12 Jul Sticky Faith: The Gift of Parenting in Community

For children who are raised in a Christian home, what factors are involved in whether or not they continue to walk in the faith as they enter into adulthood?

Fuller Youth Institute of Fuller Theological Seminary has conducted research over the last six years on what they have termed “Sticky Faith” – i.e. What Makes Faith Stick During College?

This research was conducted as a response to previous studies which indicated that “40 percent to 50 percent of all youth group graduates fail to stick with their faith or connect with a faith community after high school.”

I’ve linked to the article so you can read all their findings, but the one I want to focus on in today’s post is the importance of Christian mentors (other than parents) in a child’s life.

While parents often assume the importance of youth groups and studies in their child’s spiritual development, the impact of inter-generational relationships in shaping a child spiritually should not be underestimated:

“Rather than only attending their own Sunday School classes, worship services, small groups, and service activities, young people appear to benefit from intergenerational activities and venues that remove the walls (whether literal or metaphorical) separating the generations. Churches and families wanting to instill deep faith in youth should help them build a web of relationships with committed and caring adults, some of whom may serve as intentional mentors.“

The Impact of Five Caring Adults

Kara Powell, Executive Director of FYI, writes, “Kids need to develop a strong personal identity for faith to stick and community helps do just that. When kids know specific adults who are “on their team,” they have a web of support to catch them when they fall and keep them connected to faith for the long haul. Using the scaffolding of existing relationships with extended family, neighbors, friends, coaches and teachers, build a 5:1 (or 7:1, or 10:1, or whatever you determine works best for your family) sticky web adult to child ratio for mentoring your kids. Other adults are often able to speak to them in ways you cannot as the parent.“

This has become a regular topic among me and my friends lately: How can we as a community nurture the children growing up in our midst? I know personally I have begun to pray for my children’s friends in new ways – not only for their friendship with my child but for any way that God may want me to come alongside them for encouragement as well.

And when I see my kids coaches, tutors, and friends’ parents providing encouragement and support to my children, it brings me great joy.

Do you remember specific adults who had a big impact on your faith journey growing up? There were several influential adults in my life as a teenager and I am deeply indebted to them for the way they supported me as I wrestled through deeper issues of personal identity and faith.

Take a moment to consider those adults you may want to invite to intentionally speak into your child’s life (or simply express thanks for those who already are!). Also consider those children (often your own children’s friends) whom you see regularly. Ask the Lord for opportunities to strengthen and encourage them as well.

Parenting in community may be one of the greatest blessings we (and our children) could ever receive.