Legacy of Knowing

Empowering Parents and Grandparents to Effectively

Pass the Baton of Faith to the

Next Generation

Why am I committing to blogging about parenting, grandparenting, and children’s ministry? Because I want to change the world!  I know that sounds cliché, but let me explain…

What is my purpose? 

Why do I have such a passion for reaching the next generation of parents with tips, teaching, and training on raising godly kids who have a heart for Jesus?

I’ve watched our culture shift and the influence of Christianity decline.  In his book, Battle Cry for a Generation, Ron Luce, of Teen Mania, published these sobering statistics:

• The Builder Generation (1910 – 1945) 65% claimed to be born again

• Baby Boomers (1946 – 1964) 35% claim to be born again

• Gen Xers (or Buster Generation) (1965 – 1980) 16% claim to be born again

• The Millennials (1981-2001) 4% claim to be born again

Do you see the trend? At this rate, what will be the statistic for Generation Z (2000-2012 )?   Sadly, Barna Research indicates that 13% of Generation Z are now identifying as atheists – twice the rate of the adult population.

Here in America, we are living in a post-Christian society.

My heart, and my prayer is to reach as many believing parents and grandparents as possible, sharing the hope and peace only God can give. In turn, they can inspire their own families and communities, beginning with their kids and grandkids.

As my friend Torry Norris says, “It is time to move beyond only reading our little ones the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den.  We must teach them how to BE Daniel in the Lion’s Den”.

Statistics reveal that 70% of the kids who have been raised in the church leave their faith as soon as they are old enough to decide for themselves.

• Yet, as parents, we cling to the Bible verse, “Train a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

  
  

Where is the Disconnect? 

Is God’s Word true – or is it possible we simply do not know how to train our kids effectively?  Because I believe the Word of God is infallible, I have to conclude that the issue lies not with Scripture, but with how we train our kids to live according to it. (It's important to note: Proverbs is not a collection of guarantees or promises, but rather wise principles that generally show us how life will go when we follow them. Even so, it raises a fair question: Are we really equipping our children to live by these truths? Let's be honest and look together.)

By the time a child is 12 years old, they often think they know everything there is to know about the Bible.  Yet, when asked if they have ever truly experienced the presence of God, most respond “no,” or recall only a single encounter at summer camp.

Becky Fischer, founder of Kids in Ministry, puts it well, “If all we do is tell the kids Bible stories, then all we do is give them a religion with no relationship.  Children must have their own personal encounters with God to have a relationship with Him.”

These statistics and realities compel me to reach out passionately to the next generation about their relationship with God, who loves them so much that He gave His all for them. He longs for a relationship that isn't just about knowing stories; it's about knowing Him. The Christian faith is so much more than a beautiful story; our God empowers His children to walk in peace, grace, and love even in this fallen world.

Let's not settle for raising knowledgeable children; we want to raise children who truly know God.

(Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com)

I want to help parents, grandparents, and children’s workers raise a generation of kids who:

• Know that Jesus loves them and protects them.

• Eagerly look forward to reading the Bible and spending time in prayer.

• Are comfortable hearing the voice of God and acting on it.

• Actively pray for the sick, expecting healing.

• Can discern the difference between good and evil, and know they have the authority in Jesus to cast out unclean spirits.

• Desire to be “helpers,” just like Jesus.

• Make time for personal devotions and seek the Lord daily.

• Understand that, through Jesus, they are capable of more than they ever imagined.

• Desire to have a ministry and make a difference.

• Seek the Lord for His guidance in all their choices and decisions.

• Aspire to have godly relationships, and when the time comes, choose a boyfriend or girlfriend who honors the Lord.

• Commit to remaining drug and alcohol-free.

• Value purity, choosing to give their future spouse the gift of a pure heart.

• Seek the Kingdom of God first. (Matthew 6:33)

• (What would you add? What qualities do you dream of seeing in the next generation?)

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, if even one family at a time is challenged and transformed to walk this earth with the Kingdom of God in mind, then that is true WORLD CHANGE!!

Yes, I want to change the world…

Would you like to join me?