieve the family of its biblical responsibility. Family needs to take the lead in providing spiritual direction and training to their child, and the church’s place is to support that effort.

Click HERE to order George Barna’s book “Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions”

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." Psalm 1:1-3