Raising kids to follow Christ

Nothing is more important to Christian parents than raising their children to know Christ. This is the heart of author and parenting expert Lee Ann Mancini.

“Parenting is a blessing, but it’s also a lot of hard work,” Mancini said.

The process begins with parents obeying God’s generational plan revealed through Moses in Deuteronomy 6:1: “Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, that you might do them.”

Specifically, Moses is referring to the Jewish Shema in verses 4-5: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” In Mark 12:28-31, Jesus calls this confession “The Greatest Commandment.”

Moses adds to his instruction in Deuteronomy 6:7, “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”

Based on findings put forth in well-known pollster George Barna’s book Raising Spiritual Champions: Nurturing Your Child’s Heart, Mind, and Soul, the conclusion can be drawn that today’s Christian parents are in desperate need of guidance in following God’s command.

In his 2023 book, Barna notes that 90% of early teens deny moral truths, while only 1% embrace a biblical worldview. With core beliefs essentially formed by age 13, Barna says laying a foundation of biblical truth at an early age is crucial.

This is why Mancini provides help and guidance for parents in her 2024 biblically based book, Raising Christian Kids: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God. (See a full review on p. 29.)

An advocate for parents

Mancini, a wife and the mother of two grown children, is the founder and CEO of Raising Christian Kids (raisingchristiankids.com). This ministry aims “to equip parents and caregivers to become the best spiritual leaders for their children by providing free and affordable biblical resources,” according to the ministry website.

Her ministry vision is to collaborate with like-minded Christian organizations to provide families with essential tools to educate and empower the next generation of warriors for Christ.

According to Mancini, five years ago, 45% of young people in high school and college were walking away from their faith, with less than 1% holding a biblical worldview. She cites Barna’s research, which indicates the following:

Mancini believes that the lack of a biblical worldview among today’s young people is a direct result of not being raised to respect and respond to the four pillars of society: government, academia, media, and church.

“We are in a spiritual war. We need to create disciples to infiltrate those four areas of society,” Mancini explained.

In a recent conversation with The Stand, Mancini shared strategies she recommends for raising children to be strong disciples. Underpinning these actions is a commitment from parents to study God’s Word and to exhibit the grace of Christ in every area of their lives.

A strategy for parents

A fundamental step in influencing their children for Christ is a commitment to specific family principles. Mancini suggests collating those principles into a written family mission statement. These principles may include convictions, such as church is non-negotiable; sports don’t come before attending church on Sunday; family and individual prayer should be practiced regularly; gratitude to God should be openly given; and family members should assume personal responsibilities (e.g., completing homework and chores; developing and modeling punctuality and dependability).

For families who create a mission
statement, Mancini also recommends developing a coordinating disciplinary contract. She contends that discipline is akin to discipleship and that proper discipline can transform. At the same time, a lack of it can be costly. Through prayerful discernment, parents can identify the most effective discipline strategies for their home.

While striving to be godly examples, parents should allow their children to develop a biblical worldview independently. Although this can be challenging, the ultimate goal is to nurture a genuine and maturing faith.

For better or worse, children observe and imitate their parents’ behavior, according to Mancini. For instance, when parents limit their own time spent on technology, such as cell phones or tablets, they demonstrate self-control and set a strong, positive example that mitigates against unhealthy habits in their children.

Avoiding acting as a child’s “rescuer” when they encounter difficulties is another key concept Christian parents must incorporate, Mancini said. Constantly intervening for a child can impede their ability to develop essential skills for managing interactions with various individuals and situations. Additionally, parents should model appropriate behavior when handling challenging situations in their own lives.

However, situations that involve potential physical harm, such as bullying, are treated differently. But even in those cases, parents should remind their children of God’s command to love their enemies and to see them through the eyes of Christ.

Another strategy suggested by Mancini aims to teach children to become critical thinkers. She encourages parents to avoid giving immediate answers to their questions. Instead, she suggests that parents ask their children open-ended questions, such as “What do you think? Is it okay to be treated that way? Do you think it’s acceptable for a child to have two daddies or two mommies?” This approach allows kids to pause and reflect on their answers, draw upon what they have learned, and seek clarification about God’s ways.

Being an equipped and empowered parent to raise children as strong Christians and strong disciples is not an easy task, according to Mancini.

She encourages parents, “In everything you do, incorporate Jesus, God, or His Word.”

Laying this strong foundation is an incredible gift to the Lord and to generations to follow.