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By: Pastor Berg

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). 

 It’s no secret that many of our children end up drifting away from the church as they get older. Studies have shown that 1 out of every 2 confirmands will drift away. That’s 50%. It’s a staggering number. So how can we stop this trend? Again, studies have shown that some things do make a difference. For example, attending a Lutheran Elementary School and especially a Lutheran High School make a difference. What a blessing that we have both opportunities here at Eastside! However, while there is a difference, it’s not as big as you might think. While Christian Education outside the home is important, there’s something else that makes a much bigger impact in keeping our kids connected to the church.

It’s the spiritual activity that takes place at home. 

When mom and dad talk about spiritual things at home, that impresses upon the children that life is about more than grades and sports. When family prayer is something done daily, it teaches the children that of all conversations they have in a day, none is more important than when they bring their cares and concerns to their true Father. When parents open up the Bible with their children, what blessings result! The Holy Spirit is given the opportunity to build your child up in their faith. More, the Spirit imparts the love and forgiveness Christ has shown to each family member, empowering them to show love and forgiveness to one another. Families need that!

What’s even more staggering is the impact that fathers have on their children in this area. It’s the reason they are the ones Paul addresses in Ephesians chapter 6. The importance of dad providing spiritual leadership should not be surprising, as God wove that responsibility into the fiber of man’s being. 

If there’s one blessing that has come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s that families have had more time together at home. It’s forced our church to make spiritual content available virtually. It’s the perfect opportunity for families to get in the habit of talking about spiritual things at home.  

Friends, the church’s job has never been to replace the role of mom and dad in bringing up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. It’s always been to supplement them, to help them. Our goal at Eastside is to do just that. Use the devotions and services available at www.youtube.com/eastsidelutheran. Use the resources that will soon be made available for in-home Sunday school. Take advantage of this time at home to keep your kids (and yourselves) connected to Christ. Family devotions are a fantastic way to give the Spirit regular opportunity to give your child what your child needs to live… to really live.

I look forward to the day when we will all feel safe enough to gather together in God’s house again. I look forward to the day when we will be able to teach children in person at Sunday school. But even when that day comes, may it not take away from the time spent in the Word at home. Nothing is more important than that!